3. Keep your cool
When your dog is happily greeting another dog, be sure to keep a calm and relaxed energy – this means no yelling or high-pitched sounds. When dogs are being introduced they are more sensitive and easily excitable and will pick up on any sounds or shifts in energy. Maintaining clear and relaxed verbal and physical communication will help your dog stay calm in an otherwise stimulated situation.
4. Keep it movin’
During the first introduction, it’s important to keep your dog in motion. This helps alleviate stress, intensity and takes away any pressure your dog may feel. Keeping the dog “on course” also works as a distraction so that instead of the focus being on meeting a new dog, the focus is always about the walk itself.
5. Space it out
Now that your dog is comfortably interacting with another dog, respect the situation by allowing enough space. You don’t have to be far away, but standing over the top of them, can make the dogs feel crowded and may add pressure and stress to the situation. Just bear in mind that you still want to keep that leash loose!
And of course, if pup's just in need of a play with a few new friends, toss round one of these incredibly indestructible chew toys by Kong! Available here for a steal.