How to Introduce Two Dogs

By Margo Dill

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Dog books
Room for the dogs to play and run around
Beds for each dog
Dog toys
Two of everything: bowls, leashes, rawhide bones

How to Introduce Two Dogs

Step 1:
Read a book about the two different breeds to see if there are any special socialization tips for your particular dogs. As you may know, some dogs are very easy going--that's typical of their breed--and others are not. It's important for you to have as much information as possible before you introduce the two dogs.
Step 2:
Call your veterinarian and let them know what is going to happen. They know your dog and may also have some special tips for you.
Step 3:
Take both dogs on leashes to a park together. Let the dogs get used to each other. Keep them on leashes at first with each owner responsible for their own dog. (If you are introducing a mature dog to a family with dogs already, have two family members walk the dogs before you bring the new dog home.) If they show interest in each other, let them sniff around. But the main focus needs to be on a walk, together, with both owners present and in charge of their dog.
Step 4:
Allow your dogs to explore each other (if possible) in a neutral territory without leashes. If your community has a dog park, this may be the perfect place. Your dogs can sniff, run and play together. They can get to know each other before one of them comes into the other dog's territory. Also, this depends on if your dog's breed is extremely territorial or not. Remember, all dogs are different and have different personalities. Take it slow if possible, and you will know what is best for your dog.
Step 5:
Let them explore their new house together. Bring one dog into the house if that is the case, and let it off the leash. Watch them closely for any signs of aggression. You may even want to do this first introduction in the backyard if your house has one. Dogs will figure things out. There may be a little growling to establish dominance, and this is okay. Just don't let it get out of hand. Ask your veterinarian for some tips on handling aggression if you think this may be a problem. If you are both moving into a new place, try to bring the dogs at the same time to the new home, so they can explore together. These are safe ways to introduce two dogs.
Step 6:
Buy two of everything. Let each of the dogs have their own bowl, leash, collar, and so on. Make or buy two dog beds. Think of having two kids, and how you would want to provide two of everything. It's the same for your dogs. You don't want them to have a reason to fight with each other.

Tips & Warnings

Remember, in the wild, dogs travel in packs. There is a leader. So, don't be surprised if one of your dogs becomes dominant over the other. It's natural instinct for one dog to always go outside first when a door is opened, for one dog to always be the first to eat, and so on. But you need to stay the leader of the pack.
Bringing in a puppy to a house is different than bringing in a mature dog. The most important thing you can do when bringing in a puppy to a house with another dog is to ask your veterinarian for tips and read as much information as you can. It's important to be educated.

Resources

Margo Dill's website

Photo/Video Credit

photo by jlantzy www.flickr.com

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