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Wallen's (Puppy)
1. Sniffing: This is a fundamental way dogs gather information about their environment and other animals. When a dog sniffs, they're learning about the other's emotional state, health, and even intentions. It's a crucial step in the meeting process, indicating curiosity and a willingness to explore their relationship with the other dog.
2. Pawed Crate: When a dog paws at a crate, it can indicate a range of emotions from excitement, curiosity, to a desire for interaction with the dog inside. This behavior shows an eagerness to engage more closely and can be a positive sign during introductions, as long as it's not accompanied by signs of aggression.
3. Stand Up, Tail Up: This posture signifies alertness and interest. A dog that stands up with its tail up is paying close attention to its surroundings or the dog it's interacting with. It can also indicate confidence. Observing this behavior helps gauge a dog's mood and level of engagement during the introduction phase.
4. Bark/Growl: Barking or growling can have various meanings depending on the context and tone. It might express excitement, fear, uncertainty, or even a warning. During introductions, it's essential to listen to these sounds carefully to determine whether they're setting boundaries or signaling discomfort, helping you decide how to proceed safely.
5. Play Bow: This is a clear invitation to play, characterized by a dog stretching its front legs forward while lowering its head and keeping its rear end up. It's a universal sign of playfulness and goodwill among dogs, suggesting the dog is comfortable and looking to engage in friendly interaction.
Sunny (Older dog)
1. Tail Wagging: Tail wagging can convey various emotions, from happiness and excitement to nervousness, depending on the wag's speed and motion. Generally, a relaxed, wagging tail suggests that a dog is friendly and open to interaction. Observing this behavior can be reassuring during the introduction process, indicating that the dog feels comfortable and is likely to welcome the presence of a new canine friend.
2. Sniffing/Interest: Sniffing is a dog's way of exploring their environment and gathering information. Showing interest through sniffing indicates curiosity and a willingness to engage with the new puppy. This behavior is a positive sign during introductions, as it demonstrates the dog's intent to learn more about the newcomer, laying the groundwork for a potentially smooth and friendly relationship.
3. Relaxed: A relaxed state in a dog is characterized by a loose, easy posture, often with a soft, open facial expression and possibly a gently wagging tail. This behavior signals that the dog feels safe and comfortable in its current environment, free from stress or anxiety. During introductions between dogs, a relaxed demeanor is an excellent sign, suggesting that the dog is not feeling threatened by the presence of a new puppy and is likely to respond positively to further interaction. It's an ideal starting point for fostering a peaceful and friendly relationship between the dogs.
Step 2 How to Use a Leash to introduce dogs
When moving away from using the crate, leashing one or both of the dogs is important for their initial interactions to be safe. Leashing should be considered a precautionary measure, not necessarily a sign of mistrust, but rather a dog training tool to facilitate a controlled and positive introduction. If there's a high level of trust in one dog's ability to remain calm and not overwhelm or react negatively towards the other, you might choose to leash only the other dog. This approach allows for a bit more freedom for the trusted dog to explore and interact at their own pace while still maintaining control over the situation.
Use the right leash
Make sure you use a sturdy and easy to grip fixed 6 or 8 foot leash. We prefer to use leather leashes exclusively, they are the best combination of comfort and durability. Retractable leashes are poor when it comes to fine control of your dog, and this is a situation where we need the absolute most control.
- REAL GENUINE LEATHER dog training leash is real Italian imported leather, assembled and accomplished in China.
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However, in many cases, especially when any uncertainty exists about how either dog will react, it's wise to keep both dogs leashed. This ensures that each interaction can be closely monitored and managed, preventing any potential mishaps that could arise from unanticipated reactions. It's a balance of trust and caution, emphasizing the safety and well-being of both dogs as they navigate the process of getting acquainted.
Let them meet and evaluate
1. Sniffing Butts: This is a natural and essential behavior in the canine world, serving as a primary means of communication between dogs. By sniffing each other's butts, dogs can gather a wealth of information about one another, including health, diet, and emotional state. It's a form of greeting and getting to know each other, indicating a willingness to engage in further interactions.
