How to Introduce Your Dog to Other Dogs

Whether you've just adopted a new pup or are trying to socialize your furry friend, it's important to be aware of a "dominance hierarchy." This term refers to the social structure that dogs establish on their own. It helps maintain order, keep conflict at a minimum and garner cooperation.

Dogs also tend to have territories, which they'll often defend against trespassers. This will affect your dog's behavior if and when you bring a new animal into the house.

To keep the first meeting between dogs peaceful, follow these tips:

1. Introduce them one at a time to avoid ganging up
2. Plan for the dogs to meet somewhere neutral -- that is, on neither of their territories
3. Employ positive reinforcement; allow each furry friend to experience something good (treats, friendly tone of voice, etc.) when they're together
4. Look for a "play-bow," a friendly invitation to play
5. Keep an eye out for aggressive behavior, like growling or teeth-baring

If your dog can't seem to get along with others, you may want to consider enlisting the help of a professional animal behaviorist. The sooner you resolve the issue, the easier it will be!

For expert advice from one of our vets, contact Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital at (908) 464-0023. Get more tips by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.