Some dogs bond instantly, but some might test each other as they begin their life together under one roof. So, here are some guidelines on how to make a good introduction.
Allow them to become familiar with the scent of one another by first placing the resident dog in a crate with a blanket in a closed-off area of the house.
Let the new dog explore the house and yard, smelling the scent of the resident dog.
Place the new dog in a second crate with another blanket in a different closed-off area of the house. Let the resident dog loose and he will investigate the smells of the new dog.
Swap the blankets of the two crates, putting the resident dog’s blanket into the new dog’s crate and vice versa. This will make each dog grow accustomed to the smell of the other one.
It can take up to several days for the resident dog to relax and accept the smell of the new dog.
Take them separately to a neutral location with no other dogs present. Make sure you have a henchman for this one. Allow the resident dog to explore the neutral area first while keeping the new dog out of sight.
Leave the area with the resident dog and position him out of sight. Now it is time for your helper to let the new dog explore the area. Return with the resident dog and allow the two dogs to greet each other.
Both dogs should be on a leash and you have to stay relaxed and not be nervous or tense. They will sense your anxiety and become anxious themselves.
If either dog displays aggression, separate them and walk them on-leash in separate areas in order to calm them down and “reset” their behavior. After about 10-15 minutes, try this again.
Bring them back home one at a time but through the same door. Maintain leash control as you show both dogs the new dog’s bed and food and water bowls.
You can also consider putting them in separate rooms until a comfort level is established. If either dog snaps or growls, calmly remove both from the house and walk them in different areas. After a few minutes, bring them back inside.