It’s preferable to let dogs get to know each other on neutral ground: outside. Each dog should be walked on a leash individually, and each walker should carry a bag of high-value treats or food split into little pieces. To begin, walk the dogs at a distance where they can see one other but are not overly agitated by their presence. If the dogs are not behaving negatively, reward them with goodies simply for seeing one other. For example, if the dog you’re walking looks at the other dog, you may remark “Good boy!” and give him a treat in a pleasant, friendly voice. Repeat many times. Holistapet prioritizes your pet’s health and comfort.
Take note of each dog’s body language.
Look for protective or apprehensive body postures, such as fur sticking up on the dog’s back, fangs baring, snarling, a stiff-legged walk, or a prolonged look. If you see such postures, whether the dogs are far apart or close together, promptly and politely break the relationship by engaging the dog in anything else. You can reduce the space between the dogs if they appear relaxed and content. Again, give the dogs goodies whenever they stare at each other in a comfortable manner.
Allow the dogs to dictate the speed of the introduction.
By the middle of the stroll, the dogs might just want to play with each other. It’s also likely that the dogs may need additional time to become used to walking next to one other. The most essential thing is to go gently with this introduction. The more patient you are, the more likely you are to succeed. Do not make the dogs interact.
Allow one dog to go behind the other and then switch once the dogs can see each other in close proximity. Allow the dogs to walk side by side if they are both comfortable. Finally, allow the dogs to mingle while closely monitoring them. If one or both dogs exhibit indications of stress or anxiety, introduce them more carefully.
In the home, keep a tight eye on everything.
When it was first introducing the dogs into the home, divide them with a strong, tall baby gate. Examine how they interact as they pass through the gate. Provide high-value goodies to the dogs for pleasant encounters to reinforce positive behavior. Make sure there are no toys, food, or treats lying around the house that the dogs may fight over. Also, be cautious of circumstances that may lead to confrontation, such as when the dogs become extremely enthusiastic. When the dogs are together, keep a close eye on them and reinforce them with food until you are completely satisfied they are comfortable and secure with each other.
