Chapter 3: Introducing Your New Dog to Your Resident Dog
Rules for the First Meeting:
Neutral Ground: Meet in a park, quiet street, or driveway—not your home. This prevents your resident dog from feeling territorial and gives both dogs a chance to meet without the stress of defending ‘their’ space
Parallel Walk: Have two people walk the dogs on loose leashes, keeping them 10-20 feet apart, walking parallel to each other
Brief Sniffs: If calm, allow short, controlled greetings (a few seconds) where they sniff each other’s rear ends, then call them away with praise and treats
Watch Body Language: Look for relaxed, wiggly bodies. Stop if you see stiff muscles, growling, lip licking, or stiff tails (signs of stress/aggression)