Can't We All Just Get Along
Choose a neutral, fenced-in meeting ground like a friend's backyard to introduce your dogs to each other.
Hussein Malla/Associated Press
In the ideal situation, both dogs are well-socialized to other dogs. Choose a neutral, fenced-in meeting ground like a friend's backyard to introduce your dogs to each other. Make sure there are no other dogs around. For now, keep both dogs on their leashes, even if one of the two has not been socialized. Have a friend hold the new dog's leash. Although some experts believe that being off-lead in this situation can prevent a fight from breaking out (by allowing one of the dogs to run off), it's probably not a good idea. If things get out of hand, you'll be better able to control the dogs and the entire situation if you and the person helping you are holding the leashes. If either dog does behave aggressively, turn his head and try to distract him with a toy. If the initial meeting goes smoothly, have the two meet on home territory, separated by a fence or a slightly open door that permits them to scent each other but not come in physical contact. If they seem to be progressing, allow them off-lead in your presence; they will probably proceed through some ritualized aggressive behaviors, establishing dominance.
Try not to be anxious about their behavior because dogs easily read human body language and may respond to unintended emotional signals. Their "play" may be noisy and boisterous to the human eye and ear, but you shouldn't intervene unless truly serious fighting and biting begin. If you do have to separate the two, remember that an agitated dog, whether aggressor or victim, may bite you in the heat of the moment. Have some human help on hand, as well as a hose or water pistol to aid in breaking off attacks.
Once the dogs are separated, grab their leashes and walk them away from each other. If the dogs seem to be only play-fighting, let them work things out. Human intervention is unlikely to alter the balance of power anyhow, so resist the natural temptation to favor the underdog. As long as the aggression is not serious (no full-fledged fighting or injuries), the dogs will eventually come to an understanding.
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