Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Canine Behavior > Introducing dogs

Introducing dogs

18 16:50:54

Question
QUESTION: I have a two year old boxer. I got a dog as a present. The boxer and the new puppy accepted each other. I received a husky that is 8 months old. How do I introduce the dogs to each other. At the moment the dogs live in separate areas in my house. I don't want them fighting so haven't tried anything yet.

ANSWER: I have no idea what sex your dogs are; I can't see that from here.  this is an essential ingredient.  Please advise.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have a two year female old boxer. I got a dog as a present. The boxer and the new puppy which is a male accepted each other. I received a husky that is 8 months old male. How do I introduce the dogs to each other. They have seen each other trough windows of the house and keep on looking at each other. Don't know if they will fight if I put them together. Please help in regard to this.

Answer
I very much doubt that your adult female boxer will choose to pick a fight with an adolescent male dog; your puppy (as you describe it) is most likely very immature and should not demonstrate a problem.  The problem may come from the 8 month old male Husky but you won't know that until you introduce the dogs.  Take them all outside on leash (bring two friends) OFF your property.  Pay no attention to any excitement (no matter how it looks to you) demonstrated by any of the three dogs when they first see each other outdoors. Walk them parallel with one another for a few minutes (your two friends with two of the dogs) and then allow them to sniff and greet one another.  Right now, by separating them, you are setting them up for a problem.  Allowing them interaction outdoors off your property on leash will give them time to get acquainted and allow you to see any possible developing problem.  The only problem I can imagine would come from the Husky if he is totally unsocialized to other dogs.  Once you have allowed them to interact in this manner, put a short but strong indoor leash on the Husky and allow them to interact together indoors.  You can separate them when you are not at home.  The leash will give you instant access to control and removal of the Husky should he initiate a problem (by demonstrating CLEAR aggression.)  Read Patricia McConnell Ph.D.'s book on multiple dog households and study dog body language.  What may seem like a problem to you may not be one to the dogs.  you are obviously quite anxious about this and THIS WILL INSTANTLY COMMUNICATE TO YOUR DOGS.  Relax.  If any problem does erupt, it will not escalate into full blown fighting with serious injury, as no 8 month old puppy would escalate to this behavior without prior frightening experience with an adult dog.  Be prepared to separate if you see and hear serious threat (hackles raised, deep growling, lunging, snapping).  Other than that, supervise without comment and allow the relationships to develop.  It doesn't appear to  me that you're capable of running a household with this many dogs.  I suggest you find a positive reinforcement trainer in your area (NO COERCION, no choker collars, no shouting, no dominance exercises).