If you want to introduce two dogs to each other, whether it’s a young dog to an adult dog, or two adult dogs, parallel walking is a great way to start. Parallel walking is moving together in the same direction, at a distance to start with, allowing plenty of space and time to observe and gather information about each other and feel safe.

Body Language

Reading body language is an important skill when introducing dogs. It allows you to interpret what each dog may be feeling and if they are ready to move closer.  Subtle signs may include positioning – such as a dog moving to the other side of their human to feel safer, signals such as lip licking, averting gaze and tail and ear position are all indicators of how a dog may be feeling.

Location

We recommend a neutral space such as a park rather than the space where one of the dogs’ lives where possible.

Starting Point

Choose a distance between the dogs where they can both be calm and not pulling towards each other or vocalising. This may be across a football field, or it may be around 10 metres.

Walk together in the same direction, allowing each dog to sniff around and be relaxed, allow pauses if the dogs need to look at each other, but redirect if there is any hard staring or staring for longer than 3 seconds.

Reward good choices such as looking at each other calmly and moving along.

Gradually reduce the distance between the dogs but still maintain space.

Advanced Skills

Once the dogs are looking comfortable, you can start to mix it up a bit. Rotating positions such as ‘leap frogging’ (one dog takes an arc around the other dog and repeat), or rotating dogs to a spot that is interesting to sniff. Sniffing is helpful as it is a naturally calming activity. Tossing treats on the ground is another way to help dogs disengage from each other and redirect their attention.

To Greet or Not to Greet?

The question everyone wants the answer to - do you allow the dogs to greet each other? It depends! Some dogs take a few sessions to get comfortable with each other, others hit it off straight away. Regardless, good relationships take time, so you are better off going slow and getting it right rather than rushing it 😊

Troubleshooting

• If you are unsure, create more distance between the dogs.

• Keep leads loose

• Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes may be all the dogs need, then try again another day)

• If allowing greeting, follow the 3 second rule

• If possible, have someone video the sessions so you can look back to watch the body language of the dogs.

 Get in touch with us for a tailored plan if you need help introducing dogs.