How do you introduce dogs through a gate?

When introducing a new dog into a pet-filled home, introduce dogs on neutral territory, allowing them to become familiar with each other away from home where your other dogs might feel dominant in their territory. Bring along some family members and walk each dog on a separate leash, starting at a distance where they can see each other but not provoke one another. If no aggressive behaviors are demonstrated, or after brief aggression turns into curiosity, allow them to get closer – one at a time if there are multiple dogs. Use a Dog Gate When the new dog comes home, use a tall, durable dog or baby gate to separate the new arrival from the existing pets. Carefully observe how they interact through the gate, reinforcing positive behavior with treats. Keep this separation until the pets exhibit signs they are interacting in a consistently friendly manner and are eager to play together.

For introducing dogs through a gate, begin by letting the dogs see and smell each other through the gate while maintaining a calm atmosphere. Use blankets to partially cover the gate if either dog becomes overwhelmed, and slowly uncover over time. Stair gates allow for controlled introductions while keeping the dogs separated physically, but still allowing them to be able to see, smell, and hear one another. You might consider reducing the initial over stimulation of the early stages of an introduction by covering the stair gates, but keeping some peep holes. Don't forget to offer treats on both sides of the gate - you can toss treats behind each dog if they become reactive, encouraging them to move away and reset their focus. Take the time to sit by the gate with both dogs, offering comfort and encouragement.

To introduce dogs through a gate, you should first ensure the dogs are in a neutral space, ideally a large outdoor area where neither dog has claimed the space by frequent visits or marking, with enough space so the dogs can be at least 30 feet apart at first. The introduction should happen with both dogs on a leash, with secure gear they can’t slip out of, such as a martingale collar or harness and a 6-foot leash. You can start by walking the dogs in parallel, keeping them at least 30 feet apart, in the same direction with this wide buffer between them, offering a small treat when each dog looks away from the other and toward their walker. Once the dogs can walk calmly at this distance, you can trade places, while still maintaining a 30-foot separation, so each dog has a chance to sniff where the other dog just walked. If both dogs appear relaxed and are able to occasionally look up at their handlers, you can gradually decrease the distance between them while continuing the parallel walking, but keep in mind that dogs’ responses can shift as they move closer to each other. The goal is to gradually close the distance between the two dogs until they can walk side by side.

Bring dogs to the adjacent fenced play area: Start with known dog-friendly dog(s) (if any are available) already in one yard. To prevent barrier frustration or crowding at the entrance, dogs in the 2 yards should be kept out of sight of each other for long as possible before they meet. If the dog(s) in the play area might be able to see or hear the new dog approaching, distract them with treats or toys at least 10’ from the fence if possible, but not so far away they can gain a lot of momentum if inclined to charge the other dog at the fence. Dog entering the second, adjacent yard: If the dog entering the second play area can see or hear the other dog as they approach the yard, distract with treats and/or enter the play area as quickly as possible to minimize barrier frustration. Release dogs to meet at fence: Once the new dog is in the adjacent yard, stop distracting all dogs and allow them to approach the fence. If a leash is used, keep it as loose as possible, or drop the leash. To reduce the amount of barrier frustration that dogs might experience, release them off their leashes as quickly as possible. Ideally all dogs are off-leash (or dragging leashes) inside their respective yards as soon as they see each other. Monitor the interaction closely, intervene as needed.

When it’s time for the dogs to meet, it should be in a neutral place – not inside the established dog’s home. You might take the older dog along when you pick up the puppy. They can ride home, each in a separate crate, in the car together. When everyone is home, take them out, walk them around on leashes in the front yard, and walk inside together. An unknown puppy barging in the front door can seem like an invasion to even the friendliest, most mellow dog. If you can’t take the older dog along, the dogs should still meet outside of the home and walk in together.

I let them sniff noses through the fence. My dog doesn’t bark either. I had not considered the other dogs terms I assumed it wasn’t barking meant that it was ok but that may not be the case indeed. The dog was just in its own property unattended as we walked by. The owner of the fence line dog was not aware no.