Everyone knows that dogs are social animals and that’s why they love being in the company of their owners and other dogs. But do you know how to introduce a new dog to your current dog?
If you’ve just brought home a new pup and are introducing your dog, it’s essential to make a proper introduction so that they get off to a good start. For this, it is important to respect the personality of both dogs, so as not to cause any kind of conflict during the introduction. Just like us humans, it is normal for some dogs to have a more outgoing personality, while others tend to be more reserved and shy.
Below are some tips to ensure a successful introduction! Check them out below.
How to Introduce a New Dog to Your Current Dog?
Adopting a New Pup
You’ve finally chosen your new pup and are excited to bring him home and introduce him to the whole family. Everyone is excited about the arrival of the new dog. However, the dog you already have at home may not be so happy about this change.
Before bringing your new pup home, you should prepare and plan a routine from the start. A crate or even a baby gate can be useful tools if you need to separate the two dogs.
The first interactions should be carefully supervised. For the first meeting, we recommend choosing a neutral location. That is, one that is not inside your home.
You can take your older dog with you to pick up the new dog. And then walk them outside together on neutral territory. Start by walking parallel to one another. And if the dogs are calm, allow them to sniff one other’s behind. They can take turns sniffing each other while walking. The goal is for them to get to know each other and be comfortable with one another. You should repeat this exercise several times. Reward both dogs for behaving properly and be sure to supervise each interaction.
Once the dogs are comfortable and calm with one another on leash outside, you can introduce them off leash outside in a safe and enclosed space, such as your backyard. Gradually, if the dogs are neutral with each other, you can supervise them together within the house.
Read more: How to Introduce a Hyper Dog to a Kitten?
Introducing Your Dog to a Strange Dog
It’s totally normal for you and your dog to run into other dogs during your daily walks. If you want to introduce your dog to another dog, always ask the other owner’s approval first. After all, some dogs are not friendly and you must respect their space.
The normal behavior of dogs will be to sniff each other as a greeting.
- Signs this meeting is going well: relaxed facial expressions and tails wagging quickly.
- Signs that this encounter is not going well: yawning, turning the head away from the other dog, tense jaws, lowered tails, trembling, or ruffled fur along the back.
If you notice that your dog isn’t too happy to meet the other pup, it’s best to separate them before they clash.
Read more: How to introduce dog to new baby?
Introducing a new dog to your current dog might seem like a challenge. But by following the tips we’ve shared above, it should make it easier on both dogs. Remember, some dogs get along right away, while other dogs can take days or even weeks to be comfortable and trusting of one another. Go slow and be patient, as this can be a long process for some dogs.
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram.
