Introducing your new puppy to your friends’ dogs? Hoping to build a relationship between your family’s dog and your own before the holidays? A well-planned first greeting is the best way to ensure your pup is a source of joy (not stress!) during the coming holiday season.

Step 1:
Parallel Walk

Finding a good location is the first step when introducing two dogs. You want a large space so that you can spread out as needed, and a little ways from either dog’s home to prevent territorialism. A field is a great option!

When you arrive, be sure to have plenty of high value treats with you (think dried sardines, bits of cheese, shredded chicken…). The second your dogs spot each other, begin feeding. We want this other dog to predict positive things right off the bat! If your pup is on the rowdy side, or gets over-excited by other dogs, it’s best to burn off that energy earlier in the day with a long walk or play. 

Distance is a huge factor with this first walk, especially in the beginning. Start at a distance where both dogs are able to stay calm and focus on their human. Throughout the walk, observe your pup’s body language for pro-social signs, or signs of stress. If you are seeing a loose, wiggly body and a loosely wagging tail, this means they are comfortable and relaxed - you can move a little closer! If you notice your dog’s body stiffen, they’re giving the side-eye, or barking at the other dog, increase the distance until they are able to relax.

Step 2: Keep it Short & Sweet

The parallel walk went well, and you’re seeing relaxed, positive body language from both dogs - great! Sounds like it’s time to let them greet. 🐶

Leash greetings can be stressful for many dogs, as they have less control over their environment on a short leash. If both dogs have a history of positive interactions with others, an off-leash greeting is a great option! If you are concerned about off leash or don’t have a space to facilitate this, a long line is a great alternative (for dogs with severe reactivity or a bite history, a basket muzzle is a good idea for safety).

First greetings are best kept short and sweet - approach, let them sniff for 2-5 seconds, then use a happy tone of voice and/or treats to direct your dog’s attention back to you. Continue to observe both pups’ body language, and redirect them away from each other right away if you are seeing signs of stress (body stiffens, growls, avoidance).

If this first greeting goes well, you’ve successfully introduced the two dogs! If things are a little rough at first, don’t stress. Continue to parallel walk, trying quick greetings when the dogs are ready. Some pups may take a number of walks before they feel comfortable interacting !

Thought of the month

Dogs Coexisting Indoors

While it is best to introduce two dogs outdoors first, on neutral ground, eventually you’ll want to have them indoors as well. Door entries can be a source of stress or over-excitement for many dogs, so it is wise to have them meet outdoors still, then walk in together.

Once inside, monitor the body language closely, and ensure both dogs have a space to hide/relax away from each other. Make sure all toys and food are out of sight, as resource guarding between dogs is extremely common. If you are leaving the dogs unsupervised for some time, it's best to separate them in different rooms/crates!