dog is the bestfriend of man

Introducing Dogs to Each Other
By Sherry Woodard

If you have a dog and a new one will
be entering or visiting your home, there
are things you can do to ensure that the
meeting comes off without a hitch. A new
dog can mean you are bringing home a
foster dog or a new puppy; someone who
has a dog is moving into your house; or
someone is visiting with a dog.
If you know that both dogs are very social
with other dogs, the meeting should be
easy. But, you may not know this, since
some dogs don’t get out and mix with other
dogs that much. If your dog (or the new dog) has not been spayed/neutered, the meeting
may be more diffi cult.

If you are uncertain how one (or both) of the dogs will react, be cautious. First, the dogs
will need to meet on neutral ground. Choose a place where neither dog is likely to feel
territorial. Even your dog’s favorite park is not a good spot, unless it is a dog park (dogs
are often used to meeting other dogs there). If you are adopting a dog from a shelter,
ask the staff if they can help to introduce the dogs. If your dog is accustomed to meeting
dogs at a pet supply store like PETsMART or Petco, you can ask their trainer to help with
the introduction. The dogs could casually meet while you are on a shopping trip.

When the meeting occurs, have each dog on lead with a calm, relaxed adult handler.
Keep the leads loose, since pulling on the leash might communicate to the dog that you
are fearful or anxious about their meeting. As the dogs approach each other, watch their
body language closely. The dogs may need to do a little posturing or make a little noise,
but if you don’t know how to tell the difference between dogs getting to know each other
and dogs who don’t like each other, have someone there who does.
If they try to play by pawing or play bowing with their legs stretched out in front of them,
they may want to be best buddies. Allow them to sniff each other, and give praise for a
nice greeting. If you want, you can take them for a walk together, stopping occasionally
to allow them to sniff and investigate each other.
If they stiffen their bodies and stare into each other’s eyes with their hair up and their
teeth bared, they probably aren’t going to become fast friends. If they lunge at each
other and try to fi ght, separate them and don’t try further introductions without help from
someone with experience in dog training and behavior.
If neither of the dogs is food aggressive, you can practice commands that they know and
give treats as rewards. Giving treats can also serve to distract the dogs from focusing
too much on each other.

The Better Option

Adopt a shelter or rescue dog

If you think purebreds and shelters don't go together, consider this: one out of four dogs in a shelter is a special breed.

Pure breed animals come to shelters for all the same reasons that mixed breeds do. The owners lose interest, or they move somewhere where they can't keep pets, or they realize that the temperament of the animal isn't right for their lifestyle. In fact, this last reason is precisely why so many pure breeds come to shelters.

Almost every breed was created for a specific purpose -- hunting, herding and guarding are examples. But most people don't want the family pet herding the kids into a corner! Your so-called "mutt" is actually a much more adaptable dog for the way most people live today - as well as being healthier and closer to a real, natural dog.

However, if you've done your research, and you're looking for a specific breed, consider your options. Apart from your local shelter, there are rescue groups that specialize in just about every breed imaginable. They can also help you decide if a particular breed is right for you. And when you adopt from a shelter or rescue group, you get the added bonus of knowing you are saving a life.

The Better Option

Adopt a shelter or rescue dog

If you think purebreds and shelters don't go together, consider this: one out of four dogs in a shelter is a special breed.

Pure breed animals come to shelters for all the same reasons that mixed breeds do. The owners lose interest, or they move somewhere where they can't keep pets, or they realize that the temperament of the animal isn't right for their lifestyle. In fact, this last reason is precisely why so many pure breeds come to shelters.

Almost every breed was created for a specific purpose -- hunting, herding and guarding are examples. But most people don't want the family pet herding the kids into a corner! Your so-called "mutt" is actually a much more adaptable dog for the way most people live today - as well as being healthier and closer to a real, natural dog.

However, if you've done your research, and you're looking for a specific breed, consider your options. Apart from your local shelter, there are rescue groups that specialize in just about every breed imaginable. They can also help you decide if a particular breed is right for you. And when you adopt from a shelter or rescue group, you get the added bonus of knowing you are saving a life.