This month resident vet, James Dutfield, shares advice on introducing your dogs together to achieve a happy household when moving in with a partner

So, you have found the partner of your dreams, you are all loved up and ready to take the next big step and move in together. But what do you do if you both have dogs?

Here is a short guide to introducing our canine friends together to achieve a happy household.

• Prior to the introduction try to get the dogs used to each other scents by swapping beds and blankets or grooming with the same brush.

• You’ll need one handler per dog. Both handlers must be positive, calm and happy as this will rub off on the dogs and the introduction.

• The first meeting should be planned and taken slowly. The slower the introduction the more likely you are to have success.

• It should be done in an open outside neutral area. The neutrality of the setting removes territorial behaviour and the open space reduces tension.

• Keep both dogs on a leash but keep the leash loose during the meeting as this removes tension. A short tight lead creates tension.

• Keep initial interactions to short brief meetings; sniffs, licks, touching noses, then move away and distract the dogs to keep them calm and not over focused on each other. Have treats handy for these distraction breaks, but don’t use treats for the actual interactions.

• If you notice any signs of negative body language then immediately separate and distract. Once calm, you can try again. Continue with brief interactions until the excitement has worn off and greeting behaviour has dissipated. Once both dogs are in a calm and positive manner you can progress to the next stage; taking them home together.

• Remove any toys, bowels or personal items to avoid conflict.

• Each dog should have a separate area for sleeping, eating and time outs, usually this involves separate rooms. Never leave them alone with food.

• When you arrive home, take both dogs out on a short-leashed walk together around the neighbourhood before approaching the house. 

• Once inside, lead them both around the house together. If they accomplish this then you can let them off the lead supervised. Any issues take them to their own areas.

• Reward polite behaviour and manage the environment to prevent conflicts from occurring. Make sure to pay special attention to a resident dog so he/she doesn’t feel put out or jealous. After a few weeks, provided there has been no trouble you can start leaving them alone together, and gradually build up that time until they are well and truly bonded like their owners.

• If the worst happens and a fight occurs, don’t panic. You must stop them, but never get between them, instead de-escalate the situation with a loud or distracting noise. If this fails, throw something soft at them like a cushion or blanket, or spray with a hose if outside. If a fight occurs, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t be mixed, you just have to de-escalate the situation, wait until they’re calm and try again, maybe taking more time and removing any triggers or trigger situations. If you are finding the introductions difficult, please seek further guidance from a behaviourist.

James Dutfield BVSC MRCVS - Resident Vet, 

If you have a question for James you can email him at james-the-vet@thecheshiremag.co.uk

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