How to Introduce Dogs to Each Other (New Dog or Puppy)

Introduce dogs on neutral ground, with one person handling each dog, loose leashes, and a comfortable distance between them. The VCA hospitals advise that you “introduce the dogs in a place that is new to both.” Then watch body language and step in early if either dog looks tense. The same plan works for a new dog or a puppy that is coming home to a dog you already have, with a few extra steps once everyone is inside.

A first meeting is a chance to start introducing two new friends. The sections below cover the first meeting, a new dog or puppy at home, a stranger’s dog on a walk, and when to separate the dogs.

Pick neutral ground for the first meeting

The American Kennel Club (AKC) says that when a new puppy meets the dog already at home, “it should be in a neutral place,” and not inside the established dog’s home. VCA’s article on getting a second dog gives the reason: “To avoid territorial aggression, introduce the dogs in a place that is new to both.” Its plan is to have a friend or family member bring the current dog to a quiet park or green space while you bring the new dog, and to meet at a designated spot.

Dog parks are a common place for dog parents to meet other dogs, sometimes wearing cool dog merch. VCA’s article on introducing a new dog says that “Initial introductions often go better in a more neutral surroundings, such as outdoors or in the yard.”

Keep the first meeting calm

VCA’s article on getting a second dog says to “Use a loose leash and maintain a comfortable distance until both dogs appear relaxed.” It adds that you should avoid tightening the leash unless it is needed for safety.

The same article says “It is normal for two dogs to circle and sniff each other when meeting.” They may start by sniffing rear ends and progress to making eye contact. Some dogs dislike direct eye contact. If the dogs ignore each other, VCA says “do not force them to interact.” They will get to know each other when they feel comfortable.

Your own voice matters too. The same article says to keep the introduction positive by speaking to the dogs in a pleasant tone of voice, and a calm handler can create a positive atmosphere for both dogs.

Reward good behavior as it happens. VCA’s article on introducing a new dog says “Appropriate behaviors should be rewarded with praise and small food treats for each dog.” If you want to make your own, there are plenty of treats to choose from. The same article says the first sessions “may need to be short and the dogs separated so that they can rest and relax.”

Body language that shows how the meeting is going

The AKC lists what to look for. “Signs that the meeting is going well include relaxed facial expressions, play bows, tails wagging fast, and wiggling their hind ends.”

The AKC also lists signs that the meeting is too much for one of the dogs: “yawning, turning their heads away from the other dog, tense jaws, tails held low, shaking, and the hair standing up along their backs.” When you see these, the AKC says “it’s best to separate the dogs and continue on your walk before the situation has a chance to escalate.” VCA’s article on getting a second dog names a stiff posture, a tucked tail, and growls as signs of tension, and says to gently redirect the dogs’ attention.

A leash can change how a dog acts. The AKC says “Some dogs may act differently on a leash than they do when off-leash. This can be due to feeling trapped and that they cannot get away if an altercation occurs.”

Bringing a new dog home to your dog

Once the dogs tolerate each other and interact positively, VCA’s article on getting a second dog says you may take them home. Its steps: “Keep their leashes fastened and take them to a neutral, large room.” If the dogs are not interested, or if either dog looks distressed, it says you may need to keep them separate. Start with walks together: “Begin taking walks together and providing other positive, shared activities while both dogs remain on leash.”

Plan for resources before the dogs get to the house. VCA’s article on introducing a new dog says dogs may be unwilling to share food, resting places, mates, territory, and favored possessions, and that fights are most likely over resources that matter more to one dog than the other. The article on getting a second dog says “You may need to provide additional dog beds, water bowls, and toys. Put away your current dog’s favorite items to avoid conflict while the new relationship is established.” It also says to pick up food bowls after meal times to minimize food aggression.

The article on introducing a new dog says: “Always plan to feed the dogs in separate rooms, dogs may fight over food and separation allows each dog to eat without anxiety about the other dog.” It adds that at bedtime, “separation of the dogs is usually prudent initially.” When you are out, the article on getting a second dog says to keep the dogs separate, and to supervise closely when they play and praise them when they interact nicely.

The AKC lists a crate, an exercise pen, and dog gates as “helpful tools when you need to quickly separate the dogs.”

Bringing a puppy home with other dogs

The AKC says puppies “are still developing their communication skills,” so they “don’t understand the rules set in place by adult dogs.” It also says “Puppies immediately start looking for someone to play with and when they can’t find another puppy, the adult dog is the next best thing. Your dog may or may not appreciate this!” VCA’s article on introducing a new dog makes a related point: “A calm, quiet and shy dog may find a young exuberant puppy overwhelming.”

