How to introduce a dog to a new person: useful tips

Meeting new people can be stressful for a dog, especially if the new person moves into the pet’s territory, i.e. the house. Maybe the owner is moving in with a loved one, or the child is returning from college, or one of the rooms in the house is renting out – in any case, the four-legged friend should be prepared for the arrival of a new tenant.

If the dog passed socialization, she can easily perceive strangers. In this case, it will no doubt be easier for her to meet a new person in her home. But even if strangers make your pet nervous, there are a few basic steps you can take to prepare your dog for living with a new person.

Train Your Dog to a New Person: Smell

You can introduce a person to a pet even before the moment of their actual meeting. If possible, place his used and unwashed clothes and shoes around the house so that the dog can get used to the smell.

If this is not possible, you can take the dog out of the house when the new person is transporting his things. Then you should allow the pet to explore the space with new things, but without the presence of their owner.

How to introduce a dog to a stranger: the first meeting

If a new person simply enters the house and stays there, it can annoy even the friendliest dog – not to mention the one with strong possessive instincts. It is better if the first acquaintance with a four-legged friend takes place on neutral territory, for example, in dog park.

While the new person may come up and say hello, it’s best to let the dog begin the introduction first. Most likely, she will start with sniffing. If the pet is already familiar with the smell of a new friend, the first meeting will go more smoothly.

New Man in the Dog House: Reward

your dog’s favorite treat. Beforehand, teach them the proper way to feed your pup. Do you have your dog sit and stay before feeding After introducing yourself, you can treat your pet to his favorite treat. It is necessary to teach a new person in advance how to properly treat a dog. If the owner is used to treating a four-legged friend when he sits and waits for a treat, the new person should do the same.

The treat should always be placed on the ground in front of the dog that has taken up position on command, or fed with an open outstretched hand to avoid accidental bites.

New person for the dog in the apartment: without unnecessary stress

As a rule, pets have a hard time, so it’s better not to rush and limit yourself to a short first meeting. Instead of immediately trying to make the dog and the new person best friends, you should let them just get to know each other first. It is necessary that the four-legged friend understands that this person does not pose a threat. It is important to be patient: a pet may not feel comfortable with a new person until after a few meetings.

If the meeting goes smoothly, great! The main thing is not to put pressure on the dog. At first, she may enjoy the company of her new neighbor, but the latter should avoid excessive displays of affection. You should ask him not to kiss, hug, pick up, or make eye contact with the dog—such interactions may seem overwhelming or threatening to her. You should save all the hugs for later and, if possible, make a few more appointments in the park or elsewhere before the new person moves into the house where the dog lives.

If the first meeting on the street and the move happen at the same time, you should allow the new person to bring the dog home on a leash – provided that the first introduction went smoothly. This will show the pet that his new friend has some influence and is now part of this house.

Do not worry about the upcoming acquaintance of the dog with a new tenant in the house. These tips will help you successfully organize a calm first meeting and the move itself. And very soon the dog and the new inhabitant of the house will not be able to live without each other!

See also:

• How to understand the behavior of a puppy
• How does a dog remember a person?
• Stress in dogs: causes and how to alleviate it
• Are dogs capable of jealousy and feeling injustice?