If you decide your dog needs a friend, remember the value of first impressions. What happens during the initial introductions can have lasting implications on their future friendship, so be sure to set them up for success from day one.
Before you bring the newbie home, make sure the existing dog has burned a lot of energy by walking, playing, and enjoying his favorite form of exercise. When meeting a new housemate, pent up energy can present a problem, so make sure the established dog is as calm as possible. Have the two dogs meet at a neutral and unfamiliar location, such as a park or parking lot. The introduction should happen while another handler holds the new dog’s leash. The first introduction should never be face to face! This can be perceived as a challenge in any meeting scenario. Allow the existing dog to sniff the newcomer’s backside (it’s what they do!) for a maximum of three seconds. Then switch roles - new nose meets old butt. Repeat the exercise several times, then go for a walk together. Once they have walked as a pack and are somewhat tired, allow them to sniff nose to nose. Again, allow only three seconds, then walk away and repeat several times. This should allow you to get a feel for how the relationship is progressing. Our younger needs at least six three-second nose to nose greetings before he’s ready to play. Every dog is different, so patience is the key. And speaking of patience, cat parents, next month, we’ll talk about introducing new cats. Stay tuned!
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| Destined to be BFFs! |
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