How to help two dogs bond?
Tod Rath
2025-06-28 10:13:27
Count answers: 11
When you're introducing two dogs to each other, first impressions matter. Start on neutral territory where you have plenty of space, like a park, open field, or quiet street. Start on opposite sides of your space walking the same direction. When one dog looks at the other one, they get a treat. Keep walking until they are no longer focused on each other. Repeat your walk and reward method moving about 3-5 feet closer. As long as the dogs continue to pay more attention to you and less attention to the other dog, continue walking. If the dogs become too focused on each other, add more distance until they can successfully walk, take treats, and ignore each other. Slowly decrease the distance until the two humans can walk next to each other with the dogs to the far right and left of them, and can move forward without obsessing over the other dog. Once you’re consistently walking well, allow the dogs to circle and sniff each other for a few seconds then lead them away. Repeat this several times. Any time the dogs’ bodies go still, lead them away and take a break. Once you have several meetings where the dogs’ bodies appear relaxed the next step is to try the two dogs loose in a fenced area so they can move around as they wish.
Brandon Dach
2025-06-28 08:58:56
Count answers: 10
If your dog is active and outgoing, adopt a dog with similar qualities. If your dog is quiet and more reserved, look for a dog that will compliment this type of lifestyle. Most dogs have to “learn” how to get along with each other. Don't force your “home team” dog to protect their home turf. If the dogs meet in a neutral location, they are less likely to view the other as an intruder. You want your dogs to have positive experiences with each other right from the start. Let your dogs sniff each other and greet each other normally. Give them positive reinforcement through calm verbal affirmations. Play close attention to both dog’s body posture, watch out for body postures that show a defensive response. If a dog goes into these postures, immediately switch into positive reinforcement mode and get your dog to follow your teachings.
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