How to successfully introduce two dogs?

Introducing two dogs requires some forethought to make the meeting go smoothly for pups and people alike. A slow and steady introduction is the best way to create a strong and appropriate foundation for their friendship. If dogs are going to be in the same space, the best way to foster canine friendship is through a gradual, positive introduction. Introducing dogs the right way increases the chances that they will get along and develop positive associations with each other. Have the Right Gear, such as a martingale collar or harness and a 6-foot leash, and fill your pockets with small, high-value treats to reward moments of calm behavior. Go to a Neutral Space, meaning neither dog has “claimed” it by frequent visits or marking, and ideally, this location should have enough space so the dogs can be at least 30 feet apart at first. The first step in the process is for two people to walk the dogs in parallel, keeping them at least 30 feet apart, and walk the dogs 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. If both dogs appear relaxed and are able to occasionally look up at their handlers, gradually decrease the distance between them while continuing the parallel walking. The goal is to gradually close the distance between the two dogs until they can walk side by side.

Introduce on neutral territory. It’s best to let dogs become familiar with each other on neutral territory: outdoors. Each dog should be walked separately on a leash, and each walker should have a bag of high-value treats or food broken into small pieces. At first, walk the dogs at a distance where they can see each other but are not too provoked by each other’s presence. If the dogs are not showing any negative behaviors, reward them with treats just for seeing each other. Pay attention to each dog’s body language. Watch carefully for body postures that indicate a defensive or wary response, including hair standing up on the dog's back, teeth baring, growling, a stiff-legged gait or a prolonged stare. If you see such postures, either when the dogs are at a distance or near each other, immediately and calmly interrupt the interaction by interesting the dog in something else. If the dogs seem relaxed and comfortable, you can shorten the distance between them. Let the dogs determine the pace of the introduction. The most important thing is to take this introduction slowly. Do not force the dogs to interact. Once the dogs are able to view each other at a close proximity, allow one dog to walk behind the other, and then switch. If the dogs remain comfortable, allow them to walk side by side. Finally, let the dogs interact under close supervision. If one or both dogs show any signs of stress or agitation, proceed more slowly with the introduction.

When you're introducing two dogs to each other, first impressions matter. How the dogs interact in their first few encounters can set the tone for their entire relationship, so follow these steps to set their relationship up for success. 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. Do outdoor introductions before bringing the dogs into the house together. Leave the leashes on so you can control both dogs if needed. Be sure to remove any bones, toys, and food bowls that your resident dog might feel the need to protect from the new dog. Keep the dogs separated while you are gone until they are comfortable with each other under a variety of circumstances. When you are home, supervise their interactions and give them breaks from each other by crating one at a time or taking them for separate walks. If an altercation occurs, separate the dogs for a few days to give them a break from each other.