You have a new puppy, and you want to introduce your pup to a dominant dog either at your home or elsewhere, and you are scared it might be fatal.

With this article’s aid, we will show you how to introduce a puppy to a dominant dog. Many dog owners might ignore this tip and think they will definitely just get along. 

Well, that might work in some cases, and in others, it may not. So there’s a 50-50 chance. The question now is, do you want to risk it?

Like in cat families, most canines love dominance and showing who is in charge, even among us humans. There is a hierarchy of who leads and who follows. 

Lions always lead in groups, and when there is another to challenge the authority of a dominant lion, it results in a fight till one is sent off or, worse, killed. Wolves have packs, which we know the leader as the alpha and others under it.

Your dominant dog has marked its territory, and any challenge, even if it comes from your harmless pup, won’t be taken lightly.

So, let us show you how to introduce your puppy to a dominant dog by following simple steps and guidelines.

What Is A Dominant Dog?

Before introducing your puppy to a dominant dog, you might want to know what a dominant dog is all about. 

However, this does not mean a dog cannot have a dominant personality. A dog’s aggression toward other dogs is one thing, while a dominant dog is another. Think of dominant dogs as dogs with strong personalities who dislike sharing resources.

Dominant dogs may mouth other pets, make their own rules, refuse to obey commands, and push other dogs aside to get what they want.

When faced with a challenge, a dominant dog will stand his ground, while a timid dog may choose to run instead of fight.

On the other hand, lunges, raised crests, raised ears, snarling, and baring of teeth are signs of aggression, not dominance.

If you are unsure whether your dog is intolerant of other dogs or has a strong personality, you should talk to a professional before introducing the puppy.

Why Introduce A Puppy To A Dominant Dog?

It is important that your puppy is exposed to a variety of different dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages. Being with other dogs, however dominant, helps in your pup’s development. 

It allows them to understand the body language of other dogs and learn how to behave with them. 

Positive experiences will prepare your puppy to cope with dogs as adults. If they miss out on this, they may find it difficult to be around other dogs as they get older.

Some may be wary or nervous when first introduced to other dogs. At the same time, others may feel very excited. 

Start by getting them used to the sights, sounds, and smells of other dogs from a distance. Then you can start to get closer and allow them to interact. Once you do, they can start playing together.

Introducing Your Pup, Where And When?

Introduction Of Dogs At Home

Introducing your puppy to a new friend at a residence does not have to be too complicated. You might sometimes use some treats, a barrier they can see over, and plenty of healthy dog ​​attractions.

You can build a barrier with you and your puppy on one side and the assistant or dominant dog and its owner on the other. 

Have the seemingly dominant dog lie down within sight of the puppy. A little puppy will probably do something totally adorable, like try to get to the dog and make cute noises. 

Ignore the cute barking noises, and call the puppy to you or ask it to look at you. If you can get your dog to come to you, that’s great, but it’s pretty unlikely at this stage, so you can stick with eye contact. 

Every time the puppy looks at you, instead of looking through the barrier, praise and give soothing remarks to the dog, and reward it if possible. Eventually, you will get to the point where the puppy can and will obey simple instructions like sit, lie, stop, or stand.

This means you can bring the dominant or other dogs a little closer and start to rebuild your puppy’s focus on you. Continue this until the dogs are side by side on either side of the gate and show no signs of anger or repellence. 

You can then introduce them by opening the gate to the barrier. Hopefully, they will sniff each other out and start interacting with each other in a promising manner. 

Remember, it’s okay to be excited; older and dominant dogs often love puppies as much as we do, but the trick is to stay in control at all times. Continue to practice getting the puppy’s attention in between playtimes so you can make sure he doesn’t get too carried away.

Introduction Of  Dogs On A Walkway

If you want to introduce your puppy to other dogs outside, there are a few little tricks to ensure it goes smoothly. 

This is especially useful for slightly larger puppies as it keeps them moving and allows them to have a good run-in and excitement level, seeing other dogs in a neutral location, as we will discuss later. 

Start with both dogs on a leash at a distance, as this allows you to focus your puppy’s attention on you. You can start by walking around in big circles to stay the same distance and have the puppy focus directly on you. 

Use the treats method mentioned in the introduction “at home” mentioned above to draw attention to yourself if they are too interested in their new friend. 

