Introducing a new dog to your home can be exciting, adding a new dog to join your family, you need to do it in a way that ensures the two dogs are set up for success to get along for a lifetime together. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), about 10-20% of dogs in animal shelters are there because of problems between them and other pets in the household. We don’t want that! So here’s my 10 top tips for introducing two dogs in a way that makes the process smoother and helps prevent any problems.
1 Start with a Neutral Territory
The first and most important step is to introduce the two dogs on neutral ground. A neutral territory can be a park or a quiet street, where neither dog has established a claim. This will prevent territorial behavior and create a level playing field for both dogs.
2 Keep Both Dogs on a Leash
During the first meeting, keep both dogs on a leash to prevent any aggressive behavior. This will also give you more control over the situation and allow you to intervene if necessary.
3 Allow Dogs to Sniff Each Other
Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, so it’s important to allow them to sniff each other to become familiar. However, don’t force them to interact if they don’t want to.
4 Watch for Signs of Aggression
Watch for signs of aggression such as growling, barking, or snarling. If either dog shows any signs of aggression, separate them immediately and try again another time.
5 Gradually Increase Time Together
After the initial meeting, gradually increase the amount of time the dogs spend together. Start with short, supervised play sessions, and gradually increase the duration as the dogs become more comfortable with each other.
6 Give Each Dog Their Own Space
Make sure each dog has their own space to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed or stressed. This could be a separate room or a crate.
7 Supervise Playtime
Always supervise playtime and intervene if necessary. Dogs can get overexcited and play can turn into roughhousing or fighting.
8 Be Patient
Introducing two dogs takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process and allow the dogs to set the pace.
9 Keep Feeding Separate
Feeding time can be a trigger for territorial behavior, so keep the dogs’ feeding areas separate.
10 Reward Good Behavior
Reward good behavior with treats and praise. This will reinforce positive behavior and encourage the dogs to get along.
One of the most important tips for introducing two dogs is to start on neutral ground. This could be a park or a quiet street where neither dog has established a claim. This will prevent territorial behavior and create a level playing field for both dogs.
Additional Resources:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog
The Humane Society – Introducing Dogs: Tips for a Successful Introduction
PetMD – How to Introduce Two Dogs
