What is what not to do when introducing dogs?

Here's a list of what not to do when introducing dogs:

• Don't force interactions: Never physically push dogs together or hold them in place. This can create a negative association and escalate fear or aggression. Force%20Interactions

• Don't rush the process: Introductions should be gradual and at the dog's pace. Don't expect them to be best friends immediately. Rushing%20Introductions can lead to negative experiences.

• Don't use leashes too tightly: Tight leashes can create tension and restrict a dog's natural body language, hindering communication and potentially leading to reactivity. Keep leashes loose and avoid pulling. Tight%20Leashes

• Don't introduce dogs in a confined space initially: Start in a neutral, open area where dogs have room to move away if they feel uncomfortable. Avoid small rooms or hallways. Confined%20Space

• Don't allow resource guarding: Be mindful of toys, food, or even people that one dog might guard from the other. Remove these items during initial introductions to avoid conflict. Resource%20Guarding

• Don't ignore warning signs: Pay close attention to body language like stiff posture, whale eye (showing the whites of the eyes), lip lifting, growling, or raised hackles. Separate the dogs immediately if you see these signs. Warning%20Signs

• Don't let dogs "work it out" themselves: Unsupervised interactions can be dangerous. It's crucial to manage and supervise all interactions, especially in the beginning. Unsupervised%20Interactions

• Don't punish either dog for showing discomfort: Punishing a dog for growling or showing fear will only suppress the behavior, making it more likely to bite without warning in the future. Punishing%20Discomfort

• Don't introduce a new dog when your resident dog is already stressed or anxious: Address any existing behavioral issues in the resident dog before bringing a new dog into the home. Stressed%20Dog