How Long Does It Take for Two Dogs to Get Along?
Introducing a new dog to your resident dog is a process that requires patience, observation, and careful planning. While some dogs may hit it off quickly, others may need days or even weeks to gradually build a bond. The timeframe largely depends on the dogs’ temperaments, previous experiences, and the way introductions are handled.
Factors That Influence How Long It Takes
- Temperament: Friendly and social dogs typically adapt faster to one another.
- Energy Levels: Dogs with similar energy levels tend to get along better, while mismatches can lead to stress or conflict.
- Previous Socialization: Dogs that are accustomed to interacting with other dogs may need less time to settle into a new dynamic.
- Behavioral or Medical Issues: Unresolved issues in either dog can slow or hinder a successful relationship.
Steps for a Successful Introduction
To encourage a positive and lasting relationship, follow these essential steps:
1. Preparation Phase
- Ensure your current dog is fully adjusted to your home and is healthy—ideally at least three months before introducing a new dog.
- Select a new dog that matches your current dog in temperament and play style.
- Set up separate spaces using crates, gates, or pens to manage proximity and avoid direct conflict.
- Remove resources like food bowls, beds, or toys that can trigger competition.
2. First Meeting
- Choose a neutral location such as a park or friend’s yard to avoid territorial behavior.
- Each dog should have its own handler and be on a 4-6 foot non-retractable leash.
- Begin with parallel walks at a distance of 20–30 feet, greater if either dog shows signs of anxiety or overexcitement.
3. Gradual Approach
- Decrease the distance between the dogs slowly, in 3–5 foot increments, only if both dogs are relaxed.
- Reward calm and attentive behavior with treats—but avoid giving treats when they’re too close, to prevent resource guarding.
- Observe closely for relaxed body language: soft eyes, loose wagging tails, and open mouths.
4. Short Greetings
- Allow brief greetings on-leash, letting the dogs sniff in an arc or circle rather than face-to-face.
- Limit these greetings to a few seconds and increase duration gradually as long as both remain comfortable.
5. Off-Leash Time in Neutral Space
- Only after successful walks and relaxed greetings should you attempt an off-leash session in a secure area.
- Watch for mounting, rude behavior, or signs of stress; interrupt and separate if needed.
- Keep early sessions short and positive.
6. Transition to the Home
- Supervise closely; keep leashes on during the first interactions at home if safe.
- Continue to separate feeding areas and remove high-value items.
- Provide “success stations” or safe quiet locations where each dog can rest individually.
- Gradually increase the time they spend together, always supervising and providing breaks when needed.
Signs of Progress vs. Trouble
Recognizing your dogs’ body language is one of the most critical parts of this process:
- Comfortable: play bows, relaxed posture, loose tail wagging, engaging in mutual play.
- Concern or Fear: stiff body, direct stare, lip-licking, growling, freezing, or avoidance.
Best Practices and Tips
- Never punish normal communication like growling. Instead, use calm redirection and increase distance.
- Provide multiple resources: separate beds, toys, and food to reduce competition.
- Supervise playtimes to ensure that both dogs are enjoying the interaction.
- Don’t leave dogs alone unsupervised until you're confident they’re fully comfortable with each other.
When to Seek Help
If your dogs show ongoing signs of stress or aggression and fail to adjust despite careful introductions, contact a certified, reward-based trainer or behaviorist. Some dogs may need professional guidance to cohabit peacefully.
In summary, how long it takes for dogs to get along varies by individual, but with patience, structure, and positive reinforcement, most dogs can form a happy relationship over time.
