How To: Introducing Your Dog to Other Dogs
Sociability Exists on a Spectrum
If you and I met IRL, would we automatically be friends, because we’re the same species? Probably not.
Human sociability spans a spectrum, from introverts to extroverts, with most of us falling in between. We have different friends for different activities, and over time, some friends fade away and new friends take their place. We learn that it’s impossible to be universally liked and to accept when we aren’t someone’s cup of tea.
Like us, dogs are among the most socially adept animals on the planet, and they share a similar spectrum of sociability. They can integrate seamlessly into our complex social circles and develop social circles of their own, so why do we expect such sophisticated creatures to befriend every single dog they meet?
It’s perfectly normal if your Fido thinks the next-door neighbor's Lab is obnoxious but adores the Husky across the street. Some dogs are the life of the party at daycare, while others play only with a trusted inner circle. Dogs that get along with everyone are extreme introverts, and therefore, extremely rare.
Generally speaking, I think it’s best to accept your dog's social preferences as ethical training can't fundamentally alter their personality. However, there are times when it's very beneficial for your dog to get along with the dog of a friend or family member. So how can we introduce them in a strategic way that increases the odds of friendship?
How Is Your Dog’s Dating Life?
When you’re getting to know someone as an adult, whether for a platonic or romantic relationship, your first few outings are often a bit formal. The structure of these first encounters gives you a sense of security that lets you open up and share things about yourself. If things, start to get awkward or uncomfortable, you can return to the structure of the date, whether it’s a lunch or game of mini golf, to alleviate some of that pressure. As you go on more dates, you loosen the structure and enjoy more open ended activities where the person you’re with becomes the focus, rather than the shared experience.
Let's offer our dogs a dating strategy with a similar amount of structure. Here's what it could look like with an approximate timeline. Move on to the next step only if both dogs appear relaxed and content.
Dates 1-3: Parallel Enrichment at Large Distances
Start in an area where you can keep a significant distance between the dogs. For instance, an empty soccer field with each dog near one of the goals serves as a good starting point.
The first question we want to ask our dogs is: Can you be aware of this dog without any big feelings? Too much of any emotion creates risk during dog-to-dog introductions, so be equally wary of excitement and fear. An excess of either of those feelings can lead to poor decision-making.
Invite the dogs to practice their favorite tricks, snuffle in the grass, or enjoy a bone. Initially, you may need to play games like Look at That* or Ping Pong* to help your dog adjust to the presence of their future friend. You’re ready to close the distance slightly (no more than 10 feet at a time) when both dogs can perform these activities as though the other dog isn’t there.
Move on to the next step when the dogs are comfortable with roughly 20-30 feet of space between them. That’s two to three car lengths of space.
Dates 4-5: Parallel Walking
Let’s increase the distance again, but introduce more movement with walking. For example, using that same soccer field, walk up and down the length of the field with the dogs on opposite sidelines.
Again, play Look at That,* 1-2-3,* or other basic engagement games to help your dog settle. You’re ready to close the distance slightly (no more than 10 feet at a time) when both dogs can walk and pay attention to their handler as though the other dog isn’t there.
Move on to the next step when the dogs are comfortable with roughly 10 feet of space between them. That’s roughly one car length.
Dates 5-6: In-Line Walking
Let’s increase the distance again, and begin with 20 feet of distance between the dogs, but now, we’re on the same side of the soccer field. Maintaining the distance between the dogs, walk up and down the length of the field with one dog leading the way and then the other.
You may notice your dog’s nose working hard. We’re rehearsing good butt sniffing manners in this exercise. You’re ready to close the distance slightly (no more than 5 feet at a time) when both dogs can walk and pay attention to their handler as though the other dog isn’t there. They have powerful noses and do not need to touch to get meaningful information out of their sniffers.
If you become tired of walking up and down the same line, take turns following each other in large circles or giant figure 8s. Move on to the next step when the dogs are comfortable with roughly 6 feet of space between them. That’s the length of a standard leash.
Dates 7-9: Invitation to Sniff & Play Utilizing Breaks & Safety Precautions
Now, the dogs are ready to consider interacting in a quiet and fenced area. First, bring the leashed dogs into the enclosure one at a time, and give them the opportunity to adjust to the space solo.
Still using your leashes, bring both dogs into the enclosed space. Can they snuffle in the grass and play basic training games with you? Linger at this stage for as long as necessary. Again, we want both dogs to look relaxed and content before moving on.
When both dogs are blasé about the presence of the other, they can approach for an on leash sniff. Always approach on a curve! Trace the shape of a banana as you move toward each other. If neither dog has issues with barrier aggression, you may feel more relaxed and comfortable by letting them sniff through a baby gate. It’s important that you minimize tension on the leash. If you or your dog is pulling, someone is too stressed!
After a brief sniff of 1-3 seconds, return to opposite sides of the enclosure. Snuffle and play games for about five minutes. Then, go in for another brief sniff. Go back and forth 5-10 times. Each sniff should be less and less interesting. If your dogs are becoming more aroused, go back a step or increase the period of decompression between sniffs.
Now, you’re ready to give the dogs longer sniffing opportunities or brief play sessions. If they’re ready to play, let them drag their leashes, so you can easily intervene if things become too rowdy. Continue to require decompression breaks until both dogs think the other is old hat. Then, you can experiment with continuous play.
Additional Tips
Conduct these dates in neutral territory with few distractions. In other words, your back yard is not ideal. Try renting a Sniffspot if your area doesn’t have suitable parks.
Take your time. If things have been going well but suddenly something seems “off,” trust your gut, and go back a step. Yellow flags could include hard stares, stiff posturing, teeth-baring, or deep growling.
Be brave and set boundaries with friends and family. If their untrained and uncontrolled dog makes you grit your teeth in annoyance, your dog may be happier at home.
Final Words
This dating process is one of those instances where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. First impressions are lasting impressions, so play your cards slowly and conservatively. If you’re hitting a plateau in this process, reach out to a certified dog trainer for professional assistance. With patience and the right expertise, it’s likely that your dog will get to a place of comfortable co-existence with the other dogs in your inner circle.
*Don’t know how to play these games? Book a Virtual Consultation today, and we’ll teach you how!