Things You'll Need
- Two leashes
- Plastic bags or newspaper
Instructions
Put each of the dogs on leashes. This will allow you to have better control of the situation in case something goes wrong and they need to be pulled apart or held at a safe distance.
Walk the dogs. Have a friend walk one dog on a leash, while you walk the other one on a leash. Walk one dog in front of the other in single-file formation. Don't take breaks throughout the first part of the walk or the dogs may feel more anxious. They are more likely to calm down if each of you continues walking.
Speak calmly to the dogs when they are near each other. Show them your approval and praise them for good behavior. This keeps the dogs relaxed and happy. Don't yell at them if they bark at each other. Continue to speak calmly. If they bark, they are most likely expressing their anxiety and concern for the new and unfamiliar situation.
Let the dogs sniff each other after they have become more used to each other's presence and are visibly less anxious. The dog in the back will most likely do the sniffing, since dogs typically sniff the backside of other dogs when getting to know them. This will probably interrupt the walking, but don't let the dogs stay still for too long.
Trade positions with your friend during the walk. This gives the dog that is now in the back a chance to initiate the sniffing. Continue trading positions throughout the walk.
Allow the dogs to sniff each other's pee or poop if they do so during the walk. You may be tempted to pull them away from the "mess," but the scent will allow them to become more used to each other and feel more comfortable. However, only allow sniffing when the dogs have finished doing their business.
Avoid letting them play with each other during the walk, but only for now. If they show signs of being playful toward one another, let them show the signs, but keep walking. If you stop walking and allow them to play, they may end up fighting since they are not used to each other and the play could easily escalate into aggressive behavior. Or, if you allow them to walk close to each other and play as they walk, they might still fight. Their leashes could also become tangled, which will raise their anxiety and increase the risk of a fight.
Play with the dog you are walking and have your friend gently be playful with the dog that he or she is walking. This helps to keep the dogs happy and free of anxiety.
Give the dogs treats, especially as a reward for positive behavior. Keep them at a safe distance while feeding them so that they don't become aggressive over the treats.
Take a break after the dogs have become more comfortable with each other's presence. Pet the dogs while you are taking a break from walking to keep the dogs relaxed.
Walk next to each other, rather than in single-file formation. Now that the dogs have become more used to each other, they can walk closer to each other. They can be next to one another or you can stand between them.