5 Steps To Making Sure Dogs Get Along

I sometimes get asked whether the dogs in my pack fight and the answer is they never do. If you have more than one dog in a household, or are looking to introduce two dogs, I would focus on:

1. Walking them together 

If the dogs are hesitant about each other, it might be helpful to begin with a handler walking each dog separately with space in between them. In this case, you can walk the dogs together before they have a chance to sniff each other. 

Repeat until the dogs are walking next to each other comfortably. 

2. Rest them together

This can be done in separate crates or dog beds with space in between, as long as the two are asleep in the same room. 

3. Be aware of the dogs’ state of mind

Fights rarely happen out of nowhere. They generally happen when dogs are already in a state of stress. 

Make sure to intervene and/or create space between the dogs if you notice tension rising.

4. Be aware of any potential “triggers” for a fight

Tight spaces, like hallways, doorways, corners, under tables, or in cars can be stressful for dogs. Meal times, or when dogs have resources other than food like toys, balls, or sticks, can also be tense situations.

Always advocate for your dogs. If one dog is eating, don’t let the other dog hover in their space or near their food. Never expect that they will “work it out themselves”.

5. Don’t make play or interaction the goal

Not every pair of dogs is going to want to play or even interact and that’s perfectly fine. We just need our dogs to “coexist” or be around each other calmly. For dogs, ignoring each other can mean they are getting along, so don’t worry if your dogs aren’t playing together!