Langley and Zuni: Slow Speed Ahead

While the phrase "full speed ahead" would better describe the personalities of both Langley and Zuni, when it comes to getting the two of them able to be in the same room together, I am moving forward at a snail's pace. It's much better to move too slow than too fast when it comes to introducing dogs in my opinion. If you go too fast and an unforeseen situation or one of the dogs' anxieties causes a fight, you have the potential to permanently damage the chances of those dogs ever becoming pals, or even being able to ignore each other in the same room. While most dogs are pretty forgiving about these things, an anxious dog is hyperalert to potential danger and you don't want them to put that "danger" label on another dog in your home.

I talk about slow introductions to adopters all the time and I talk with the NW foster parents about it a lot too. I'm sure they are pretty sick of me saying all the time "don't forget, you need to do a slow intro with your pack" when I hand over their new foster dogs. I can be like a broken record. However, I have lived with the outfall of moving too fast through introductions and had disastrous results that made life pretty miserable for humans and dogs alike in our house.

So when I saw how alarmed Langley seemed by Zuni's erratic movements, and also the way Zuni reacted to Langley's standard jumping and lunging when he's worried, I knew I needed to be really careful. At this point they are never allowed out loose together. In fact I don't even have them out leashed in the same area at this point. One is crated and the other gets to be politely curious. When Zuni is the one crated it's much easier since Langley immediately relaxes when he knows she's contained. However, when Langley is crated, I watch very closely. As soon as Zuni does a couple appropriate sniffs, I throw two treats - one piece of kibble into Langley's crate and the other about 3 feet in the other direction across Zuni's line of sight so she'll tear off happily and everyone ends the interaction feeling good about things.

Langley quickly figured out that every time he glanced at the crate, I dropped a treat for him. Pretty soon he completely forgot that she freaked him out and was moving closer to the crate and constantly glancing over at her and then looking away at me. Good boy Langley!

 

Slowly the treat requirements increased to having to show some actual nosing at the crate and interaction with Zuni. By that point he completely forgot Zuni made him nervous and he started to show signs of wanting to play. Did I let Zuni out so they could play? NO WAY! We'll need several more sessions and him getting to the point of not showing signs of nervousness around her before they get to play together.

 

How long will I do this? As long as they need me to.  It's wrong to set a time table because while for some dogs it will just a few minutes, another dog might need 3 weeks. You have to watch the dog for signs that they are ready to move forward. 

After doing crate intros a great next step is going for a walk together - both dogs and 2 people. Everyone lines up so dogs are on the outside at first and not needing to touch each other or get close: dog-human-human-dog.  Once they start to be less worried about being near the other dog, you can get a little closer: dog-human-dog-human.  When they seem fine with that you can maneuver a few short "moving butt sniffs" as you walk so dog's don't feel vulnerable. Keep it short! Some dogs like Langley can go full "roto-rooter" with butt sniffs when they're nervous and then you've undone all the good will the walk has created.

Finally, when everyone's body language seems calm and relaxed (if it isn't, save this step for another walk) you can move so the dogs are walking together: human-dog-dog-human. Some dogs will be totally okay with each other at this point, but if one of the dogs is anxious, your best bet upon returning to the house is to separate them with a yummy chew as a reward for a job well done.  You may not get past step one of the walk but that's okay. Allow the dogs to choose when they are ready for the next step.

It may seem a snail's pace to you, but take it from someone who has learned the hard way, better to practice patience now and enjoy a peaceful household and relaxed dogs in the long run.