Introducing a puppy to other dogs, gently
A puppy's first dog friends can shape how they feel about the whole canine world. A gentle start is worth far more than a fast one.
There is nothing quite like a new puppy. There is also nothing quite like the moment you realise you are now responsible for how they feel about every dog they will ever meet. No pressure.
The good news is that you don't need to do anything elaborate. We have learned, sometimes the hard way, that the best puppy introductions are quiet, short and well chosen. Here is how we like to go about it.
First, check with your vet
Before your puppy meets dogs they don't live with, they need to be protected against dangerous diseases. Vaccination schedules differ, so we won't tell you a date. Ask your vet when your puppy can safely go out and about, and what is fine in the meantime.
This is why Puppy social walks on Packmates ask owners to declare that their puppy is fully vaccinated. It is a declaration, not a check, so it relies on honesty and care from all of us. If you are not sure, wait and ask your vet. The PDSA and Dogs Trust both have clear general guidance on puppy health.
Who your puppy should meet
More dogs is not better. A single steady adult dog who is relaxed around puppies will teach your youngster far more than a crowd of excited teenagers.
Look for dogs who are calm, confident and happy to walk away if they have had enough. Dogs who bounce, body slam or guard things are not ideal for a first meeting. Ask the other owner honestly how their dog behaves with puppies, and expect them to ask the same of you.
What a good puppy-friendly dog looks like
- Relaxed body language, with easy sniffing and no stiff stares.
- Gentle with their mouth and happy to take breaks.
- Comfortable being climbed on a little, without being cross about it.
- Responsive to their owner and easy to call away.
How a first meeting goes
Keep it simple, and keep it slow. A puppy's brain is busy and their body is wobbly, so everything feels big. Aim for a few minutes at a time, not an hour.
Start with a parallel walk
Walk the dogs side by side with a little gap between them, and humans chatting in between. They get used to each other's presence without anyone having to perform.
Let them sniff on a loose lead
If both dogs look relaxed, allow a short, side-on sniff. Aim for a few seconds, then call them away with a happy voice and a treat.
Watch both dogs, not just the puppy
The adult dog is doing you a favour. If they look uncomfortable, stiff or are turning away, kindly end the meeting.
Keep it short
Several brief, pleasant meetings are better than one long one. Stop while everyone is still having a lovely time.
Finish with calm
A quiet walk on together, a sniff about or a chew at home helps your puppy settle and make sense of it all.
Reading a puppy who is tired or overwhelmed
Puppies tire quickly, and a tired puppy can look like a naughty puppy. They may become mouthy, frantic, snappy or suddenly ignore everything you say. That is not defiance, it's a puppy who needs a nap.
Other signs your puppy has had enough include hiding behind your legs, refusing treats, yelping, or staying very still. Pick them up if it is safe to do so, or calmly move away, and give them a quiet rest. For more on understanding what dogs are telling us, see reading dog body language on a group walk.
Rough play and when to step in
Adult dogs will sometimes tell a pushy puppy off with a quick grumble or a growl. Provided it is brief and the puppy shrugs it off, that can be part of normal learning. If it is more than a brief correction, or the puppy is being cornered or chased, calmly step in and split things up.
Equally, if your puppy is the bouncy one, gently stop them from pestering. Call them to you, reward them for coming, and let the adult dog have a break.
I wanted to rush it all, but our first Puppy social was three dogs and a very long walk. By the end, our little one had found a friend and fallen asleep in the car.
Puppy social walks on Packmates
Puppy social is a walk type for gentle, early meet-ups. Organisers choose it, owners declare their puppy is fully vaccinated, and you can look for tags such as Calm welcome and On lead. You request to join, introduce your dogs, and the organiser approves or declines. Time and a public meeting point are agreed privately once you are approved.
- Walk type
- Puppy social
- Owners declare
- Their puppy is fully vaccinated
- Helpful tags
- Calm welcome, On lead, Slow pace
- Organiser
- A fellow owner, not a professional or a trainer
Packmates will also warn you if a walk may not suit one of your dogs, but the organiser always has the final say. Take your own judgement with you, too.
A short checklist before you head out can save a lot of worry.
Before a puppy meet-up
- Your vet has confirmed your puppy is safe to meet other dogs.
- You know roughly how long your puppy can cope for, and you have planned to leave early.
- A small bag of soft, tiny treats and a few poo bags.
- A comfortable harness or collar and a lead you trust.
- A plan to let your puppy rest afterwards.
If you ever worry about your puppy's behaviour, such as lots of fear, growling or biting that doesn't ease, talk to your vet, who can point you towards an accredited behaviourist. The Kennel Club has helpful puppy information too. When you're ready, find walks near you, and take a look at our etiquette guide before your first one.
