Now more than ever the need to socialise a pet is paramount as a reactive pet is most likely to get into trouble or accidents. There is no one rule fit all when it comes to the basics of socializing a dog but there are tried and tested approaches to make it less stressful for the pets and their owners.
WHY ARE DOG INTRODUCTION IMPORTANT
Every dog reacts differently to new experiences. Some dogs are naturally social and friendly, while others may be anxious or territorial. Introducing your dog to new people and pets is crucial for preventing anxiety and aggression, encouraging healthy socialization, and fostering positive interactions. Proper introductions help your dog adapt to new environments, reducing stress and promoting better behavior. Socialized dogs are more confident, follow commands more easily, and integrate smoothly into various situations, ensuring safety for everyone involved.
IDEAL AGE TO INTRODUCE DOGS TO PEOPLE AND PETS:
A puppy should be introduced to other people and pets from six weeks of age. The 6 weeks to 6 months of a puppy's life is considered their critical socialization period. Instilling good habits and early positive exposure during this period helps prevent fear and aggression later in life. Puppies at this age have received their first vaccines and are naturally more curious and adaptable during this time, making it easier for them to form positive associations with new people, animals, and environments.
Introducing older dogs (above 8 months of age) could be a lot more challenging as owners have to understand their pet’s temperaments and ensure the environment is right for a meet, greet, and play. The breed and reactive personality of a dog should be used as a guide on how to go about introducing them to new people and pets.
THE OPTIMAL APPROACH TO INTRODUCING DOGS
Below are carefully curated steps from research, practice, and experience to guide pet parents on safe ways to introduce pets to people, other dogs, and other pets.
STEP 1: SAFETY FIRST
Dropping your dog's leash and letting them get in the face of another dog, hoping they work out their differences might result in accidents and undue confrontations if both dogs are reactive. When introducing dogs, it is important to make sure there are systems in place to guarantee the safety of both pets and humans.
Owners should wear comfortable clothes that allow them to grab and hold onto their pets without falling. Dogs should be kept secure using durable leash or harnesses they cannot slip out or break free from.
When out with your dog in places where dogs are bound to encounter other pets, dogs should stay tethered to avoid uncomfortable encounters.
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STEP 2: AVOID TERRITORIAL GROUNDS
Collecting your dog's favorite toy and giving it to your other pet so they get acquainted can result in aggression. Bringing a new pet home and immediately letting your dog loose is not a great idea either. When trying to introduce your dog to other dogs and humans, it is best to do so on neutral grounds using objects they lay no claims to.
Dog introductions can be done outside so that none of the dogs feel threatened or anxious. Typically introductions should be done in a large space where dogs are at least 5 feet apart and especially under close supervision.
STEP 3: OBSERVE AND REASSURE
The first instinct of most dogs is to protect their owners or to chase smaller animals. If you have your dog on a leash and you intend to introduce your dog to another dog or human. Your dog does not know this and they might get triggered by another human or animal getting too close to you. So the first rule of engagement is to observe your dog’s body language and their reaction to the new person/animal. Pet parents should be able to read their pet’s changes to react promptly and advert crisis. A dog willing to meet a new person/pet would wag its tail and have a bubbly “hey nice to meet you” body language while a dog who’s feeling unsure about a potential meeting might exhibit some of the following:
Watch the other person/animal without breaking eye contact
Pricked ears
The hair on the line of their spine (hackles) will spike
Growl or bark at the other person/animal
Bare their teeth
keep their tail erect or tucked
Walk with a stiff gait
Some dogs might pace or lunge at the other person/animal
Owners need to speak with their dogs every step of the way, reassuring them that they are okay and the other person/pet is not a threat and discouraging attack. However, if your dog is still confrontational and exhibiting aggressive body behaviors, it is wise to call off the introductions and try again when they are more receptive.
STEP 4: THE SNIFFS AND HELLOS
PEOPLE: it is not unheard of for dogs to attack strangers without giving any prior warning signals. Here are some guidelines for introducing your dogs to a new person:
Still, keep your dog on a leash
The person should stand/sit in a spot and let your dog sniff them out.
They can extend their left hand to the dog’s nose and watch how they react
Call their names and give them a treat
Call their name, pat their head, and give them a threat to reward positive interactions.
DOG: depending on your dog’s breed and size, here are guidelines for introducing them to other dogs:
Both pet parents should keep both dogs on a leash/harness
Both pet parents should stand parallel to each other with their dogs on the opposite side. This way, they’re aware of one another but not close enough to focus on trying to reach each other.
Watch your dog's body language and gently move closer to each other, allowing each dog to approach from the rear
Allow them to sniff each other’s butt and watch out for aggression
Both parents should talk to their pets reassuring them the other dog is a friend.
Give treats for successful interaction
Let them play with each other on the leash for a while before leaving them to play off the leash.
SMALL ANIMALS AND BIRDS: Dogs are hard-wired to chase after and bite smaller animals and birds. Pets like cats, birds, and reptiles should only be introduced to properly socialized dogs that listen to and obey commands. It should be a highly supervised process and exposure allowed only in short bouts as dogs play rough by biting and jumping which can hurt these other animals. Steps to take with introducing dogs to smaller animals and birds include:
Ensure dogs are/have been introduced to these pets very early in their lives and they are comfortable around them.
Take dogs for a long walk/run to reduce their energy reserve before introducing them
Give treats and praise them for gentle handling of the smaller animals
Make them understand it is bad for them to bite, chase or jump on them.
STEP 5: REPEAT OFTEN
Every pet gets better with repeated actions. Make it a habit to take your dog for walks so they don’t feel threatened by the presence of other dogs. Taking them to the dog parks and playing grounds is also a great way to improve their social lives and get them accustomed to other people and pets.
By following these steps, you can help your dog adjust to new social situations in a way that feels safe and comfortable for everyone involved. The key is patience and paying attention to your dog’s cues to ensure a positive experience. However, If you’re not comfortable with how the dogs are responding to one another or you’re unsure about the behaviors they’re displaying, consider enlisting the help of a certified behaviorist or trainer to keep everyone safe.
By Chinonyerem Ukweni
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