Plenty of dog treats and reinforcements for focus and good behaviour will let your puppy know that you are still in charge.

If you are among dogs, you don’t know that you can practice this by getting your dog’s attention, even if he wants to go and make friends. 

The more you can handle this kind of excitement together, the easier it will be when dominant dogs come close to your puppy for an introduction. The key is always to be in control because your pup will know when to keep calm and watch out for you. 

Be sure to check with the other owner before allowing yours to go and say hello, as some puppies may be too nervous to make new canine friends, and the result may be catastrophic.

Once both dogs are good at it, you can start working your way closer and closer. If one of them overreacts and starts whining or barking, back off until they calm down and try again from that distance, this time approaching more slowly.

Once you are within a few feet of each other, you can advise the adult dog owner to walk in front,  and your puppy behind, close enough to sniff but not too close to engage in play. Switch places so both dogs have a chance to sniff each other.

Follow this up by standing next to the other owner and getting the dogs to sit together, with both of you issuing the instruction “sit” simultaneously. If it works and they are nice and calm, it’s time to allow the dogs to greet each other.

Try to keep their attention so you can give simple commands and get a good response. Then give them more freedom, maybe play around with the leashes. 

Call your puppy regularly so he remembers to focus on you. It may take many tries to get to this point, where an out-of-control game can be introduced, so break it up into stages and try it over a few times. 

How To Get A Dominant Dog And Puppy To Accept Each Other

While plenty of adult dogs will be thrilled to welcome a young friend into the fold, it’s only possible to happen after a while. It is important to consider both:

Your Dog’s Personality Type And Temperament

Not all dogs have experience socializing with younger puppies, so it may be nice to expose your dominant dog to younger dogs before introducing your new puppy to it. 

Doing otherwise will put your dog at risk of acting in a frightening way to the puppy, which can develop phobias and other social anxieties, affecting its social life in the future.

How And Where Your Puppy And Dog Meet For The First Time

Neutral outdoor spaces are ideal places to introduce a puppy to a dog. This is because, inside the house, your dog can feel territorial and act defensively.

If your puppy has not been fully vaccinated and cannot be taken for a walk or a short trip to the park, then the garden is a good alternative. As mentioned earlier, you should not take your puppy out in public until he has received his vaccine.

Choosing A Neutral Location

It is best to let the dogs get to know each other in neutral territory. Each dog should be walked separately on a leach with their walker,  and do not forget to come with treats for a job well done. 

Initially, the dogs should walk at a distance where they can see each other but are not too close to be provoked by each walker’s presence, and this is for the puppy and not the older or dominant dog. 

If the puppy does not exhibit any negative behaviour, reward it with treats or compliments. For example, if the dog you’re walking looks at another dog and does not act harshly, you can say, “Good boy!” in a happy, friendly manner and give him a treat.

For your dogs’ first meeting, enlist the help of a family member or friend so that each dog can be cared for. It’s best to avoid bringing dogs into the house or even where they live, as dogs tend to become territorial.

Rather than bringing your new puppy right into your current dog’s space, start by introducing them to a neutral location. 

A fenced park where you can safely introduce dogs without restricting them is ideal. Also, choose a time when the area is not busy with distractions or potential stressors such as loud traffic or other dogs.

Open spaces are ideal because there are plenty of interesting sights and sounds to distract dogs.

For their first neutral meeting, follow this step-by-step guide:

• Go to the meeting place with the dogs on your own.
• Try bringing the dogs together and ensuring they greet each other. The human companion must keep the leash loose so that the dogs do not feel restricted.
• Expect dogs to sniff, circle, play, urinate or simply ignore each other. Let them do whatever they want to build a relationship – with as little mediation as possible from the owner.
• If animals try to fight, it’s time to intervene. But don’t pull the dogs by the leash. Instead, wave above or in front of dogs’ noses to lure them away.
• Keep the initial interaction brief. After the dogs meet, try going for a short walk together.

If this initial introduction proves successful, your dog, both the puppy and the dominant dog, may be ready for a meeting at home.

This guide can also be extrapolated and applied between your puppy and someone else’s older and dominant dog.

Keeping Dogs On A Leash

When introducing your puppy to a dominant dog, one of the best steps is parallel walking with both dogs. 

