Is It Ok to Let an Impaired Dog Meet Your Dog?

Is it ok to let an unfamiliar dog meet your dog?

If your dog is a social animal and gets along well with other dogs, it can be fun to bring another canine friend home. But it’s important to get things right the first time around if you want to avoid a fight.

The key is to make sure that the introductions are done properly so that you and your pet don’t end up with a nasty confrontation or injury. There are several steps you can take to ensure that a good meeting will happen between your dog and the new one.

1. Plan Ahead

It’s a good idea to start your introduction by putting the dogs together in a neutral space, like an outdoor park or a fenced backyard, so that the dogs can meet without any distractions. If they do well, you can then move them closer to each other as the relationship grows, says Herman.

2. Do It Slowly

When you’re meeting a dog for the first time, it’s smart to walk slowly and allow both of the animals to sniff each other out before getting too close. This allows each of them to get used to the scent of the other and lets them learn how to behave with each other.

3. Speak In A Calm And Reassuring Tone

When a human greets a dog, it’s generally considered polite to maintain eye contact. However, it can also be interpreted as aggressive by dogs, which is why you should avert your eyes and speak in a calm and reassuring tone.

4. Don’t Crowd the Dogs

If a dog is crowded, it may be feeling overwhelmed and confused. This can cause a dog to react in inappropriate ways, such as stiffening up, growling or even trying to bite you.

5. Do Not Pet the Dog

When you meet a new dog, you might be excited to give them some love. This can be a great way to show them how much you care about them. But it’s important to remember that dogs are very sensitive creatures and they will quickly sense your excitement.

Instead, you should approach the dog at their own pace and then pet them gently when they’re ready to receive it. It’s best to pet the dog on their belly or back, and not on their head or ears, which can be scary for them.

6. Tension anywhere in the body

You can tell when a dog is uncomfortable by watching their body language and facial expressions. If a dog is nervous, they will likely lift one paw, tuck their tail, lean away or pin their ears back.

7. Be Too Excited

When a dog is very excited, they may act out in a way that’s rude or unfriendly. This isn’t normal and can be a big deal, especially if the other dog has been introduced to yours before.

If you’re not sure how to introduce two dogs, talk to a canine behavioral expert before letting them interact. She’ll know how to address any problems that could arise and how to prevent them from escalating.