First Introductions: Preparing Your Dog to Meet New People, Babies, and Other Dogs

As social distancing comes to an end, chances are your dog will encounter new people and their dogs. For some dogs this is fun and exciting, but for others it can cause considerable distress and even pose danger not only to them, but those they meet. Fortunately, with a little practice, you can turn introductions into a happy occasion for all parties involved.

GENERAL TIPS

Know how to read your dog’s body language. The more familiar you are with your dog and how they communicate, the more equipped you will be to control how meetings go. For instance, if you can tell your dog is more frightened or protective than excited, then you can make informed decisions as to how to guide them.

Do not be afraid to tell people not to approach your dog. This is especially true if you are in a public space like a park or while walking around your neighborhood. It is better to give someone a firm no than for them or your dog to get hurt. A simple, “I’m sorry, he’s not friendly,” or, “Please give him space” should get the point across.

Practice with one person or dog at a time. Do not put your dog into group situations before they have gained enough confidence and control.

Reduce noise and activity as much as possible. Interactions should be calm and positive. The more control you have over the situation, the better. You can work up to busier spaces like the dog park or town centers.

INTRODUCING HUMANS

Though tricky if you are preparing for a house party or get-together, try not to create anxiety leading up to the meeting. Keep the routine as normal as possible, staying calm and acting natural so your dog does not feed off anxious or excited energy. The more relaxed your dog is leading up to an introduction, the better.

Teach people how to greet your dog:

1) Ignore the dog initially, speaking to and looking at the human only. Do not make direct eye contact with the dog or make sudden movements.

2) Let the dog approach in its own time, giving time and space to sniff around.

3) Slowly get down to the dog’s level, still not making direct eye contact, continuing to allow sniffing. If speaking, keep the voice soft and gentle.

4) If the dog is interested, try petting its side, not their head. Do not try picking them up.

Use lots of positive reinforcement for desirable behavior. Give lots of praise and maybe even a treat or two when your dog approaches calmly and allows gentle petting. It may be helpful for the guest to give a familiar command and reward the dog with a treat.

Do not reward or reinforce fearful or shy behavior by excessive petting, attention, bribes, etc.

Uphold a zero-tolerance policy for aggressive behavior.

It may be helpful for dogs with anxiety to be kept in a separate room until initial greetings are exchanged and visitors have had a chance to get settled. Introduce the dog into as calm an environment as possible.

BABIES

Because babies are particularly vulnerable, introducing them to a dog needs special care and an extra measure of control. Everything about the baby is new: their smell, sounds, and movements. These can be very alien and unsettling for a dog. If the baby will be living in the same home as the dog, preparation should begin during the pregnancy. FernDogTraining shares excellent advice in this simple video:

OTHER DOGS

Unfamiliar dogs should ideally be introduced in neutral territory where it is calm and controlled. Both dogs should be leashed but given freedom to move and sniff around. Have the dogs approach slowly and from a distance. At least one of the dogs should already be well-socialized and comfortable with other dogs.

Use positive reinforcement for confident, calm behavior, but separate at any sign of aggression or anxiety.

Like any other type of training, practice makes perfect. The more first introductions you practice, the more comfortable your dog will become, and the more fun you can have together exploring the world!