Dogs are naturally friendly. They will, however, get aggressive when stressed. Whenever two dogs meet, you are always stressing dogs out which could lead to a conflict. These conflicts might be fatal especially if one dog is large and the other is a puppy. Dogs fight when they feel threatened. It could be over food, mates, toys, or even territory. At other times your dog will fight to protect those he or she loves.

Tips of Introducing New Dogs or Puppies

First Meeting

• The first meeting is very critical as it creates an impression. It is best to have your dogs meet away from their territory. A park would make a perfect place for first interactions.
• Don’t make the dogs feel pressured to like each other during the first interaction. You can do this by making the meeting as natural as possible. Make the walk to the park at the usual schedule and bring the dogs separately.
• Have someone else hold the leash of the new dog, as you hold the other. For the first meeting, expect the dogs will sniff each other, urinate, and cycle. Some dogs will completely ignore the presence of the other. You can often sense the attitude of the dogs towards each other after their first interactions.

Bring the New Dog Home

• Once the dogs are familiar with each other, it is now time to bring the new dog home. As you do so, have both dogs on a leash.
• The territorial dog might feel the need to fight for his beloved toys and other possessions. To make him or her feel safe, keep his possessions close or put them away for a short time.
• It is also advisable to keep the dogs separate, giving each separate play items. Avoid giving the new dog, the old dog’s items.

Living Together

• To avoid stress over food, you will need to feed the dogs separately and maintain routine, at least to start.
• Supervise the dog’s interactions and separate them when you are away.
• When you sense they are getting friendly, release the resident dog first. If its reaction is friendly, you can release the new dog, too.
• Dogs exhibit their discomfort by raising fur, snapping, growling, and showing teeth. Restrain the dogs by talking to them rather than pulling the leash.

Be patient when introducing two new dogs to each other. It might take a while for the dogs to get accustomed and accept each other. In other cases, the dogs might never grow to enjoy each other’s company. Dog Training Now Charleston provides the best dog training services. Contact us today and get the best of your dog’s behavior.