Adding a new dog to the family sometimes takes a bit of finesse; however, with the right training bringing a second dog into the household can be easy.

There are several ways to introduce a new dog to the household. Below are the three common and safe options. 

Techniques for Introducing the Dogs 

Neutral Territory

Depending on your dog and living situation, finding a neutral territory for the two dogs to meet is ideal. If you have a neutral place available, it is best to use a barrier such as a fence for the initial meeting.  

If either of the dogs is shying away from the fence, allow them to walk away, avoidance is a coping method dogs use in unsure situations. 

Leash Introductions

If you must introduce the two dogs on leash, be sure you don’t start the introduction head-on. What this looks like is one person is holding the leash of dog #1, and someone else walks up next to the two holding the leash of dog #2. The two dogs should be on the outside, and the two humans should be next to each other, creating a buffer.

Allow the dogs to walk like this, without physically interacting until they are both settled down. Walking in this fashion is non-threatening and also allows the two dogs to get the scent of the other.

Once relaxed, one person should walk with both dogs on either side; if that goes well, stop and allow them to interact.

Crate 

The third option is the least desirable, but sometimes it is the only method available, especially if there is only one person to introduce the dogs without a fenced area.

First put your dog in a confined area, then put the new dog in a crate. Allow your dog to come out and meet the other dog with the safety of the crate separating the two. Once the two dogs have settled down, leash the crated dog, and allow them out. Again, hold the leash until you are sure the two dogs are calm enough to interact without it.

In the Home

Once your dogs have calmed down enough to come into the house, be sure to have removed all high-value items such as favorite toys or bones as they can cause resource guarding. Also, keep the dogs separated when eating, at least until you know it is safe. Finally, provide a quiet area for each of the dogs to go to when they need alone time.

Author Bio

Alex V. has an energetic Chocolate Labrador puppy. He started Sure Puppy. Check out their list of awesome dog whistles