The previous week, we started the topic of introducing a new dog to your resident dog, including whether a companion is something you should even consider for your pet, and the importance of scent-swapping and starting the introduction on neutral territory.
While parallel-walking the dogs, which is where we left off in the last article, be aware of body postures. One body posture that indicates things are going well is a “play-bow.” One dog will crouch with the front legs on the ground and the hind end in the air. This is an invitation to play that usually elicits friendly behaviour from the other dog. Wagging tails and loose bodies are also positive signals. Watch carefully for body postures that indicate an aggressive response, including hair standing up on the other dog’s back, teeth-baring, deep growls, a stiff-legged gait, or a prolonged stare. If you see such postures, interrupt the interaction immediately by calmly and positively getting each dog interested in something else. For example, both handlers can call their dogs to them, have them sit or lie down, and reward each with a treat. The dogs will become interested in the treats, which will prevent the situation from escalating into aggression. Try letting the dogs interact again, but this time for a shorter period and/or at a greater distance from each other.
As long as no aggression is seen and the dogs work up to the stage where they are near enough to each other for physical access, allow the dogs to sniff each other (use a butt sniff first before a face-to-face sniff) and offer them treats together. Avoid a head-on, face-to-face approach, as it is a stressful and unnatural way for dogs to meet. This is why parallel walking is important.
When two adult dogs meet, they often stand tall and “posture” to each other. They may sniff each other, circle each other, urinate, play, or just decide to ignore each other. Do not allow them to jump on each other. Allow them to do what they do to establish a relationship, with as little intervention from you as possible.
If the dogs try to fight, however, you will need to intervene. If you see signs of serious tension, such as raised hackles, growling, showing teeth, prolonged stares, or snapping, call the dogs away before things escalate. Remove both dogs for a brief “time-out” session and then repeat. The more often you can do these sessions, the quicker the dogs will learn that appropriate interaction between each other results in lots of treats, attention, and each other’s company; but any aggression results in isolation and halting of the rewards.
Do not punish the dogs with harsh commands or jerks of the leash because you risk the dogs associating each other’s presence with physical punishment, which will increase any aggression towards each other.
Once the outdoor introductions have proceeded smoothly and the dogs are walking side-by-side without any aggression, you can walk home together if the park is nearby. If you have to drive home, it is safest to have them in separate vehicles. When you are on your own street, continue to walk in parallel on the road, and when the dogs are calm, walk them into the house together.
For the first interactions at home, a tall baby gate or a large crate can help them get comfortable with each other’s presence while remaining separated. Remember to remove high-value items like toys and treats until the dogs are comfortable with each other to prevent resource guarding by the resident dog. It is also recommended that the dogs are fed separately until you are confident that fighting will not occur over food. When you are at home, supervise interactions between the dogs, and it is wise to keep them separated during your absence until you trust them to be left together without any altercations.
Introductions cannot be rushed. Be patient, and if the introduction is not going well, it is safest to take a break and try again another day.
Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you are having difficulties.
A certified dog trainer or behaviourist can provide further guidance
Copyright © Kristel-Marie Ramnath 2026
