Congratulations on your new puppy! It’s both exciting and scary to become a new dog owner, isn’t it? No matter how knowledgeable you are with dogs, each dog is different and presents new challenges, so it is always worth checking if you have questions.
Is your Dog Dominant or Fearful?
First of all, we must address what you understand by dominant. The theory that dogs are aggressively dominant and want to be alpha has fallen into disuse. The behaviours we used to call dominant (such as resource protection) have their roots in fear. So, if you mean that the other dog is dominant because he doesn’t allow other dogs to approach his food, his couch or his human – he is more likely to be afraid and defending his favourite things.
The RSPCA says: It is now widely recognised by animal behaviour experts that dogs that use aggression against humans or other dogs are not trying to be ‘dominant’. Instead, aggression is usually the result of social confusion, frustration, fear, anxiety or learning.
Can you postpone the meeting?
Secondly, you need to decide if this meeting has to happen. If the adult dog is just an acquaintance, it may be better to leave the meeting until you know more about your new puppy and have given him some good and positive experiences with other dogs – if this meeting goes wrong, you don’t want to put them on they will find new dogs in the future. Of course, it may be that the adult dog already belongs to you, or to a housemate or family member, in which case the meeting cannot be postponed.
Where should they meet?
Normally, it’s a good idea to have the meeting outside the home. The older dog is used to having the house just for him, and if he tends to be a little defensive for his resources, it is better to get him out of this environment so that he does not see his puppy as a threat. Consider a safe, closed and neutral space, such as a friend’s garden. Remember to check your new dog’s vaccination status before taking it anywhere!
How to introduce a puppy to an adult dog
Ideally, the two dogs should be close to each other, but without paying attention to each other. Food or toys can be used, and the distance should be large enough for the adult dog to accept the presence of the puppy without feeling threatened or needing to protect its things. If the two dogs are totally relaxed, you can try to move them a little closer and continue the distraction. If the adult dog is still relaxed with the situation and you are a few metres from each other, let it smell.
Both dogs should use leashes so that you can separate them if necessary, but leashes should not be held tightly, as this can harm the dog’s behaviour. Dogs communicate with their bodies and, if we are determining how easily they can move, this can result in communication failure. A long escape line that you can grab, if necessary, works well. Allow the two dogs to approach in their own time, providing a positive incentive if there are no signs of trouble. Remember, puppies can be annoying and still need to learn social skills, so if the adult dog acts to scold your puppy, you don’t always have to interfere. My own dog quickly learned that approaching my mother’s dog’s bed was a forbidden zone, and they get along anywhere else in the house. Mostly, dogs need to solve this among themselves. If everything seems to be going well, I think a walk together helps to cement friendship – but, once again, remember to check if your dog is safe to leave.
Signs that a meeting is not going well
It is important to learn how to interpret the dog’s body language so that you can see that a meeting is sour before there is an injury or before your puppy is afraid of other dogs.
If the adult dog is interested and accepting, it will probably have its ears forward, tail upright and shaking slowly, and they will have a relaxed posture. Your puppy may mirror this, but he is naturally a little submissive to older dogs at this age and can crawl forward over his belly, have his tail between his legs, stay lowered on the floor or even urinate (another good reason to have the meeting out).
If the adult dog is not happy with the meeting, you may notice signs such as ears backwards, crouched posture, rigid body, tail between legs (or erect and rigid), lip lift or growled. If any of these occur, it is a good idea to move the puppy immediately to give the adult dog a little more space. Consider calling a behaviour expert for advice if it is imperative that these dogs get along well.
Good luck!
It sounds scary, but remember that the vast majority of dog-dog meetings are good, especially if you are presenting a puppy and an adult dog that is usually not aggressive with other dogs. Remember that you can always find a dog trainer or behaviouralist to help everything go well. We recommend finding one with strength-free and positive reinforcement techniques.