How to Introduce Dogs and Help Them Socialise with New People

Meeting new people and other dogs can be nerve wracking for your pooch. Read on for tips on the best ways to introduce your dog to others, for stress-free interactions.

If your dog is meeting someone new for the first time, whether this be a person or another dog, you want to make them feel as happy and comfortable as possible. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to keep anxiety levels low and enjoyment levels high when your dog is meeting potential friends.

Here are some of our top tips for introducing your dog to new dogs and people, so that it’s a positive experience all round.

Prep your pup

The best thing you can do before introducing a new dog or person to your pooch is to make sure they’re feeling at ease before anyone arrives. Introduce the new dog or person to them slowly and calmly, so your dog has time to adjust to their company. 

Prepare your friends too! Let them know what the best way to interact with your dog is and give them a heads up about anything they need to know, such as if your dog has anxious tendencies or they’re likely to get excitable. 

The best way to introduce dogs to other dogs is to find a neutral spot for them to meet so territory doesn't come into play. Taking them for a walk together is the perfect opportunity for them to meet with lots of open space around them. At first, keep both pets on the lead with the leads slack so they can get to know each other - and have a good sniff! Pay attention to both dogs’ body language and intervene if either gets aggressive or scared.

Involve some tasty treats

Your furry friend is likely to feel a lot warmer towards a new person if that person just happens to come equipped with a tasty treat! Get the individual to offer your dog the treat by extending their palm flatly and letting your dog walk up and take it on their own terms.

Treats can also be used as rewards for your pooch behaving nicely with new people and dogs. Dog socialisation is really important for developing a relaxed and friendly temperament, so you want all of their interactions with others to feel positive. The best way to socialise a dog is to begin with calm one-to-one interactions, before introducing them to groups of other dogs or busy social settings.

Respect the dog’s boundaries

We all know that giving a dog a friendly stroke or pat is a simple way to bond with them. But it’s important to respect dogs’ boundaries, especially when meeting a dog for the first time. Some dogs might feel threatened by a stranger suddenly reaching out to touch them, so encourage new people to let your pooch come over in their own time. If your dog is the one initiating affection, it’s usually a safe bet that they’ll happily accept a gentle tickle behind the ears or maybe even a belly rub, once they’re feeling comfortable around their new pal.

Body language and tone of voice

Dogs can be really sensitive to body language and tone of voice, so ask new people to speak in friendly, relaxed tones. Your dog can sense both fear and confidence in a person’s voice, so be extra careful when introducing your pooch to children or people who may feel nervous around dogs. Also remind people not to approach your dog quickly or suddenly (even if your dog is acting playful), as this can spook them or put them on edge. You can learn more about how to adapt your tone and body language around your furry friends in our article about how to help dogs understand you.

If you’re introducing a new dog to your pooch, watch out for body language that indicates whether the dogs are relaxed or on edge. If the meeting is going well, their postures will appear relaxed. On the other hand, tension anywhere in a dog’s body and facial expressions can indicate anxiety, fear or potential aggression. Calm, supervised dog socialisation is the best way to overcome anxiety around other dogs.

Know your pooch

The easiest way to keep interactions calm and friendly is to know your dog. Prevent strangers from picking up or cuddling with your dog if you know your dog doesn't like this kind of attention. And if your pooch prefers their own quiet environment, give them that space and let them choose how much they want to interact with new people and other dogs. 

If introducing a new dog, speak to the other dog’s owner to learn more about what would work best for their pooch, as well as your own. Some dogs can feel threatened if another dog enters their territory, while others feel more at ease at home. Likewise, some like to play with their toys with other dogs, while others get possessive. So it’s a good idea to discuss the best way to introduce dogs.

First impressions are as important for dogs as they are for humans. So, creating an environment that’s as stress-free as possible, respecting boundaries and keeping an eye on body language are the best ways to begin a beautiful dog-to-dog or dog-to-human friendship!