Welcoming a new dog into your home is exciting — but it’s also a big adjustment for everyone. A thoughtful, slow introduction sets the foundation for a peaceful, lifelong friendship between dogs.

 

At the Fluvanna SPCA, we follow the best-practice recommendations from trusted organizations like Maddie’s Fund, the Oregon Humane Society, and other experts in animal welfare. Here’s how you can help your new dog and resident dog(s) start off on the right paw.

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Before you bring the new dog home

Plan ahead for success:

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• Choose a calm day for the introduction. Avoid busy or stressful times. You’ll need patience and a relaxed environment.
• Create separate safe spaces. Set up a crate or gated area for your new dog, and a comfortable space for your resident dog. This allows each to decompress, rest, and adjust at their own pace.
• Remove high-value items. Before they meet, pick up toys, food bowls, chews, or anything your current dog might guard.
• Stick to your resident dog’s routine. Keep walks, meals, and bedtime on schedule so they feel secure during the transition.

 

The First Meeting

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There’s nothing better than good, slow introductions — and nothing worse than a bad first impression. Take your time. Let both dogs set the pace.

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1. Meet on neutral ground. Choose a location neither dog considers “theirs,” such as a quiet park or a neighbor’s yard.
2. Walk side by side (but apart). Start several feet apart on leashes, walking in the same direction. Gradually decrease the distance if both dogs stay relaxed.
3. Allow brief greetings. When both are calm, let them sniff for a few seconds, then gently call them away and reward them with praise or treats.
4. Watch body language. Look for wagging tails and soft eyes (good signs) vs. stiff posture or growling (signals to back off).
5. Introduce one resident dog at a time. If you have more than one, go slowly — one-on-one meetings help prevent overwhelm.

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Bringing the new dog home

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• Start with short, supervised visits. Keep both dogs on leashes indoors at first. Let the new dog explore while the resident dog watches from a comfortable distance.
• Use crates and barriers. Continue giving both dogs breaks in their own safe spaces. A crate is not punishment — it’s a den where a dog can relax and feel secure.
• Rotate freedom gradually. As both dogs show comfort, allow supervised time together without leashes in neutral or open spaces.
• Feed separately. Always feed in separate areas to prevent food guarding.

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The first days and weeks

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• Supervise all interactions until you’re confident they’re comfortable together.
• Reintroduce toys and treats slowly. Only once both dogs are relaxed around each other.
• Encourage calm behavior. Reward polite sniffing, relaxed play, and positive interactions.
• Avoid rough play early on. Games like tug-of-war or chase can cause tension too soon.
• Take breaks and go slow. If either dog looks stressed, separate them and try again later.
• Seek help if needed. If tension or fights occur, contact a positive-reinforcement trainer or your veterinarian for guidance.

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Patience pays off

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Every dog adjusts at a different pace. Some pairs bond in days, while others may take weeks or months. Remember: There’s no substitute for slow, careful introductions. A good first experience can set the tone for a lifetime of friendship.

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Sources and recommended reading

Based on best practices from:
• Maddie’s Fund – Introducing Your New Dog to Resident Dogs (https://www.maddiesfund.org/introducing-your-new-dog-to-your-dogs.htm)
• Oregon Humane Society – Introducing a New Dog (https://www.oregonhumane.org/portland-training/introducing-your-new-dog-to-your-resident-dog/)
• San Francisco SPCA – Dog-Dog Introductions (https://www.sfspca.org/resource/dog-dog-introductions/)
• Animal Humane Society – How to Introduce Two Dogs (https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/how-successfully-introduce-two-dogs)