#1. Introducing Two Dogs - Have a Safe Introduction
Sponser LinksIntroducing Two Dogs - Have a Safe Introduction
Human beings are bound by determined communal rules and etiquettes. Dogs are too, however, their rules are entirely dissimilar from our rules. For example, it is rare that one man meets someone else man and within seconds begins a violent fight. This behavior, however, is very tasteless with our canine friends. Introducing two dogs in communal is an art and an rehearsal in training and control. You must be ready if you are going to avoid not only dog fights, but if you are to steer clear of dog illnesses and other problems when introducing two dogs.
Introducing Two Dogs - Have a Safe Introduction
"Stop Aggressive Dog Behavior":When I have my dogs in communal the first rule I live by is 'assume the worst'. What I mean by this is that I assume that most other dogs out there are ill-behaved and not dog friendly. I know this sounds extreme and possibly rude but honestly, am I that far off? If you assume this position you will be precise a majority of the time. Most dogs in communal are poorly trained and poorly socialized and shouldn't be counted on to automatically get along with your dog.
So how do you go about introducing two dogs with such assumptions? The short sass is, I don't. When I am in public, commonly speaking, I keep my dogs cut off from other dogs I encounter. Do I know if the approaching dog is current with his shots, do I know if the other dog is dog aggressive? The sass is no. Why would I introduce my dog into such an unknown situation where he could get injured from a fight or sick from an illness?
The next assumption I typically make is 'assume the other dog owner knows nothing about dogs'. When I advent someone else dog owner on the road or in a park I often find that they are eager to have their dog meet both my dog and me. I often hear comforting words such as, "Oh, he's fine with other dogs," or, "It's ok, he's friendly." Well the truth is that maybe their dog has been kindly with a few dogs but who is to say that their dog will be kindly with my dog? I was once walking with a client and their dog down a path in the woods when along came a beautiful Airedale Terrier. As we approached the owner of the terrier called out, "He's friendly!" following which the dog immediately proceeded to lunge at the leash while barking quite aggressively, obviously finding for a fight. Both I and my client's dog barely missed being bit as the other owner was nearly pulled over. Ever since this experience, and many similar ones, I have realized that I can't trust the judgment of other dog owners.
As a follow of this style of thinking I religiously avoid dog parks. They are the bane of the dog world and should be avoided at all costs. They are a method for disease and fighting. You would be wise to avoid these settings.
Am I being too much of an extremist? No, I don't think so. In doing this I am almost guaranteeing a safe outing everywhere I go. You may be asking, "But what about socialization? Shouldn't my dog learn to get along with other dogs?" The sass is yes, but only under controlled settings.
I am very meticulous about the children that my young daughter meets. I try to avoid having her meet kids who are bullies or sick. Why wouldn't I do the same for my dog? Whenever I allow my dogs to meet new dogs I do so only when the situation is controlled.
So what is a controlled situation? It could be a variety of settings, but typically a controlled situation is one where I am familiar with the other dog owner, familiar with the other dog and feel that said owner can operate said dog. A controlled situation finds both dogs on leash and under control. When introducing two dogs I am all the time determined that I can operate my dog so I need to make sure I partner up with man else who can also operate their dog. With all of these ducks in a row I am ready to introduce my dog to the other dog.
As I said, both dogs are on leash so the first step is allowing the other dogs to be near each other to see introductory reactions. I will have my dog about 10 feet from the other dog. If whether of the two begins to show aggression I know that maybe this is not a inherent friendship. If they are okay at this distance I proceed. One dog remains stationary, preferably in the 'sit' command, while the other dog is walked by at a distance of 5-6 feet. The tantalizing dog is then asked to sit while the other walks 5-6 away. everyone still okay? Good, let's keep going. Now I put my dog in the heel position on my left hand side while the other owner puts her dog on her left hand side. From here we walk past each other head on. By walking head on with our dogs on our left hand sides and under operate the dogs are still separated by our bodies and still haven't come in taste with each other. At this point, however, each dog has seen the other from a variety of angles and from a variety of potentially threatening and non-threatening positions. If they are still okay you can keep going. Obviously if they have shown aggression at any point you should stop the session.
The next step is the actual introduction. Each owner should advent the other, each dog should be preferably in the heel position. At about 3-4 feet from each other the owners should have their dogs sit by their sides. If everyone is still all right the owners should issue the dogs from the sit position and gently allow the dogs to start sniffing. After a few seconds each owner leads his or her dog away from each other and walks in the opposite direction. Do a U-turn and return to each others proximity. Come back to a halt again 3-4 feet away from each other and repeat the process. Do this several times, each time allowing the dogs to sniff each other for a bit longer period. At this stage it is leading to look for tell-tale signs. If the hair on the back of one dog goes right up lead that dog away and go even slower with the introductions. Watch for other signs such as the lips being lifted, growling, or other very tense behavior.
It is leading to keep your dogs on leash. If a fight were to break out both owners could immediately drag each dog apart from each other. If when you introduce two dogs like this and everyone is still okay you can gently give the dogs more and more free time and allow them to play even more.
As with all dog training, use tasteless sense. Watch for signs in your dog. Introducing two dogs can be fun, but you must all the time rehearsal caution.
share the Facebook Twitter Like Tweet. Can you share Introducing Two Dogs - Have a Safe Introduction.
