How to help two dogs bond?

First impressions are important. A friend or other family member is needed for this crucial first step, each of you handling a different dog. You’ll want to introduce the dogs to each other in a neutral territory, so choose a place your existing dog doesn’t normally walk or play, such as a dog park you haven’t visited before. When Fido doesn’t think he has to protect his territory, he’s more apt to welcome the advances of a new dog. Don’t introduce a new dog in the current dog’s home. Taking a long walk together is the next step to creating a successful multi-dog family. Keeping the humans between the dogs on a long walk after their time together in a dog park is the next step to creating a successful multi-dog family. With both dogs on leash and with people forming a barrier between them, they have the chance to get used to each other’s company without stress. After the walk, it’s time to introduce the new dog to his new home. The order in which you enter the house is very important. People go first, current dog goes next, and new dog takes up the rear. This creates an atmosphere of invitation rather than invasion. Establishing who is the boss is also important, but you must allow the dogs themselves to make that decision rather than automatically trying to install the first dog as the leader. Be sure to feed dogs separately, preferably in crates or in different rooms. Don’t expect them to eat from the same bowl, share the same bed, or play with the same toys. The same is true of giving them raw bones or high-value treats, resource guarding should be prevented rather than trying to correct this difficult and potentially dangerous behavior. Increase exercise, as exercised dogs are happy dogs. Not only does it act as a release for energy, but exercise also releases endorphins and norepinephrine, “feel good” chemicals that make your dog happier. Dogs who have enough exercise rarely fight. Teaching your dogs basic obedience commands can be fun for all of you and help your dogs understand their world better, and when things are understood, they become predictable, predictability lessens stress.

To help my old and new dogs get along, the goal is to have one big, happy family where everyone gets along. Here are a few tips to foster a good relationship between the dogs: Introduce the two dogs on neutral ground, to avoid territorial aggression, introduce the dogs in a place that is new to both. Have a friend or family member bring the current dog to a quiet park or green space while you bring along the new dog. Keep the dogs from getting excited during the introduction, use a loose leash and maintain a comfortable distance until both dogs appear relaxed. Allow the dogs to investigate each other, it is normal for two dogs to circle and sniff each other when meeting. Provide access to resources to avoid competition, you may need to provide additional dog beds, water bowls, and toys. Supervise the dogs around all resources to be sure there is no guarding, pick up food bowls after meal times to minimize food aggression. Supervise play time, keep the dogs separate when you are not at home, closely supervise them when they play together and praise them when they interact nicely. Spend one-on-one time with them to cement personal bonds.

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.

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.