Dog to Dog Trust Building
As our population grows, so does our love for our dogs. Many of us love being with our dogs so much we have multiples. Every place we go there are dogs. People are so in love with their dogs, they want to take their dogs everywhere. There are more dogs on our wilderness trails, bike paths, and even on our city streets than there were even five years ago. Every public event will find dogs along, even if dogs are not invited. Enormous emotional pressure goes on our dogs that most of us never stop to consider.
Just as many people do not immediately trust or even like other people, most dogs are the same way. Yes, there are some that by nature or by breed want to be with other dogs. But, many dogs have had bad experiences with dog attacks from off-leash dogs with poor or no recall. Some dogs have had bad experiences with people.
As dog owners, we want quality of life for our dogs so we immediately think taking them for hikes or walks is the call for the day. Indeed, there is nothing more joyful than a dog experiencing the enticing smells and scenes in the woods or along the bike path!
The hard thing with the increasing dog population is that dogs are forced into relationships with other dogs much too quickly. There are many breed as well as personality conflicts that arise. I’ve discussed breed conflicts and differences previously.
Recently, I brewed the perfect storm at my house. I introduced a Norwich Terrier to my pack of German Shepherds. If you have ever seen a small, tenacious terrier next to a full grown, or puppy German Shepherd, the differences immediately hit you smack in the face. The size is the first thing. The confidence is the second. Two very confident breeds, one already established in a pack situation immediately produces territorial as well as confidence conflicts. Who shall be in charge?
The answer to THAT one is pretty simple. I AM!!! But, the dogs must get a chance to explore each other in safety and know that I am going to protect everyone. Secondly, they need TIME with that feeling of safety. Most of us just expect dogs to immediately get along with each other when they see another dog. If they don’t, the dogs are immediately labeled aggressive, when in fact WE HUMANS are the ones that put them in a situation where they feel unsafe and need to protect themselves.
So, how did I introduce the Norwich to my pack? I took 3 days. The Norwich was given freedom alone in my yard to explore so he knew where he was. Then he was placed in the safety of a very large, very tall exercise pen when I let my dogs out one by one. Each of them got to see each other and sniff in safety. After becoming used to each other and seeing a noticeable difference in the excitement level which took several hours, I let the low man on the totem pole, Cloud, meet the Norwich. They were both quite nervous, and I only let the interaction take place for a few minutes. I walked quickly around the yard which kept them moving and not fixating on each other. I kept a leash on the terrier so I could control things if I had to. I had each of them do “come” and “sit” for treats next to each other under MY control. I would not tolerate bullying one another for the treat.
The next day was exactly the same way. On day three, all the dogs no longer saw the Norwich as anything but a part of the daily fixture. One by one, I let them together in the yard.
The point of all of this is that trusting another dog takes time. It takes organization and it takes enough management that everyone feels safe with each other. When we force dogs into situations where they don’t know other dogs – heck YOU don’t even know the other dog – and you expect civility and trust, it is being unfair to everyone. This is when accidents and defensive fights happen. Find space such as a large yard, take your time, and manage the interactions with tools such as exercise pens and long lines or leashes as a few examples.
Remember, not all dogs are Golden Retrievers that love everyone and every dog. Be kind, be patient and be prepared with tools to stop if fight if necessary. But, most of all, PREVENT fights in the first place by letting the dogs build trust with one another.
Caption: The Perfect Storm is now a Perfect Friendship – Mostly.