- Some dogs may be more reserved or uncomfortable with being sniffed by a new acquaintance immediately. This hesitancy is a reminder of the importance of allowing dogs to approach each other at their own pace, respecting their individual comfort levels and signals to ensure a positive and stress-free introduction.
- Sudden Movement: Sudden movements during dog introductions are very normal. It is important to watch carefully, like Matt does in this video, as these movements might trigger a defensive response or excitement. It's ideal to do this in a calm and controlled environment to prevent any potential misunderstandings or conflicts.
2. Barks or Growls: Barking and growling are natural canine behaviors used to communicate discomfort, fear, or the establishment of personal boundaries. During introductions, these sounds can indicate that a dog is setting limits on how close the other dog can get or expressing unease with the pace of the interaction. It's a normal part of the process as long as it doesn't escalate into aggression.
3. Pawing: Pawing is a gesture that can signify various intentions, including playfulness, attention-seeking, or even mild frustration. When a dog paws at another dog, it's important to interpret this behavior along with their body language and the reaction from the other dog. It can be a friendly invitation to engage or a way to test the waters in their budding relationship.
Trust between dogs doesn't develop instantly; it builds over time through consistent and positive interactions. Initial introductions don't require complete trust between the dogs but rather a cautious optimism. It's about managing the situation with care and attentiveness to their reactions, gradually fostering a sense of security and mutual respect.
Having trouble? Go for long walk together before meeting
If you're unsure about moving forward at any point, it's best to slow things down. While this requires two handlers instead of one, a favorite technique of our trainers is to simply take the dogs on a walk together. Just a 30 minute walk can help:
1. Build Trust: Building trust between a new puppy and an older dog involves creating a series of positive experiences and interactions between them. This can be achieved through supervised playtime, shared walks, and offering treats simultaneously, ensuring both dogs associate each other's presence with positive outcomes. Consistency and patience are key as trust develops over time, reinforcing the idea that they are safe and secure with each other.
2. Get to Know Each Other: Allowing dogs to get to know each other at their own pace is crucial for a harmonious relationship. This means providing opportunities for them to explore each other's scents, behaviors, and body language in a controlled environment. Interaction should be encouraged but not forced, recognizing and respecting each dog's comfort level and signals. Through gradual exposure and positive reinforcement, dogs can learn about each other's personalities and preferences, forming a solid foundation for their relationship.
3. Calm Them Down: Keeping both the puppy and the older dog calm during their initial meetings is essential for a smooth introduction process. The act of going on a walk together is our favorite technique to calm them down when in the presence of another dog. The goal is to ensure that each interaction ends on a positive note, contributing to a relaxed and trusting relationship between the dogs.
Step 3 How to Teach a Dog Good Manners
1. Correct Too Much Barking: While some vocalization is natural during the introductory phase between dogs, excessive barking should be addressed calmly and firmly. This behavior can escalate tension and lead to a negative interaction. Correcting excessive barking with quick tugs on the leash, and if needed heel the dog away to calm it down and reset.
2. Stepped in When Puppy Cornered: If a puppy finds itself cornered or trapped by the older dog, it's crucial to intervene promptly to prevent fear or defensive aggression from developing. Stepping in to create space and ensure safety helps to maintain a positive environment for both dogs. This intervention should be done calmly and confidently, showing both dogs that you are in control of the situation and that they are safe under your guidance.
3. Older dog correcting: It's natural for older dogs to use vocalizations like a warning growl to set boundaries with a new puppy. These corrections are a part of dog communication, teaching the puppy about appropriate social behavior and limits. As long as the growl does not escalate into more aggressive behavior, it can be considered a normal part of their interaction. Monitoring their body language closely during these moments is essential to ensure that both dogs are comfortable and that the older dog's corrections are appropriate and not overly intimidating.
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