Pick a neutral meeting place
A quiet park path or open space works better than the front door. Both dogs should be on leads held by calm adults.
Keep the first greeting brief: parallel walking with space between them is often safer than face-to-face sniffing straight away.
Step-by-step
- Walk in the same direction with a few metres between dogs. Reward calm behaviour.
- If both look relaxed, allow a short sniff, then move on again.
- At home, remove high-value toys and bones at first. Give each dog a bed and water bowl of their own.
- Supervise all early indoor time. Separate with baby gates when you cannot watch.
- Build up shared walks and indoor time over several days.
Red flags
Stiff body, hard stares, raised hackles, mounting that escalates, or resource guarding around food and people means separate and try a slower plan.
Puppies and seniors need extra care — shorter sessions and more rest.
Training and services
If you are unsure, a local trainer or behaviourist can coach the first meetings. Browse dog care services on MateLoop, or adopt a second dog only when your household is ready.
This guide is general information and not a substitute for professional training or veterinary advice.