If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me “If I had done THAT things would’ve gone so much better” I’d probably be rich!

Introducing dogs can sometimes be a little stressful – for people and dogs alike!  For starters, first consider why you are introducing them: Is it a new dog you’d like to offer a forever home to? Is it a neighbor’s dog that might be a good play date option for your dog? Do you simply think that all dogs need to have doggy friends?  

Make sure your reasons are justified.  Thinking that your dog must have doggy friends is not a good reason!  NOT ALL DOGS WANT TO HAVE DOG FRIENDS!  Some would prefer the company of their humans.  This should be respected!  If not, you could be looking at a fight (YIKES!).

If your reasons are valid, and your dog seems to like other dogs, you can minimize the stress (and hopefully prevent a fight) by following a few easy steps:

1) Meet up with your friend and dog on neutral territory.  This could be a park, a street around the corner, or anywhere unfamiliar to both dogs.  Front yards, back yards and inside of home is NOT a good place for the initial introduction!

2) Immediately start walking together.  This helps to send a message that they are part of the same pack and is a great place for some initial bonding to take place.  Walk confidently and remember – this is a business walk with a very important purpose!

3) If all seems to be going well, get closer and closer as you continue.  Any unwarranted snarling, snapping or other ill behavior should be corrected immediately.  

4) Be confident as you allow them to greet on a loose leash.  A tight leash may send the wrong message and cause a problem.  

5) Bring them to one of their properties and walk onto it as though they are a pack, both belonging there.

6) If things are still going well you may decide to let them play loose in a fenced in yard or area.  How you proceed depends on the dogs. Think about how you would break up an altercation should one occur (a yell?  a shaker can?  a blast of water from a hose???)

7) Finally, if they’ve passed all of the above tests, they may walk into the home together, both on leash to start.

8) When in doubt call in a professional to evaluate and help!

We love our dogs like our children and want the best for them.  With a little preparation you can avoid a lot of unpleasant situations and possibly help your dog develop lifelong friends!

Hugs to the pooches!

Stacie & Ronan