The Art of Introducing Dogs (11 page)

There is a space for you to write the name of the person who will be assisting you — whether that is a dog trainer, friend of family member as well as where the introduction will take place. You may need to check out the introduction location in advance to ensure that it is suitable before taking the dogs there. Introductions do not need to be conducted on consecutive days. It may even be best if introductions are conducted every second or third day, or one day per week, depending on the individual circumstance. For dogs not required to live together e.g. play groups, walking or social groups, introductions can be conducted over several months.

If a dog has gone over threshold on any day i.e. become overly aroused or reacted to the other dog, then at least one or two rest days is highly recommended between introductions. If any stressful event has occurred during the introduction that has caused a dog any form of physical or emotional trauma e.g. a noise phobic dog has encountered a trigger (fireworks), an unrelated incident/injury occurred etc., waiting at least 5–7 days may be required to allow stress levels to return to baseline. If the stressful event was related to the introduction, then consider whether you should abandon any further introductions.

The tables presented here are a guide only and may need to be altered depending on the individual dogs concerned. Always consult an experienced dog behavioural trainer if you are unsure of how to proceed or if an issue arises. The health, welfare and safety of every dog and handler must be your primary concern for every introduction.

i) Introducing a puppy to an adult or juvenile dog

Visit the breeder/shelter or rescue centre on your own at least twice before attempting to introduce the dogs so that the puppy can become familiar and comfortable with you. This will assist to reduce stress levels once your dog arrives. Do 3 - 4 introductions 1–2 days apart.

Aim for:
relaxed, gentle, calm, curious interactions.

Be aware of:
tension, snarling, snapping, excess fear, avoidance from either dog/pup.

ii) Introducing adults or juvenile dogs — On lead

Assistant…………………………….

Location …………………………….

Aim for:
loose leads, relaxed bodies, focussed on you, dogs taking treats, calm, mild interest in other dog before moving to the next step or before decreasing the distance.

Be aware of:
tension on leads or in bodies/mouths, failure to take treats or appearing unfocussed or overly interested in other dog.

iii) Introducing adults or juvenile dogs — Off lead

Assistant…………………………….

Location …………………………….

Aim for:
relaxed bodies, calm, casual or mild interest in other dog, mutual sniffing or reciprocal play with periods of rest and calm in between

Be aware of:
tension in bodies/mouths, overly interested in other dog, height seeking behaviours, constant marking over others dogs scent mark while showing tension, over arousal during play.

iv) Introducing multiple dogs to a puppy

Assistant 1…………………………….

Assistant 2…………………………….

Location ……………………………….

Aim for:
one on one introductions of each dog to the new dog/puppy, relaxed bodies, calm, casual or mild interest in other dog, mutual sniffing or reciprocal play with periods of rest and calm in between.

Be aware of:
adding additional dogs too soon or more than one dog at a time when first meeting, mobbing or harassment of puppy once more than one dog has been added, tension in bodies/mouths, overly interested in other dog, height seeking behaviours, constant marking over others dogs scent mark while showing tension, over arousal during play. Ensure puppy is allowed to rest/sleep as required during the introductions

This plan assumes that two existing dogs are being introduced to a puppy. If there are more dogs to be introduced, those additional dogs will need to be added using the same procedure. Each dog must have its own assistant/handler.