Fido's First Impressions

Many people want their dogs to meet and play with other dogs. Yet bringing them to the dog park and letting them mix and mingle can be overwhelming.

Most dogs like some other dogs, but—except for puppies—few dogs want to play with everyone. Then there are those that don’t want to play with anyone. Knowing your own dog’s preference is important in helping to navigate dog-dog meetings. Start with one-on-one introductions for the best results.

Keep initial introductions on neutral territory and limited to just a few seconds. Depending on the personality of the dogs, they might meet on-leash or off-leash, but never introduce dogs while one is on-leash and the other is free. Though off-leash dogs have the ability to flee if they feel uncomfortable, the other dog can chase after them. Yet leashed dogs, if stressed, may see fighting as their only defense. Even so, introductions are more easily managed when both dogs are leashed—just take care to keep both dogs feeling safe and comfortable.

Before introducing the dogs, observe their stance and movements. Loose body movements, wide tail wagging, and open mouths usually indicate contentment and ease. Upright ears, and a stiffened body and tail, indicate curiosity or arousal. Approach the other dog only if both dogs are calm. Over-excited dogs greet rudely, and a dog with a closed, puckered mouth, or a stalking dog, is not ready to meet another dog. Try again another time when the dog is more relaxed, perhaps after his evening meal. 

Canine manners are the opposite of Western human manners. Polite dogs do not look other dogs in the eye. They arc when they meet, exposing their flanks to the other dog, then greet nose-to-tail for a "doggy handshake." When introducing dogs on-leash, approach leisurely, at an angle, stopping occasionally so that the dogs can communicate with each other. They should meet nose-to-tail to avoid potentially upsetting face-to-face greetings. 

Calmly but immediately separate the dogs if either exhibits signs of anxiety, such as licking lips, pulling ears back, turning a head away, or freezing. Meetings should end on a neutral, if not a happy, note. Positive experiences create positive feelings. Do not force one dog to greet another if either is showing signs of reluctance. Unpleasant introductions can affect a dog’s perception of other dogs for a lifetime. 

If both dogs appear relaxed and the introduction area is enclosed, drop the leashes. Remove pinch, slip, and martingale collars during play to prevent injuries. Leashes can be removed once dogs are familiar with each other. Have periodic time-outs to keep dogs from getting over-excited. Finally, always supervise playing dogs…not just for safety’s sake, but for the joy of watching a new friendship bloom!

The Walnut Creek Dog Park is currently closed for structural maintenance and turf rehabilitation . It is scheduled to reopen  May 20.

Elena Bicker is the executive director of Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek. She has been with the organization since 1993, serving first as a volunteer then as marketing director. She lives in Danville with her husband, Bill, and her rescue dogs Sadie and Mia.