Introducing Your New Dog to Your Dogs at Home

Dogs naturally live in fission-fusion social groups, with constantly changing dynamics based upon animals moving into or out of the group. This involves a complex set of behaviors that creates a delicate dance around resources, space, and people. It is like learning to navigate the social rules in a new job, school, or city for humans. The key to successfully adding a new dog to your home is to understand this complexity and support both dogs through the transition. This video from Fear Free Happy Homes is a great starting point.

Leashed Introductions with Distance

Visit a neutral location so that your resident dog is less likely to view the newcomer as an intruder. A nearby leashed park is a great example. Each dog should be leashed and handled by a separate person who can remain calm and supportive through the introduction. Having treats handy can also be a big help.

Walk in the same direction close enough that the dogs see each other, but far enough away that they cannot interact yet. When either dog looks at, then chooses to look away from, the other dog, calmly say “good” and offer a treat. Continue this process so long as both dogs stay calm. If either dog gets too excited, walk away for a break before trying again. Once the handlers can walk side by side between two calm dogs, they are ready to sniff.

Interacting on Leash

Dogs prefer to meet each other by approaching calmly, sniffing near the tail or under the back legs, then walking away. Unlike humans, most dogs do not like to meet face to face. Keep the leashes radiating out from the interaction and move with the dogs to prevent the leashes from tangling. Let the dogs circle each other for a count of three, then ask them to walk away. Be sure to stay calm and upbeat. A treat for being polite and walking away also helps.

Be Aware of Body Posture

Encourage loose wiggly bodies, brief sniffing, and disengagement from each other. If tails begin to raise above the spine, bodies become tense, or either dog puts their head over the other dog’s shoulders, it is time to separate and take a break. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the ASPCA’s “7 Tips on Canine Body Language” before getting started.

Off Leash Introductions

Once the dogs have successfully met on leash, it is time to take them to an enclosure for off leash time. Keep the leashes on, allowing them to drag. This way, the dogs can be safely separated if necessary.

During off leash interactions, dogs often sniff and forage together. Signs of good dog play include play bows, slapping the ground with their forepaws, or taking turns when chasing or wrestling. Continue to watch for loose wiggly bodies, play bows, or voluntary disengagement. Good play partners take turns and respect each other if a request is made to stop. If things get tense, separate the dogs for a break.

Indoor Introductions

Once the dogs are doing well, take your resident dog for a brief walk and ask someone to take the new dog into the home. Allow the new dog to become familiar and comfortable with the new space. Pick up toys, bones, and other resources that might cause conflict. Then bring the resident dog into the home. Minimize interactions in tight spaces like hallways, doorways, or behind furniture to reduce the chances of chaos. Open areas like living rooms or a sunroom are great options. Also, avoid the kitchen initially to minimize fights over food.

Managing the Transition

During the first few weeks, all interactions should be supervised. Follow the same general guidance as above. Use baby gates, crates, or closed doors to keep the dogs separated when they cannot be watched. Feed separately to avoid fights over food and be sure to give each dog plenty of individual attention. This article from Humane World for Animals offers additional tips for successful transitions and introductions.

Introducing Puppies to Adult Dogs

When introducing puppies to adult resident dogs, the process is similar. Additional cautions include watching the adult resident dog for signs of stress like yawning or repeatedly try to get away, as this can lead to problems in the future. Don’t be surprised if your adult dog growls or snaps at the puppy. This is part of the process when puppies are too energetic for adults. If the interactions move beyond vocalizations, give your adult resident dog a break from the puppy in a quiet, calm location. Stop by Nose to Tail Retail for stuffable food toys like West Paws’ Tux or Toppl to soothe your resident dog when away from the puppy.

When to Get Help

If the introduction of a new dog to a household doesn’t go smoothly, contact a certified professional trainer or behavior consultant immediately. Dogs can be severely injured in fights, and the longer the problem continues, the harder it can be to resolve. Conflicts between dogs in the same family can often be resolved with professional help. Punishment won’t work and could make things worse.