Dog to Dog Communication
When it comes to dog-dog interactions, there is so much about how dogs communicate with one another that people need to know to help keep their dogs emotionally/behaviorally healthy, and physically safe, but most have no idea. People call us nearly every day, worried because their dog "didn't get along" with a dog he's met out on a walk, or at the dog park, etc. In most cases, one of the dogs (often the dog the caller is concerned about) was simply reacting to what he or she perceived as a threat from the other dog. Sadly though, people usually think it's their dog who's got the problem when all s/he was doing was responding normally in canine terms, to an unwelcome advance!
It doesn't matter whether it's a dog park, on walks, or any other environment where your dog encounters other dog/s, the following articles are important in helping you understand that just because your dog "didn't get along" with another dog (or dogs!) doesn't mean there's anything wrong with him. They'll also help you avoid "labeling" dogs (yours and others!) inappropriately and unfairly!
We as humans don't want to interact with, much less "get along" with every person we meet, so please don't expect something so unrealistic from your dog! The following articles will shed light on how we can do a better job as guardians by recognizing signals from our dogs that they're uncomfortable, and how to prevent trouble by keeping them out of situations that leave them no choice but to take matters into their own paws!
Dog-dog interaction: Aggression or appropriate response?
Is your dog's reaction to another dog really a problem?
Thinking of allowing your dog to "greet" unfamiliar dog/s during your on-leash walks? Just say no! Click here to read why it's really NOT a good idea.
DINOS = Dogs In Need Of Space!
Is Your Dog's Rough Play Appropriate?
The Dog Park: Is it really a good thing for your dog?
Dog Parks: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
If you choose to take your dog to the dog park, understanding canine body language can help you know if your dog is really having a good time, or not! Learn more.
Introducing strange dogs to one another
Thinking of allowing your dog to "greet" strange dog/s during your on-leash walks? Just say no! Click here to read why it's really NOT a good idea.
This article includes a step by step guide for how to properly ad safely introduce strange dogs to one another. Read more.
Video from Victoria Stilwell on the topic of dog/dog introductions. Watch now.
Is your dog shy? Does he bark at dogs or people? If you're not sure class is right for you and your dog, read this.
Dog to Dog Relationships/Fighting
The information at the links below relate to problems between dogs who live together. Please note: Even though the exact specifics of the problems written about are probably different than yours, we suggest you read the information thoroughly, you may find it helpful for your situation.
Dog Fights and Fear
Housemate Fights!
See this article for more on resource guarding between dogs - it's the most common cause of dog/dog relationship problems! Learn more.
This Q&A focuses on tensions brewing between 2 dogs during meal time, as well as a developing resource guarding problem between the dog and her human; read more.
Can These 2 Dogs Get Along?!
Is Your Dog's Rough Play Appropriate?
Does your dog become agitated at the fence line when the neighbor's dog/s are out? Watch this video for an example of a technique that can help; https://vimeo.com/4503786
What to expect as your adult dog/s and your new puppy learn to live together:
What to Expect: Introducing a Puppy to Your Adult Dogs
Click here for an excellent article from Smart Dog University on helping your older dog live happily with a much younger housemate!
Worried about how your older, adult dog and your new puppy are getting along? This article Is This Okay? Typical Interactions between Puppies and Adult Dogs provides great information that will teach you how to identify what's normal, and what may be cause for concern, as they learn to live together.
Also read https://suzanneclothier.com/article/stop-poking-grandma-whats-fair-older-dogs-puppies/ for more on this topic.
If you're thinking about adopting siblings/2 pups at the same time, or have already done it! The article at the link below discusses what you should know when adopting siblings/2 pups at the same time. It's a 3 page article. Pages 2 and 3 discuss how to do things properly if you've already brought the pups home, so both of them, and their relationship together, develops in a healthy way: learn more.