They should be far enough apart to be aware of each other but not so close that they focus on trying to reach each other.

Walk with both dogs in the same direction, with a comfortable walking distance between them. Then turn back and switch places with the other dog so that each dog has a chance to feel where the other dog went.

Allow dogs to investigate potty stains, as sniffing urine is one-way dogs learn about other dogs. Both handlers should remain calm and hold the leashes as loosely as possible.

If both dogs offer relaxed, social behaviour towards each other, gradually reduce the distance between them and continue to walk parallel. Do not allow direct face-to-face approach when dogs approach, as head-to-head contact is stressful and unnatural for dogs.

The real reason for leashing dogs is so that they do not become overly excited and result in unplanned actions that may lead to catastrophic ends.

The importance of leashing your dog during introduction cannot be overemphasised. They include the following positive reasons:

1. It’s a great good neighbour policy to keep your dog from trespassing during your walk. It also prevents your dog from jumping on people you meet and ensures your dog has a chance to be properly introduced.
2. Improved society. Did you know that walking with a well-trained and obedient dog on a leash is a pleasure?
3. Walking your puppy or dominant dog on a leash will prevent the spread of disease to the other dog. When you walk with a dog on a leash, you restrain them from sniffing the droppings of any unwanted animals.
4. A dog leash is commonly referred to as “your pet’s lifeline” to protect your pet from traffic and off-leash uncontrollable dominant dogs or other dangerous animals. Accidents by animal bites are greatly reduced when responsible dog owners follow the leash law.
5. An obedient and well-behaved dog is a positive reflection of its owner.
6. Relocating your dog to another household is 100% easier if your dog is obedient and on a leash.
7. This is a great way to reward your dog. Your dog will immediately react by wagging his tail the moment he sees you holding the leash.
8. It’s a great identification tool that symbolizes that the dog has an owner and allows someone who sees the leash to find you should you and your dog become separated.
9. It’s a great relief for wildlife as it prevents your dog from chasing squirrels, deer and other wildlife.
10. That’s the law! The law is in place to protect other members of the public and your pet from harm.

Read More: Why Are Dogs Protective Of Babies? Find Out

Allowing Dogs To Sniff Each Other

Dogs have five basic neurological senses: touch, taste, hearing, sight, and smell. The sense of smell in dogs occupies a leading position in the canine world. A dog’s ability to smell is much more advanced than ours. 

On average, a dog has a sense of smell that is about 100,000 times more efficient than its owner. It is no wonder that some of these dogs are used as detectives or sniffer dogs in the police force. 

When compared to humans, a dog’s nose contains 150 million olfactory receptors, while that of a human contains only 5 million. 

Dogs devote about 30% of their brain matter to detecting and identifying odours, while humans use only 5% for olfactory purposes.

Does your dog sniff at every opportunity? It has been calculated that dogs smell 33% of the time they are moving and can identify at least 1000 odours better than us.

This is how they collect their information: who, where, what. Allowing the dog to sniff each other’s scent before they meet in person can also lead to smoother introductions.

The most direct advice we can give: walk your dog so he can sniff. Let them sniff and keep their nose pinned to the ground, allowing them to taste and judge different smells, giving them lots of detailed information, and improving their enrichment. Allow them to make their own decisions and follow their nose occasionally.

Studies have shown that sniffing makes dogs feel brighter, and regular use of their noses makes them happier. Sniffing allows them to exhibit normal, natural behaviour, improving their well-being and mood.

So the next time you coax your dog out for a walk, slow down and give him time to sniff. You might notice a more tired and relaxed dog at the end of it.

A good example is analysing human interaction. When two people meet, they judge each other based on body language, facial expressions, and tone. 

With the information gathered, they may shake hands or hug each other, share an informal verbal greeting, shed tears of joy, or ignore each other altogether. 

Granted, dogs may not verbalise, shake hands, or hug like humans, but they evaluate each other and gather a lot of information from each other’s body language. 

Dogs usually walk in circles while examining behaviour and posture. Are the ears back? Does it wag its tail? Are the galls raised?

Dogs have an advantage over humans in that they use their keen sense of smell and visual assessment to provide important information about a new canine acquaintance. 

Their keen sense of smell enhances communication by using biochemical compounds emitted by dogs as a basis for chemical communication. Chemical aroma identifies gender and mood and even communicates what a dog likes to eat. 

