How to know if two dogs get along?
Marguerite Ledner
2025-07-04 00:06:54
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: 6
If they have a big, silly, open-mouthed grin, that’s already a good start. Often, their movements will be exaggerated: bouncy movements, and even exaggerated growling. Dogs may do the “play bow” when playing, where their front end is down, and back end is in the air. Sometimes, dogs trying to initiate play will slap their front legs down on the ground repeatedly. Although play-growling is exaggerated and friendly, it can be loud and can sound scary.
Julia Towne
2025-06-26 18:33:46
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: 8
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. 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. 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. Keep in mind: Some posturing and mild aggression can be normal as dogs become more comfortable, even after a successful first few days or weeks.