Bringing home a new dog is always exciting, but things can get a little ruff if you already have a furry friend. Some dogs can be territorial and may not want to share their pup parents with another pooch. This can make first introductions more than a little bit stressful. Here are a few steps to make sure your new dog’s initial meeting with your other canine companion is a success. 

Have The First Meeting Outside Of Your Home 

While it may be tempting to want to introduce your dogs to each other in the comfort of your own home, it may lead to some issues. Even if your furry friend isn’t particularly territorial, there still may be a chance that they will exhibit aggressive behavior. For this reason, you should consider a meeting spot that is neutral for all parties involved. You should refrain from picking an overly populated area, as it could potentially be overwhelming for the dogs. Pet MD recommends taking your pups to either a friend’s house “or a park during off hours.”

Keep All Dogs On Leash 

Just in case the meeting goes south, it’s in everyone’s best interest to keep your canine companions leashed at all times. Ideally, you will have a second party with you, so that you’ll only have to be in control of one dog. This way, it will be easier to keep the pups separated. 

Keep A Close Eye On Their Body Language 

I think I speak for everybody when I say life would be a whole lot easier if dogs could talk. (Maybe it’s for the best though -- I know that my dog would definitely gossip about me). Thankfully, there are ways to tell if your dogs are uncomfortable or getting upset with each other. You’ll want to keep a close eye on their body language. According to Best Friends Animal Society, if one of your pups has “stiffen[ed] their bodies” and makes direct eye contact, proceed with caution. The nonprofit organization also advises that "if [your dogs] lunge at each other,” you will need to hire a trainer or behaviorist before you go forward with any more introductions. 

Hide Toys & Have The Dogs Sleep Separately 

If the first meeting goes smoothly, feel free to take your furry friends back to your house. Just remember to keep all toys out of reach during the first couple of days of them getting to know each other. Otherwise, a fight over a tennis ball or a raw hyde bone may ensue and no one wants that. 

For the same reason, you should make sure that both dogs have a separate space to sleep. You can either have a gate separating their beds or have them sleep in two different crates for few weeks until they are fully acquainted.