A dog can tell whether the new friend is male or female, happy or more dominant, healthy or sick, just by sniffing. 

Dogs get a general idea of ​​themselves with a quick sniff but get more detailed information by getting up close and personal.

Rewarding Good Behaviour

Remember how happy you were when your parents appreciated every good work you did at home by patting your back and saying, well-done child, or even giving you monetary rewards? 

Your puppy does not care for money, and they care about praise, good treats and, yes, toys. 

Positive reinforcement means using rewards to say well done for a good job. These come in the form of treats, praise, toys, or anything the dog sees as a reward for the desired behaviour. 

These rewards make it easier for them to repeat the good behaviour, as expected during introduction with another dog, a dominant one, no less. 

When you reward your dog for good behaviour during introduction with a different dog, the gesture makes it easier for your dog to appreciate the importance of that situation. There are various ways you can reward your dog.

Types Of Rewards

• Positive reinforcement can include treats, praise, cuddling, or a good play date with your dog. Most dogs are highly motivated to eat, meaning these treats are particularly suitable for training.
• It should be a very small, soft piece of food for him to quickly eat and look for more from you. Don’t give your dog something that he has to chew or that will break into pieces and fall on the floor.
• Keep a variety of treats on hand so your dog doesn’t get bored of getting the same treat every time.
• Every time you use a food reward, you should pair it with a verbal reward (praise). Say something like “yes” or “good dog” enthusiastically. Then give your dog the treat.

Supervising Dog Interactions

Dog supervision is never more important than observing our dogs in social settings, whether it’s meeting new dogs, exercising at the dog park, taking our dogs with us to public spaces, or just living in multi-dog households. 

When we talk about supervising dog interactions,  we are talking about adult management, eye-to-eye, and fully focused guidance.

We dare say that many people think they are great at supervising their dogs, but they don’t really have a solid idea of ​​what ideal supervision means. 

In addition, many people lack information about their dogs’ body language, so even if they are actively monitoring their dogs when you cannot recognize your dog’s signals, you won’t be able to help out.

Eye contact, posture, and excitement level are all communicators in dogs. A healthy dog interaction involves two-way communication. 

All dogs should have a self-regulating switch. Most dogs need to be taught the calming mechanism through training. Basic training can help dogs develop frustration tolerance and reduce impulsivity during interaction with other dogs. 

It is essential that the dogs interrupt themselves during play to prevent the interaction from becoming too intense. Signs of self-abortion include checking in with the person, sniffing, or grooming. 

The dog should also respond to its owner’s appeal, even during play. If you haven’t trained your dog to come when called, it’s never too late to change.

When dog-to-dog interactions are slow, each dog has time to interact and read their teammate’s responses. If the game seems relentless, it’s time to take a break.

Realize that when we are active supervisors, we create a positive association with our dogs. Remember that your signals are what your dog listens to and obeys. 

Say a dominant dog starts eating, and your new puppy runs happily to the dog; the pup doesn’t yet realize that the interaction or excitement could turn bad in a second. 

Dogs often respond to our reactions. When we get upset about something, our dogs are on alert that something is wrong and should be on alert too.

The adult dog may or may not have had a problem interacting with a puppy, but because we sense something is off and react negatively to it, our puppy may sense that something is off and run to you on your signal. The dominant or adult dog may sense the awkwardness and retreat. 

Supervising your dog’s interaction is the best way to constrain any mishaps your pup and the older dog may not be able to stop from occurring. So be an active supervisor and not just passive.

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Conclusion

Understanding what a dominant dog is will help dog owners and caregivers to ascertain when and how to introduce them to other dogs. The word dominant speaks for itself; they like to be in control, dominate their kind, and always feel recognised.

As the article has clearly stated, there are precautions one should take before introducing a puppy to a dominant dog. As the subject said, introducing a puppy to a dominant dog is a step-by-step process. 

Things like using a leash, always being in full supervision of the process, being careful to avoid overexcitement, and asking the right people the right questions, would help this process and also help you avoid any catastrophic end.

If you have found this article helpful, feel free to share it with friends and family. If you have any questions or inquiries, feel free to use the comment section, and a team member will respond as soon as possible.

Good luck.