How to Introduce Your Dog to a Visiting Dog
Seven Steps for Introducing Dogs when Dog Sitting
Introducing dogs properly to one another is essential to ensure a smooth playdate or overnight boarding experience. Good first impressions before dog sitting will set the dogs up for a safe and fun visit.
There are a few things to consider before agreeing to dog sit. We want this to be fun for the whole family!
- Your dog’s personality. If your dog is pushy or grouchy with other dogs, carefully select her companion. Read through the other dog’s profile carefully to ensure the best match possible.
- Your ability to manage different dogs. Some homes are better than others for separating dogs at mealtimes, giving an older dog a break from a puppy, or allowing roughhousing.
- Your ability to read dog body language. Start out with this free poster and this article on dog body language. It’s easier to interrupt “disagreements” when you catch them early on by reading body language.
Once you’re prepared, it’s time for introducing dogs. Be sure that you’re only introducing two new dogs to each other at a time (not more), to keep things manageable.
Seven Steps for Introducing Dogs when Dog Sitting
- Communicate and plan. Discuss both dogs and their needs before meeting. The dog profile on Louie’s Club is a great place to start learning about the other dog. Check out these messaging tips for dog parents.
- Pro tip: Meet in a neutral, large space. Decide on a parking lot, ball field, or quiet side street near the host’s home for the initial meeting. Choose a place that’s neutral territory for both dogs — so don’t use your backyard!
2. Have both dogs on leash. This is important for safety. If you know that your dog is reactive on leash but does better off leash, then come up with a plan for allowing the dogs to meet in a safe, fenced, off-leash area.
- Pro tip: Keep treats out of it. It’s best to keep treats out of the picture when introducing dogs. It’s too tempting for the dogs to squabble over food.
3. Walk the dogs in the same direction with 30–50 feet between them. The “parallel walk” method is integral to introducing dogs. Keep an eye out for any over-excitement (which can be considered rude), fear, or aggression between the two dogs. Praise the dogs for looking back at you.
- Pro tip: Keep leashes loose. Pressure on the leash can make your dog tense up.
4. Slowly merge the dogs closer together. Keep moving forward as you close the gap between the two dogs.
5. Allow dogs to sniff each other. When the dogs get close enough, let them sniff each other’s rear ends. Praise them for appropriate greetings and keep the leashes loose and untangled.
6. Rinse & Repeat. Give the dogs a break after a few seconds by calling them apart and praising them. If all is going well, allow them to meet again after a brief break.
- Pro Tip: Look for full-body tail wags from both dogs before allowing playtime. Dogs that wag their whole bodies are at their most relaxed. A high, stiff tail wag is kind of light a tight-lipped, pursed smile — it doesn’t really indicate happiness!
7. Walk together back home. After introducing dogs, it’s time to head home. Walk the dogs side-by-side. This will ensure that your resident dog isn’t thrown off by an unexpected visitor charging into her space.
That’s really all there is to it! While this might look like more work than introducing dogs in your front yard, it saves tons of stress down the road.
If you are ready to take the next step, then check out Dog Behaviors to Watch for When Dog Sitting!
Questions or comments? Share them below — we’d love to hear from you!
Written by Kayla Fratt, Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant.
