How to socialize your dogs with other dogs?

Are you thinking since long to add another pooch to your brood but unsure of how your existing dog will react? Your only four legged baby may not be very good at sharing his territory and human family ! We have attempted to address the issue for a smoother transition. There are times when human friends with dogs want to introduce their pets with each other; this is a good intention that may produce sour repercussions unless a proper procedure is followed.

While meddling in a dog fight, Always remember not to yell to break up the fight. Do not get hysterical but stay calm even if you have to make a loud sound. Image: www.cesarsway.com

Do not shove a new dog into another pack’s/dog’s territory

The chances of the existing dog or pack becoming aggressive is high in such a circumstance as the innate tendencies of defending ones space take over. A fight may ensue between the new dog and older/existing dog. In another case the new entrant may exhibit a submissive and fearful body language. Either way it is an uncalled-for episode.

The right way is to organize a meeting session between canines in a neutral area that doesn’t belong to any of the pooches. Thereafter take the dogs for a long walk before entering your house that is also your dog’s territory. Albeit there is a special sequence to be observed with regard to entering the premises, human members enter first, after this the canines that live there must enter and lastly the new dog or dogs get in.

The probability of a fight is much less between a male and a female dog as compared to dogs of the same gender. Sterilized dogs too are less likely to clash with one another. Image: Dogster.com

The relevance of a good walking session lies in the fact that the dogs get time to bond. Also by allowing the current resident dogs to enter first the feeling of some entity invading becomes redundant. It’s more like the existing dog inviting the new one to enter.
Your pet may take a couple of weeks or months to fully adjust to the presence of a new canine sibling. The human members of the pack need to oversee all of the interactions between the old and the new dog, at least till the time they can be trusted with the quality of their relationship. On the other hand some dogs can become the best of friends within a few hours of knowing each other.

Image – www.fanpop.com

How to stop a fight between two dogs?

Yes, two dogs within a close knit pack can get into a fight. The obvious thing for you to do is to intervene and stop the brawl! Reasons for a scuffle could be as trivial as a dog bumping accidentally into the other dog that perhaps is unwell or already wounded. One of your pooches wants some alone time however the other one fails to acknowledge and intrudes. This could definitely lead to a conflict. Another reason for a dog fight could be you or another human pack member dropping some tasty food tidbit on the floor and both your dogs head to grab it.

This could be the very first fight between the otherwise amiable pack. And it calls for you to stop it quickly yet calmly. You must go for the canine contender with high level of energy, make contact with it and pull it up not backwards. You touching the dog will make it stop the biting activity and redirect its energies. Always remember not to yell to break up the fight. Do not get hysterical but stay calm even if you have to make a loud sound. Your calm and assertive role matters the most. Also post the fight its best to forget it happened and move on. Don’t worry about your dogs getting into another fight in future. Dogs too tend to forget such a thing soon and get over it. The best thing to do after a clash would be to take them together for a walk. It’s important to reward the pooches with a tasty snack or their favorite food when they are displaying an obedient and calm state. It will help strengthen the positive behavior characterized by no fights.

You have to don the role of a strong pack leader

The absence of one is majorly responsible for fights between dogs in a pack. An assertive leader means that dogs will stop seeing each other as competition. The dogs will be guided by a set of rules and boundaries set by their leader.

In the dog world relationships and communication are governed by a hierarchy of sorts comprising of a leader and its followers. It is you who has to play the role of the ‘person in charge’ here.

If your dogs fight, do not overlook the issue or separate them from each other. Segregating them is like creating separate territories for the dogs. Most of the times dog fights happen due to the territorial streak in canines. For this very reason early socialization helps puppies develop into well rounded dogs. Also always walk your dogs side by side so that they feel as equals focusing on common objectives and motives. Walking will bring down their energy, preventing them to fight.

The probability of a fight is much less between a male and a female dog as compared to dogs of the same gender. Sterilized dogs too are less likely to clash with one another.

Services of a professional dog trainer can be used if the master is unable to manage the dogs and create an amiable environment. The trainer will work with the dog owner and pets in accordance with the current situation and strategies specifically devised for the dogs in question.