It is common knowledge that humans are bound by certain rules of etiquette when it comes to meeting each other. In a way dogs are too but there rules differ from ours. Humans unlike dogs do not meet each other and then begin fighting one another, or should I say not usually. This is common place in the canine world. To actually introduce two dogs in a public place can be a very precarious situation unless you have trained them well. There is a good chance that they may start to fight. There are also other things to look out for such as any sort of dog illness that can be passed on when two dogs meet.

It is a good idea to assume the worst possible scenario when you first take your dog out in public. This may sound extreme but there are quite a few ill mannered dogs and their owners in the big wide world. By assuming the worst you should be well prepared for any sort of mishaps that you may come across along the way. Do not go out expecting every dog that you meet to automatically get along with your dog just because yours is well trained.

So how is it possible to introduce two dogs when you assume the worst? Well in truth I try not to introduce my dog to another when I am out in public with him. I normally try to keep my dog away from others as I am not sure about the other dog’s health or whether or not it is an aggressive animal that could injure my dog in a fight.

I tend to think that other owner’s know nothing about dogs. Have you ever found that when you are walking with your dog and you meet other owners they almost always want their dogs to meet? They try to calm your fears by saying “yes he’s fine with other people’s dogs”. Just because they have been friendly with other dogs does not necessarily mean that he will be friendly with mine. I have had previous occasions when walking my dog and approaching another owner with an Airedale terrier. “He’s fine with other dog’s” they shouted upon which the other dog lunged at mine barking quite ferociously. My dog and I was lucky to escape as the other owner held his dog back and if it was not for the leash there could have been serious consequences. This is why my opinion of other dogs and their owners is like it is.

I suppose in a way this is why we tend to avoid dog parks. The more dogs you get in one place the more chance of fighting or catching other dog related illnesses in my opinion.

Am I over reacting? Well I don’t think I am. At last I can guarantee both mine and my dog’s safety when we go out. As for my dog socializing I prefer to do this under well controlled situations.

In the same way I am careful about the children that my daughter meets. I would not let her associate with known bullies or people who are ill. So why should I do this to my dog. A controlled situation is the best way in my opinion for two dogs to meet.

So how do you class a controlled situation? There are a few examples such as I know the other dog and its owner. Or situations where both dogs are on leashes and under complete control of their owners. I am very confident of keeping my dog under control so as long as the other owner can control their dog then to me this is a controlled situation.

Starting with both dogs on their leashes and about 10 feet apart from each other you can gauge how they react with each other. If there are any signs of aggression then this is not an ideal situation. If they seem friendly then let one dog slowly approach while the other dog is in the sit position. You could then alternate the dogs by firstly one dog sitting while the other dog walks by at a few feet apart and then vice versa. If both dogs are still happy with each other both owners could put their dogs to their left side and slowly walk past each other, this way they are still under control by the owners. If by this time they are still content with each other this is a good sign. If however they show even the smallest amount of aggression towards each other then you should stop the session and walk on.

If everything goes smoothly then you can get to the actual meeting of the dogs. As the owners approach each other with their dogs in the heel position they should get to about 3 feet away from each other and then get the dogs to sit. The dogs can then be released from that position and allowed to approach and sniff each other. Leave them sniffing for a few seconds and then lead your dog away and both owners go in opposite directions. You should then turn around and approach each other again until about 3 feet away and repeat the last process. This time leave them to sniff a little bit longer. By this time there may be some tells for you to read. If one of the dog’s has its hair standing proud on the back of its neck lead that dog away and start to slow down the meeting operation. If there are any other signs such as growling or lip curling abort the meeting.

Keeping your dog on the leash is important as you can easily drag the dogs apart should a fight start. If after introducing two dogs this way everything is fine with them you could gradually give the dogs a little more freedom at a time to allow them to play more.

Most things in dog training are a matter of common sense. As long as you keep your eyes open for any signs both good or bad you should be okay. Just remember to be cautious and it can be quite fun.

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