Just follow our tips throughout this article and you\u2019ll also find out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Why it\u2019s important to introduce puppies and dogs, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to have a positive experience introducing your puppy to dogs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Some top tips on things to look out for. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019d like to talk through how to introduce a puppy to a dog with a fully qualified puppy trainer, download the Zigzag puppy training app and contact one of the puppy coaches. They\u2019re available 7 days a week for you on WhatsApp, Email or sometimes it\u2019s nice to just have a chat on the phone, so you can call them too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"pug](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/priscilla-du-preez-SIgxB-9GdR8-unsplash-886x1024.jpg\")
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Why it\u2019s important to introduce puppies and dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who doesn’t love a well thought out intro at a party vs being chucked in at the deep end with a bunch of strangers? Well, dogs are no different. They\u2019re social creatures, but they also value personal space, and we need to take care when introducing puppies and dogs that it all goes A.O.K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppies need to meet other dogs during their socialization period <\/a>to perceive them as friends and not foes. Introducing your puppy to other dogs during this important developmental period means they won\u2019t react fearfully when they see them. When your puppy meets other dogs, they will also learn a lot about canine communication and how they should behave through their body language<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But when can my puppy meet other dogs? We know, you\u2019re keen to introduce your puppy to other dogs now! Well, if you know the other dog is fully vaccinated then you can let your puppy meet them before they are fully vaccinated. If not, wait until the vet says it\u2019s safe for you to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our 6 step guide on how to introduce puppies and dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When introducing a puppy to other dogs it\u2019s good to think about a few things and have a plan, we want any introductions to go smoothly. So, here\u2019s our detailed step by step advice so when your puppy meets other dogs it will be a \u2018walk in the park\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) Your place or mine? Actually neither!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Always do dog introductions on neutral territory. It sounds so obvious when you think about it, after all, you wouldn\u2019t want a stranger unannounced rushing into your house would you? But, this is actually a common way for people to introduce dogs to one another. Or, they bring a new puppy into their home, and expect the older dog to be totally fine with it. Sorry, but this is not the best way to get your older dog to accept your new puppy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meeting on neutral territory (and for a brand new puppy utilising a friend\u2019s yard) is the way to go. That way, neither dog feels territorial about their own space or anxious about going into a resident dog\u2019s territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your puppy is already going for walks and you\u2019re introducing them to a new dog, then this next step is great to see if the dogs will get along. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Parallel walking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve met in the park, it can be an idea to do some parallel walking so that the dogs can walk beside one another calmly, and get even more used to each other. Being on lead keeps everyone safe and you can spot whether the dogs may or may not be getting along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Meet and Greet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s code for sniffing butts! But truly, they need time to suss each other out. When introducing your puppy to other dogs use a long line so that your puppy can move freely while still keeping them safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Keep things short and sweet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reward your puppy and the other dog, a lot, for coming away from each other. This ensures that tension doesn\u2019t build up and they have time to take a break and get away from one another. Meeting new dogs can be stressful for your puppy, and not all adult dogs are big puppy fans, so it\u2019s good to let them have a couple of minutes’ rest from the ball of spinning fluff. Some older dogs do find puppies’ energy really annoying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Don\u2019t tell the older dog off<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If it gets to the point where the older dog is snapping or telling your puppy off, this is a clear signal that both dogs need a break. To get an older dog used to the puppy, they need to learn that nice things happen when the puppy is around, so avoid telling them off and instead reassure them and give them lots of praise for interacting positively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Make sure both dogs have separate areas at home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re trying to get your older dog to accept your new puppy, or if you\u2019re going to a friend’s house, or even if you\u2019ve just gone to a cafe with the new dog, then make sure the dogs have space to sleep apart from one another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conflict over resources is a huge reason why dogs fight with one another, especially if they\u2019re new buddies and haven\u2019t had much chance to get used to each other. A resource is anything the dog perceives as valuable. Resources include water and food bowls, treats, and people! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Making sure each dog has their own food and water area. Also make sure to give each plenty of your affection when they\u2019re apart, this will help things go swimmingly too. You can use puppy pens, crates <\/a>or baby gates, so that both dogs get enough time apart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"puppy](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/melissa-askew-IhBG74vjvhk-unsplash-1024x768.jpg\")
Photo by Melissa Askew<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Things to look out for during this stage\/time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When introducing your puppy to new dogs, it is essential to remember a few key points so that everything goes smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check both dogs body language and look out for signs of stress<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dog body language tells a tale about how they’re feeling, and they express this to other dogs as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look for subtle stress signs like yawning, lip licking, averting their gaze, panting, and give everyone a break if you see these. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep your puppy safe <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your puppy runs over to you for reassurance or seems to be always around your feet it can be a sign that they\u2019re not comfortable. Some dogs can be a bit full on in their play style, which your puppy might not like, or they can also be bullies and enjoy bossing a puppy around too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
No need for your puppy to meet every dog<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just because there\u2019s a dog on the street, doesn\u2019t mean that your puppy has to go and say hello. Seeing a dog across the road counts as socialization too, and by not giving your puppy the expectation that they can say hello to everyone, you\u2019ll have fewer problems with frustration in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/flouffy-g2FtlFrc164-unsplash-683x1024.jpg\")
Photo by FLOUFFY<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Try and avoid on lead introductions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs have a fight or flight system, and generally, when they\u2019re on the lead they can\u2019t flee (run away) so they can end up having to act defensively. More than a couple of seconds of that on lead greeting, and things can quickly go sour, leads get tangled, or go tight and everyone ends up a bit fraught. If you really have to say hi, do a quick hello and then move on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Introduce your puppy to calm adult dogs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
We know you love watching puppies play, we do too, but the truth of it is they don\u2019t stay puppies for long, so they need introducing to adult dogs and learn to interact with them, much more than they do with puppies their own age. Of course, if you\u2019re going to puppy classes<\/a>, this can be a great way of letting puppies get together and play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We hope that\u2019s helped you figure out how you might introduce a puppy to a dog. While you\u2019re here you might want to check out our article on how to cope with your puppy\u2019s first week<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Download the Zigzag puppy training app<\/a> today, to get the full story of raising a happy, healthy and confident pup. We also have our team of puppy coaches<\/a> ready and waiting to hear from you. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"