Naturally, a lot of my friends have dogs. Not only is it more convenient if our dogs get along, it is also more fun! With the option to include the dogs, we have more opportunities to socialize.
Good friends, human and canine
My pack has not always been good at bringing new dogs into our lives. We are not a “dog park” kind of pack, where happy-go-lucky dogs are all excited and happy to meet each other. All three of our dogs require a slow and natural meeting – they don’t take well to a boisterous, highly-charged new canine.
Yet… we have a bunch of doggie friends, all of whom our dogs love! I can name a dozen easily – these dogs could stroll into our home anytime and receive a warm welcome from our dogs. And there are at least a dozen other casual acquaintances we have in the neighborhood, and at our favorite parks.
So, for those of you out there that shudder at the thought of introducing a new dog to yours, take a look at the things that have helped us:
Key Principle #1: Work in “Dog Time”
Working with dogs, there can be a huge difference between trying something for 5 minutes, and trying something for 15 minutes. However, I notice people often stop at 5. I think people feel “it is what it is” – it’s not working – my dog won’t do this. That is because you are working in human time. Dog time goes slower.
Example: Just yesterday we met a new Golden Retriever, Redford, and things went great. I didn’t expect “love at first sight” – I just wanted the dogs to be peaceful and get used to being around each other. In time, they will become friends.
Key Principle #2: K to College
I’ve found the most critical time to go slow is at the beginning. This is the time you need to be the most patient, and start with fundamentals. If you do this, you’ll normally succeed. Focus on simple things like being calm in the general vicinity of each other, seeing each other peacefully, and just being calm on leash.
Example, continued: For the first 15 minutes yesterday, we kept the two “most critical” dogs on leash – Redford and Logan. For a variety of reasons, this was the introduction that required the most care. And it went beautifully.
Minutes 0-5
- No direct contact.
- Take turns walking behind each other, so each could smell the other’s tracks in the grass.
- Face-to-face can be too direct, as people tend to walk a straight line towards one another, which is not polite in dog talk.
- This is a good time for the dogs to see each other behaving well with their person.
Minutes 5-10
- Getting closer from behind, sniff each other’s bodies. Still on leash, but no tension on the leash (SO important – keep the leash loose, moms and pops!!)
- Walk together, side-by-side, sharing the adventure.
Minutes 10-15
- Occasional sit, stay, etc. for treats – they can get used to doing a little work for their people, together.
- Quiet release – unleash without making a big deal.
Key Principle #3: New territory
New Dog Momma with our new friend Redford and Sage
An easy way to tip the odds in your favor is to meet off your property. This way, your dog will be focused on the adventure, and the new dog will be a secondary consideration.
Key Principle #4: Chill out, peeps!
This is coming from someone who used to get very nervous during dog introductions, and who has really seen the benefit of keeping myself in good spirits. My dogs are connected to me – hopefully yours are too. You may not notice their quick glances, but they are always keeping track of your emotions. They are energy experts!
Your reaction to the situation is a key factor for your dog. You want him/her to get this reading from you: Calm, Positive, Strong.
My best advice in this area is to think positive thoughts, over and over. It takes a lot of discipline if you have had past failures. You will eventually brainwash yourself if you practice enough! Visualize things that make you laugh. Visualize peaceful interaction between the dogs.
Until you are thinking positively, you need to practice K to College. If you are calm 100 feet away from the new dog, but get nervous at closer proximity, then you need to spend more time at 100 feet.
