Ensuring that you introduce your dog to others correctly will not only help your dog make a good first impression but will also avoid any future anxiety issues when your dog is
confronted with another dog.
1. Find a neutral spot to make introductions.
A neutral spot is a location that the dogs have not ‘claimed’ through frequent visits. This space will be most beneficial if it is outdoors and quiet without any distractions from other pets or people.
Sometimes an area like this may not be possible, and another alternative is a space with enough room for dogs to roam on a leash as they get to know one another. It is also
essential to put away any of your dog’s favourite objects, toys or treats that might cause a scuffle between the dogs.
2. Watch for positive body language.
After letting your dogs meet on a leash, looking for positive body language, such as happy, and waggy tails, is essential. If either one of the dogs has a tense posture, lowered or tucked tail, anxious stares or runs back to you, don’t send your dog back to the other immediately as this might indicate that your dog needs a break from this situation or is uncomfortable.
3. Walk the dogs together.
The next step after introducing the dogs is to walk them side by side in parallel, although it is essential for them not to be too close as this could cause distractions and might fixate the dogs to try to reach one another.
Walking the dogs with a comfortable distance between them and turning back around and trading places with the other dog/human will allow the dogs to get a chance to smell each
other’s scent. Since dogs learn about other dogs by sniffing their urine, let the dogs explore the locations where they go potty. Both handlers should maintain their composure and lose grip on the leashes.
If the dogs walk parallel to one another and show relaxed, social behaviours towards one another, it gradually closes the gap between them. As the dogs get closer, refrain from
allowing a direct face-to-face encounter because this is an uncomfortable and unnatural way for dogs to interact.
4. Allow the dogs to interact off-leash
If you feel comfortable with how your dog interacts with one another, take them both to an enclosed area where you can drop the leash and allow them to interact. The dogs will most likely instantly start to sniff or play with each other. It is essential to keep a close eye on your dogs while praising their calm interactions.
If you are unsure about your dog’s reaction to other dogs, getting in contact with a dog trainer is critical to assess the situation.