The AKC suggests that the dogs meet outside the home. Its steps: “take them out, walk them around on leashes in the front yard, and walk inside together.” An unknown puppy walking in the front door can seem like an invasion to even the friendliest dog, according to the AKC. If you cannot take the older dog along when you pick up the puppy, the AKC says the dogs should still meet outside the home and walk in together.

Supervise every interaction. The AKC says “You should give the elder dog a break from the puppy several times during the day,” and that you can do this by crating either dog. When you cannot supervise, the AKC says to place the puppy behind a gate and in an exercise pen or in a crate. The AKC says “A great activity is taking both dogs on a walk,” and that you should reward both dogs for behaving appropriately.

The AKC says “Don’t reprimand the adult dog for growling at the puppy.” It explains that growling lets the puppy know that it is time to take a step back, and that this is acceptable as long as the adult dog does not make inappropriate contact and injure the puppy.

Can my puppy meet other dogs

The Merck Veterinary Manual says “Early and frequent socialization with many different dogs can help improve a dog’s ability to interact with other dogs and people.” It also says “Dogs are most receptive to learning how to deal with new situations until about 16 to 20 weeks of age.” A dog that gets that practice can grow into a social butterfly. Meeting other puppies at a puppy party is one way to get it.

Merck says a veterinarian and their staff can help ensure that newly adopted dogs “get off to the right start.” Its words on puppies: “For puppies, this includes advice on socialization.” Ask your vet about when and where your puppy can meet other dogs.

What changes how dogs get along

Several things shape pet introductions, and the sources name them. The Merck Veterinary Manual says “domestication and breeding practices have created variations in appearance, temperament, and social signaling.” No two breeds are the same.

VCA’s article on getting a second dog says “While personality is the biggest factor affecting compatibility of dogs, sex can matter in some cases.” It adds “Behaviorists consistently find that the most serious cases of aggressive behavior between household dogs occur between two female dogs.” Size matters too: “Dogs equally matched for size are less likely to accidentally injure each other while playing.”

The same article advises that you think about the current dog’s age, health, and personality when deciding on a new family member.

Meeting a stranger’s dog on a walk

The AKC says to always ask the other dog’s person if an interaction is okay. Some dogs are timid or reactive, and a meeting may not be good for either dog. If both people agree, the dogs will sniff each other in greeting. The AKC also says “Don’t let your dog meet every dog they see on a walk.” The AKC suggests you ask for “periods of focus on you when passing another dog.” If a dog seems nervous, it says “increasing the distance is best.”

When to separate the dogs and get help

Separate the dogs when you see tension, and do it calmly. The AKC says that if an older dog “is becoming agitated by the puppy,” you should “separate or redirect the puppy to another task before things get out of hand.”

VCA’s article on introducing a new dog says “Punishment should be avoided.” Its reasoning: “If the dogs are punished for communication such as growling, snarling, snapping, or lip lifting, then these important canine communications may be suppressed.” Instead, it says “if you can see that the dogs are about to fight, the dogs should be called, redirected, or encouraged to do something else.” The article on getting a second dog says “Do not scold either dog for growling or snarling, as this can trigger anxiety and frustration.”

The Merck Veterinary Manual says “it is important to seek help from a veterinarian as soon as any signs of aggression occur.” If the dogs keep clashing after you have separated them, call your vet.

FAQ

Should the first meeting be on leash?

Both sides have a point. VCA’s article on introducing a new dog says “While leashes allow control, they also can inhibit normal posturing and movement and may make either dog more nervous if their social skills are poor.” The AKC says some dogs act differently on leash than off, and that this can be due to feeling trapped. The article on getting a second dog describes a loose leash for the first meeting.

What if the dogs start to play?

VCA’s article on introducing a new dog says “Social play should be allowed to continue as long as it does not escalate to aggression.” It adds that you must be able to identify the signals and actions that show aggression is likely, so that you can stop the interaction.

Do dogs have a good memory?

Dogs are brilliant animals. In a study the AKC describes, 17 dogs were tested one minute and one hour after watching an action, and the AKC says “even after the long wait, they were often still able to repeat what they had seen, although their accuracy faded a bit over time.”

Sources

• VCA Animal Hospitals, Dog Behavior and Training: Introducing a New Dog to Your Family Dog
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Getting a Second Dog
• American Kennel Club, How to Introduce a New Dog to Your Current Dog
• American Kennel Club, Your Dog Remembers More Than You Think
• Merck Veterinary Manual, Normal Social Behavior in Dogs
• Merck Veterinary Manual, Behavior Problems in Dogs