Your excited to meet your first (or next) guest pup and little Fido is just as happy to have a new furry pal to play with. Even though Fido is usually friendly with all other dogs, it’s still important for resident and guest pups to have a proper introduction, it’s essential to ensure smooth sailing throughout the home boarding stay.
Here are a few useful tips on how to introduce your dog to a guest dog:
1. Introduce dogs in a neutral location.
Go on a walk around the neighborhood or local park with the dogs, it’s advisable for two people preferably both the dog sitter and dog owner, to be present for this meet and greet. To be on the safe side, pups should be kept on leashes at all times. Try to avoid introducing the dogs in your home or at the entrance of your home as resident dogs can become territorial when a new pooch enters their humble abode.
2. Let the dogs interact in their own time.
Start by letting the dogs sniff each other and if they don’t interact straight away don’t force them to, wait and let them get used to one another and they’ll interact when they’re comfortable and ready. Allow the pups to sniff each other for a little bit then separate them and continue walking. Remember to keep all introductions cheerful and happy, always praise the dogs when they get along.
3. Mind their body language.
Look for the tell tell signs that show how well the dogs are getting on. Loose body language, i.e. a relaxed mouth and play bows (which is when a dog lowers their chest to the ground keeping their rear end in the air) signify that both dogs are comfortable and mean well. If either dog stiffens their body, (i.e. starts growling under their teeth or staring at the other dog for long periods of time) it may indicate that the dog is about to bite because they feel threatened or aggressive.
4. Feed dogs separately.
Some dogs may become aggressive when food is involved, to prevent this make sure each dog has their own food and water bowls and always feed them separately.
To ensure a comfortable Home Dog Boarding stay, it’s important to remain patient when making your poochy introductions. If you have any concerns or queries, contact the myDogBuddy team on [email protected].
Find out more on how to have the pawfect meet and greet here.