How To Introduce Dogs | Chewtorials

Dogs are social animals, and hanging out with fellow pups can be a lot of fun for them—if they’re introduced properly. We’re walking you through the best way to introduce dogs.

How to Introduce Dogs

1. Do a Towel Exchange (Optional)

Letting dogs get used to each other’s smells in advance can make an introduction go much more smoothly. Start by putting towels in the beds of each of the dogs. When the dogs lie down in their bed, their scent will transfer onto the towel. After a night or two of sleeping with the towels, switch them, so that each dog is lying on the other dog’s towels.

Continue to switch the same towels back and forth (without washing them) so that the dogs’ smells combine on the towels. Do this for a few days before you do your first introduction.

This step isn’t possible for every new dog introduction, of course—but it’s a great way to start if you can.

3. Meet in a Neutral Area

Dog introductions are more likely to go well when they happen in neutral territory. So for the dogs’ first meeting, choose an area that neither dog has seen before, and that has lots of bushes, grass and other enticements. A calm street in a new neighborhood with plenty of green space would be a perfect pick to encourage good dog behavior.

4. Take the Dogs for a Long Walk

Start on opposite sides of the street, and begin walking both dogs on leashes in the same direction. Feed treats to the dogs whenever they look at the other dog. This helps keep them calm and teaches them that the other dog is a good thing!

Walk this way until both dogs are more interested in treats than each other. When that happens, allow one dog to move ahead about 20 feet of the other dog, then cross the street so both dogs are on the same side of the road. Continue walking and feeding treats when the pups look at each other.

When both dogs can walk calmly, turn around and start walking the other way, so that the dog in front is now in back, and vice versa. When the dogs are able to remain calm, you’re ready for the next phase.

5. Allow the Dogs Some Brief Rear-End Sniffs

Let the dog in back catch up to the dog in front and allow them to sniff the other dog’s rear end. While the dog in back is sniffing, the handler in front should feed treats to the pup who’s being sniffed—that’s to help keep them calm and cool while they’re being checked out.

After about 3 seconds, coax them away. Then, change directions and let the other dog do the sniffing.

Repeat this process three times, keeping the sniff sessions short, about 3 seconds each. If either dog’s body language communicates anxiety or discomfort during this process, go back to the previous step.

6. Let the Dogs Greet Each Other

First, move the dogs about 15 feet apart and let them face each other.

If the dogs are relaxed, each handler should hold the leashes so that they stay very loose and take a few more steps toward each other. Feed each dog treats for the first few steps, to help keep them from rushing toward the other dog.

When the dogs get close enough to touch and are still remaining calm, allow them to greet each other for about 3 seconds, and then continue walking past each other. You may need to use a treat to lure the dogs apart.

Repeat three times, ensuring the dogs remain calm throughout. If everyone’s staying relaxed, practice walking with both handlers next to each other, so the dogs are walking in the same direction.

7. Relocate to a Home or Fenced Yard, Then Drop Their Leashes

This next step takes place in a home or fenced-in yard.

Have one handler wait about 15 feet from the entrance. Allow the other handler to walk their dog in first, moving as far from the entrance as possible and feeding treats along the way. If you’re using one of the dogs’ homes or yards, allow the “guest” dog to walk in first.

When the first dog is in position, the second handler can walk their dog in, stopping just inside the entrance, also feeding treats.

Walk the dogs around, feeding treats and allowing them to sniff, until the dogs are more focused on their handlers or interesting smells than each other.

Repeat steps 4 and 5, ensuring the dogs are consistently relaxed.

If all of that goes well, drop the dogs’ leashes and let them drag on the ground as the dogs wander around and/or greet each other as they please.

If the dogs do greet, allow them to interact for about 30 seconds before calling them apart and feeding them a treat. Then allow them to go back to wandering and/or greeting.

If you notice any tension, call the dogs to you immediately, using the leashes to gently pull them apart if necessary.

If the dogs stay calm, you can gradually start extending the amount of time they interact, working up to a 10 or 15 minute hangout sesh.

Dogs still calm? Congrats! You’ve completed a successful introduction.

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