- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Dogs are like potato chips—you can’t stop at just one! But before you can enjoy cuddly nights with your growing dog pack, you’ll need to introduce your new pup to your current dog.
“Proper introductions are crucial for dogs because they set the foundation for a positive, stress-free relationship,” says Joanne Fernandez, DVM, the director of veterinary affairs at ABCs Puppy Zs.
We consulted with two expert veterinarians and a certified dog trainer to learn all the key steps. Find them below, and get troubleshooting tips for complex cases.
Is My Dog Ready to Meet Another Dog?
Every dog is unique, but you can look for clues to see if yours is ready for a new friend. Watch how they interact with other dogs at the park or at home (if you already have more than one dog). If they’re resource guarding or reactive, they might not enjoy sharing their space with another dog full-time.
Think about your dog’s age and energy level too. A playful puppy might be great for an active young dog, but an older or calmer dog might prefer a quiet companion. Luckily, there isn’t an age limit on how old your dog can be when they meet a new dog. However, puppies should have all their vaccines before meeting other dogs.
Lastly, consider breed traits—some dogs, like American Akitas, often don’t get along with dogs of the same gender.
How to Prepare for Introductions
Introducing two dogs takes planning to make sure things go smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need to do to get started:
- Gather walking supplies. Use a leash or harness for both dogs to stay in control and prevent fights. The Humane Society suggests non-retractable nylon or leather leashes that are 4–6 feet long.
- Pick a new location for introductions. “Neutral ground can help reduce territorial behaviors,” says Ashley Dalton, a certified professional dog trainer with Zoom Room Dog Training. Dr. Fernandez adds that it’s best to choose a place neither dog knows well or visits often.
- Learn dog body language. Dalton says knowing how to read your dog’s body language can help you de-escalate tense situations. Remember that stiff body posture and a raised tail are warning signs, while wagging tails and loose posture are signs of relaxation.
- Recruit a friend or family member. “The introduction should be only between two dogs, with each having their own handler,” says Nell Ostermeier, a veterinarian and spokesperson with Figo Pet Insurance. Multiple dogs will create more moving parts to pin down. So, it’s better to keep things simple.
If you want to use treats during introductions, Dr. Fernandez says they can be a useful tool to reinforce calm behavior. But, some dogs may become food-aggressive around treats, meaning that another reward, like petting or praise, might make a better motivator.
Step 1: Go For a Parallel Walk in Neutral Territory
Take your dog’s leash and have a friend grab the new dog’s leash (or switch roles). Walk both dogs parallel to each other at a safe distance. “This lets them see and smell each other without direct face-to-face pressure,” Dr. Fernandez explains.
She suggests keeping the leash as loose as you can while staying in control; this first meeting should be brief – around five to 10 minutes. Dalton also adds that while it’s fine for dogs to sniff the ground at this stage, you should avoid letting them sniff each other at this point.
Step 2: Close the Distance On the Walk
If both dogs stay calm and relaxed, slowly bring them closer together. You and your friend should move three to five feet closer at a time until you’re walking side-by-side with each dog. Stay calm since dogs can pick up on human body language.
If either dog displays anxiety or aggression during the process, Dr. Fernandez suggests moving the dogs apart and redirecting their attention to something else. “Moving farther apart often helps dogs relax, as they feel less confined and more in control,” she explains. Don’t worry if it doesn’t happen right away. Some dogs may need multiple walk sessions to get used to each other.
Step 3: Allow Sniffing & Circling Together
When both dogs are calmly walking together, let them circle and sniff each other. “Sniffing is a great calming behavior,” Dalton says.
Let the sniff session last for a few seconds, then separate them and repeat. Dr. Ostemeier suggests doing this several times over a 10 to 15-minute time period. If either dog looks stiff or stressed, separate them and wait until they’re relaxed before trying again. Short, positive interactions are better than long and stressful encounters!
Step 4: Safely Go Off-Leash
Once the dogs interact calmly on a leash, allow them to play off-leash in a fenced area. Monitor their behavior closely and watch for signs of anxiety or aggression, like stiff posture, growling, or raised hackles.
“As the dogs become more comfortable with each other, you can gradually extend the time they spend together,” says Dr. Fernandez. When both dogs can calmly spend at least 20 to 30 minutes together, you can bring both dogs into familiar territory, like your house.
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Special Considerations for Dog Parks, At a Home, or Other Locations
While meeting at a neutral location is ideal, that isn’t always possible. Sometimes, you may need to introduce your dogs in a familiar space, like your local park, or even directly at home.
If that’s the case for you, use these tips to help the introduction go smoothly.
- Start outdoors. Begin the introduction outside, like in your backyard. This gives your resident dog more space and may help them feel less confined by the new dog.
- Clean the house. Dalton says to pick up any toys, chews, and high-value items beforehand. This prevents your resident dog from resource-guarding their favorite things.
- Keep the leashes. Regardless of where the introduction takes place, it’s a good idea to keep the leashes so you can intervene quickly if either dog looks scared or tense.
- Try a barrier. If direct contact is too stressful, Fernandez says to try introducing your dogs on either side of a barrier, like a fence or baby gate. “This lets them get used to each other’s presence without close proximity,” she adds.
What about introducing puppies?
Introducing a puppy can complicate matters since young dogs don’t always understand an older dog’s boundaries. “Just walking in with a puppy can be a stressful experience for your other dog,” Dalton says.
To ease a puppy into your home, Dr. Ostermeier suggests making sure your pup knows simple commands like “sit” and “stay” and has basic leash skills. This makes it easier to intervene if they don’t pick up on your older dog’s cues.
What If the Introductions Don’t Go Well?
Not all dogs will be ready to go off-leash by the end of the first walk. While some introduction steps might take a day, others might play out over a few sessions. If one dog seems anxious or afraid of the other dog, make sure you stay calm: Dogs can pick up on your emotional cues. Instead, Dr. Fernandez suggests briefly separating them and giving your fearful pup time to cool off before trying again.
If your dogs have a scrap off-leash or at home, keep them separate for a few days before letting them hang out again. “Don’t rush the process,” Dr. Fernandez adds. “Let them build trust over time.”
You can also recruit a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to help you develop a customized plan for especially anxious or territorial dogs.
Takeaway
Introducing and socializing dogs can take time and patience, but with the right approach, it can lead to a positive relationship. Focus on creating a calm, controlled environment, and always prioritize safety by keeping leashes on and being mindful of each dog’s comfort level. With these steps and troubleshooting tips, your dogs can gradually learn to coexist peacefully
