Introducing Your Foster Dog to Resident Dogs

Even when both dogs are friendly, introductions should be slow, structured, and supervised.

The goal is not immediate play or friendship. The goal is calm, safe coexistence while the dogs get to know one another.

Before the Introduction

• Make sure both dogs are securely leashed.
• Use standard leashes rather than retractable leashes.
• Remove toys, bones, food bowls, and other high-value items.
• Choose a calm area with plenty of space.
• If possible, have one adult handler for each dog.
• Avoid tight spaces such as doorways, hallways, or small rooms for the first meeting.

Start Outside

Whenever possible, begin the introduction outdoors rather than inside the home.

Start by walking the dogs in the same direction with some distance between them.

• Keep leashes loose whenever possible.
• Do not force the dogs to greet nose-to-nose.
• Allow them to notice and smell one another from a comfortable distance.
• Gradually decrease the distance if both dogs appear relaxed.
• Keep moving rather than standing still and creating pressure.

Allow Brief Sniffing

If both dogs appear comfortable, allow a brief greeting.

Short successful interactions are better than allowing a greeting to continue until one dog becomes uncomfortable.

Watch Body Language

Look at the entire dog rather than focusing only on whether the tail is wagging.

Signs of relaxed behavior may include:

• Loose, wiggly body
• Soft facial expression
• Curved approaches rather than rushing directly toward the other dog
• Sniffing the ground
• Easily turning away from the other dog
• Taking treats and responding to the handler

Signs that a dog may need more space include:

• Stiff body
• Freezing
• Hard staring
• Raised hackles
• Tucked tail
• Repeated avoidance
• Growling
• Snapping
• Repeated mounting
• One dog repeatedly overwhelming or chasing the other

If either dog appears uncomfortable, calmly increase distance.

Entering the House

Once the outdoor introduction has gone well, bring the dogs inside calmly.

• Keep leashes attached initially if needed for safety.
• Avoid crowding dogs together in an entryway.
• Use baby gates, crates, or separate rooms to provide breaks.
• Continue supervising interactions closely.

It is completely appropriate for the dogs to spend substantial time separated during the first few days.

Food, Toys & High-Value Items

Do Not Force Sharing

Dogs should not be expected to immediately share:

• Beds
• Crates
• Couches
• Toys
• Food bowls
• Chews
• Personal space
• Attention from people

Give each dog opportunities to relax without the other dog nearby.

Play Should Be Mutual

If the dogs begin playing, watch to make sure both dogs are choosing to participate.

Good play often includes pauses, role reversals, loose bodies, and both dogs returning to continue the interaction.

Interrupt play if one dog is repeatedly trying to escape, hiding, becoming stiff, or being overwhelmed.

Do Not Punish Growling

Growling is communication. It tells us that a dog is uncomfortable and needs more space.

Do not punish or correct a dog for growling. Calmly separate the dogs and give them time to settle.

Separate When You Cannot Supervise

Until you are confident the dogs are comfortable together, they should be separated whenever an adult is not actively supervising.

This includes:

• When you leave the house
• Overnight
• During meals
• When giving chews or high-value toys
• Any time you cannot closely monitor their interaction

Give It Time

Some dogs become comfortable with one another very quickly. Others may need several days or longer.

Do not rush the process simply because the dogs have not shown aggression.

Neutral coexistence is a success. Your foster and resident dog do not need to play, cuddle, or become best friends.

Contact MLRR If You Are Concerned

Contact your MLRR coordinator if you see repeated growling, snapping, fighting, guarding, intense staring, repeated bullying, significant fear, or any interaction that makes you uncomfortable.

Please ask for help early rather than waiting for the situation to escalate.