The information provided herein is for informational purposes only.
This helps reduce initial excitement or tension and allows your new dog to acclimate to their new home.
Doing this will allow your new dog to explore its territory without encountering your current dog.
Both dogs can smell and hear each other, allowing them to get used to each others presence slowly.
This precautionary measure ensures you could control their movements, preventing possible conflicts.
Being two people will make it easier to manage their interactions and ensure a controlled environment.
This initial interaction helps them exchange scents and begin the process of getting acquainted.
Be sure to keep an eye out for tension between the dogs.
Tip:Choose a neutral space like a park or a friends backyard for the first meeting.
This prevents territorial behaviours and will reduce the chance of confrontations.
Example:Allow the dogs to interact on the lead.
Once the dogs have greeted each other on the leash, you could let them go.
Allow the dogs to move freely, dragging their leashes while closely monitoring their body posture.
Positive signs include wagging tails and relaxed postures.
Dogs are social animals, but not everyone will immediately accept an invitation to be friends.
Be prepared to intervene if any signs ofaggression or tensionarise.
Tip:Learn to distinguish between play and aggression.
Playful behaviours include play bowing, loose body movements, and reciprocal engagement.
Tension is often displayed as staring, snarling, or even snapping.
This will make it easier for you to properly control a situation and both dogs.
Tip:Prioritize basic obedience training before introducing the new dog to your home.
Example:Practice commands individually with each dog, rewarding them for compliance.
This establishes a positive association with obedience and trust between you and them.
One of the ways to build a good connection with your new doggy is through training.
If your home allows, consider introducing the dogs in different rooms before letting them interact freely inside.
This controlled introduction can prevent overwhelming initial meetings inside.
Tip:Utilize baby gates or a see-through fence to create a barrier between the dogs.
Be attentive to these behaviours and take steps to address them early on.
Tip:Initially, feed the dogs in separate areas to prevent competition over food.
Gradually bring them closer during mealtimes as they become more comfortable.
Spend quality one-on-one time with each dog to strengthen your bond with both.
If both dogs trust you, they are more likely to trust your judgement.
Tip:Rotate one-on-one time to ensure each dog receives equal attention.
Remember that it is also great if the dogs just ignore each other especially in the beginning.
Dont expect social-media-friendly scenes or love at first bark.
10) Give Both Dogs Properly Space
Respect the need for alone time.
Dogs, like humans, may occasionally need their space.
Allow them to have some downtime when they are left alone, especially during the initial days.
Never make your dog interact if it does not want to.
Example:If one dog seeks solitude, avoid unnecessary interruptions.
This promotes a sense of security and autonomy for both dogs.
Solo or Social: Does Your Dog Need a Friend?
Now, weve supplied you with plenty of suggestions for introducing two dogs to each other.
But that might beg the question: Should you do it?
Contrary to common beliefs, dogs are not one-size-fits-all in their social preferences.
Its essential to recognize that each dog has unique needs and preferences.
