Proper introductions help new dogs adjust to resident dogs. Adjustments can take weeks or months. It is crucial to have patience to facilitate this process. Get help from a professional trainer as soon as possible if introductions are not going smoothly. The longer problems continue, the harder they can be to resolve.
Introduce one dog at a time in a neutral location
- If you have more than one resident dog, introduce one at a time to new dog to avoid “ganging up” on newcomer
- Always start with separate people handle each dog, on leash, in a neutral place (e.g. hiking trail) unfamiliar to either dog
- Take a walk with dogs 10-15 feet apart and slowly allow them to get closer
- Use simple commands and offer food rewards (separately) often throughout the walk
Observe positive and negative body postures
- Positive postures invite play: the “play-bow” (one dog who crouches with front legs on ground and hind end in air); sniffing the air near the other dog; looking/walking toward the other dog while displaying a loose body and loose wagging tail
- Negative postures require handler intervention: teeth-baring; deep growls; raised hackles; stiff-legged gaits; prolonged stares
- If several negative postures are observed, interrupt interaction by calmly re-directing dogs’ attention elsewhere (e.g. handlers walk backwards while calling dogs to them, have dogs lie down or sit, reward with treats, then resume introduction/walk)
- Focus on keeping a loose leash as tension on the leash can negatively alter a dog’s body language to other dogs
Introduce new dog to new home, outside
- After dogs walk calmly alongside each other in a neutral place, take dogs (on leash) into your backyard or a friend’s backyard
- Drop leashes only if dogs are not displaying negative postures, and once dogs are ignoring one another
- Allow dogs to investigate yard and each other without interference. Don’t force interaction
- Permit dogs to ignore one another, or communicate with one another by showing lip curls, growls, barks or air snaps. Be sure to intervene (e.g. pick up leashes and move dogs in opposite directions) if either dog does not back off when corrected
Introduce new dog to new home, inside
- After outside intro, pick up leashes and take NEW dog into house while resident dog remains outside with handler
- After giving new dog time to explore the home, bring the resident dog in (still on leash) into the same, preferably large, room
- Avoid narrow hallways or entryway as meeting place
- Once dogs ignore each other, drop leashes and allow both to explore
- NEVER leave dogs alone or unsupervised until you are confident they are getting along. It may take months or years (or potentially never) before you are able to leave them free roaming in your home alone
- Crate-train your new dog or keep them in a separate room when left alone
- Observe their behavior during everyday events (e.g. doorbell ringing, seeing other animals through window, other people arriving) and intervene as needed
Introducing puppies to adult dogs
- Puppies tend to pester adult dogs and may not recognize adult dogs’ cues to stop
- Well-socialized adult dogs with good temperaments set limits by growling or snarling. This does not harm. No need to intervene. Under-socialized or less tolerant adult dogs may bite and harm puppy
- NEVER leave puppy alone unsupervised with your resident dog. Crating puppy maintains safety and can benefit housetraining
- Give older or less energetic dogs private space and time away from younger/more energetic dog so they can relax and rest
Key tips for successful integration of new dogs to resident dogs
- Always feed dogs in separate areas. Pick up bowls when feeding is over
- Initially do not allow dogs to share toys and beds. After adjustment period, slowly introduce shared items
- Separate dogs while playing fetch until you determine that conflict is not arising from excitement of running/chasing ball
