Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog
Park or quiet street is best, not your dog's home turf.
Keep both dogs on leashes with space between them. Let them sniff the environment and get accustomed to each other's presence. Stay calm yourself! pen_spark
Reward calm greetings with yummy treats. This encourages friendly interactions.
Gradually decrease the leash distance, but watch their body language closely. If either dog seems stressed, take a step back and try again later.
Allow short, supervised sniffing with leashes on. Be ready to separate them if needed.
Try walking them in the same direction, but separately. This lets them get used to each other's movements without direct interaction.
Use a baby gate to separate the dogs indoors initially. This allows them to see and sniff each other safely. Reward calm behavior near the gate.
Provide separate food/water bowls, beds, and toys to avoid competition and establish personal space, especially during the adjustment period.
Gradually allow supervised playtime indoors. Keep interactions short and positive, and watch for any signs of discomfort. Remember, building a lasting friendship takes time and patience!