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Introducing Your Rescue Dog to Other Dogs
Adopting a dog is an exciting time, and if your like most adoptee’s you have more questions than answers … like what’s the best food, how to training your pup and how to go about introducing your rescue dog to other dogs. Thankfully you are there to help your dog navigate their way and we are happy to share some great tips.
Are Rescue and Shelter Dogs Different
One things that’s interesting to note is that when a rescue dog comes to live with you, it’s likely that you’re at least their third home. There’s your home, the shelter you adopted them through, and the previous place they ‘lived’ in.
That’s a lot of change in a short time. So, while all dogs take time to settle in, it’s easy to see why ‘some’ rescue’s may require a little more encouragement.
This is why it’s so important that when you make the commitment to your new pal that it’s ‘furrever.’ One crucial aspect to consider is if you have any other dogs in the home you want to get prepared for introducing your rescue dog to the family.
Introducing your new rescue dog to other dogs in the home
One of the very first things you’ll want to do when introducing your dog to other dogs is bring your leashed rescue dog on a tour through your home, so he can investigate the various sights, sounds and smells. This is important for him to be able to feel comfortable and marks the beginnings of your bond.
Then, with care and discretion, put your other dog on a leash and have them investigate each other, preferably in the yard. Keep this brief, with minimal sniffing. Another great idea is to take them for a walk, but keeping them somewhat separate so that they may each become acclimated to the idea of another dog around.
When introducing your rescue dog to any dogs be aware of any warning signs like staring or growling. Be sure to remove the dogs from each other if things get tense, but continue adjusting them to each other.
Slow but steady
If at all possible, the dogs should try and meet 3 times on neutral ground before moving it into the house. This isn’t always feasible, so be sure to follow the below steps even closer:
Let the established dog investigate your new rescue while the rescue is crated, and vice versa. Ensure that they can see and smell each other while this occurs.
Continue to have your rescue be led around your home to become more familiar, and ensure your established dog is out for a walk during this time or crated.
Do not leave them alone and unleashed.
After a bit of time if things are moving positively, start to incorporate small bursts of well supervised playtime.
If you encounter a dog while out for a walk
Well, it’s not so much an ‘if’ but more of a ‘when.’ However, with proper training and guidance, this doesn’t have to be stressful.
Firstly, it’s important to get permission from the owner if a meet and greet is acceptable. They alone will know how best their dog will interact with others; it’s absolutely their call.
If all is well, then let the dogs sniff around each other for a few minutes. You’ll get a sense pretty quickly as to whether it’s going well or not. Common signs of a happy, ready to play dog are a ‘hind leg up, front legs down’ position, also known as ‘play bowing.’ As well, the obvious tail wagging and that relaxed doggy smile . The best!
If it’s not a love match, that too will be quickly obvious. Signs of tension include yawning, a clenched jaw, staring, a low tail, and raised hackles.
If you see any of the above, it’s best to just politely be on your way!
Patience, the highest of virtues
As always, remember to have patience. A rescue needs more time to adjust than a dog that’s had a normal upbringing.
Concluding Introducing Your Dog to Other Dogs
With training , patience and consistency, there’s no reason why your doggo can’t be friends with another!