Have both dogs on leash but keep the leashes slack, as tension on the leash transmits
tension and anxiety to your dog. Do not have one dog on leash and one dog off: this
creates a huge imbalance and adds lots of tension.
Walk the dogs parallel to each other for a short while, gradually getting them closer
to each other. This allows them to "air sniff" each other and get comfortable before
the actual introduction. Do not have the dogs meet head-on, since in dog lingo face-to-face
approaches are considered rude and abrupt. Do not stand and stare as you introduce
the dogs, as this creates a tense atmosphere. Humans should keep Moving !
If one dog is more apprehensive about the meeting than the other dog, allow him to
approach the other dog from behind and sniff under the other dog's tail first.
Stay relaxed. Breathe. The more relaxed you are about the introduction, the more
relaxed your dog will be. If you tense up, your dog will get the impression that
he needs to protect you and himself from the new dog and human. Stay Relaxed and
Breathe !
Keep moving! If you and the other human just keep walking chances are good that the
dogs will happily walk along and check each other out in a comfortable, casual way.
Please remember to keep an eye on your dog at all times. Monitor his behavior and
step in if you need to. Always take responsibility for your four-legged friend .
That way both dogs and humans can enjoy an outing at the park.