Meeting dogs

7 January 2026

Introducing dogs to one another


This is something that quite often can go wrong, despite our best intentions. Whenever you are meeting a new dog, it is imperative to do this in a neutral territory – not in your dog’s home or garden, where they are likely to bark, or feel protective over their resources. In the same way you would not go up to a stranger and hug them we need to remember that different dogs have different social skills. Allow them to see each other from a safe comfortable distance on lead to begin with (not a narrow path).

Remember that a dog’s body language is different to ours and they communicate with each other via this. We do not want to lead them to each other head on – this can overwhelm and worry them. Also think about the dog’s age (puppy or senior – very likely to have different play styles – and remember puppy teeth – even in play can hurt ears A LOT!), temperament and style. Also can they easily be read or is it harder for dogs to read them (for example do they have a flat face and no tail? It can be harder to read these dogs).


Location

As mentioned, no narrow spaces, and behind a barrier can be really sensible to start off with.


Body language

Make sure they are sniffing and reward them when they look at the dog – give them a treat. If they are lunging, barking or freezing then gather some distance to help them regulate.


Lead

Keep the lead loose as possible and if both dogs want to say hello – do it with a curved approach. Tension down the lead can cause frustration.


Next steps 


Walking along side each other on the lead can be a good way to reduce frustration and still manage the interaction. Reward for calm behaviour and always look at their body language and gather distance.


If you would like any support remember there are webinars available.

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