Curious about the best ways to introduce dogs to yourself after being away for a long time? The good news is that dogs have long-term memories, and if you have formed a special bond with your pet, it is likely that it will remember you even if you have been gone for years.
Re-Introducing Yourself To A Dog After A Long Time
Dogs are creatures of habit. Relive the dog’s previous routines to make the dog remember you better. Show affection—this will let the dog know that you still care. Give your dog plenty of cuddles and hugs. These gestures will lessen the confusion of not seeing you for some time and then suddenly seeing you again.
How To Approach Dogs
If you are unsure about your dog’s reaction, or if the canine seems to treat you like a stranger, you must be extra careful. When approaching the dog, you must be aware of its body language and respond accordingly. You must also approach calmly so the dog will not go into fight-or-flight mode.
Let the dog approach first. This gives the dog the idea that it is in control of the interaction, so it will lower its defenses. Avoid approaching them directly so you won’t appear as a threat.
If someone else is currently taking care of your dog, ask that person first if it is okay to go near it. Doing so will signal to your dog that you respect its new leader, so it won’t act too guardedly around you.
Encourage the new owner to pet your dog so it will be in the mood to play. Dogs tend to enjoy interactions with those they are more familiar with than new people or those they used to know but forgot.
Avoid staring at your dog or maintaining eye contact—the dog may interpret this as a challenge. Stay away from reaching over your dog’s head—this can be considered a domineering gesture. Try not to lean over the dog if you’re petting it or getting something near it.
Dogs’ sense of hearing is way more sensitive than ours. If you are new, your dog’s hearing will likely be hyper-alert, so you must talk in a soft and gentle voice.
Let the dog sniff you before you pat or hug it. Dogs have a one-of-a-kind body part called a Jacobson’s organ that gives them a wealth of information through how something smells. Taking in your scent will familiarize them with you and possibly make them remember who you are.
When you interact with your pet, make sure you do not have anything that is toxic to dogs, such as lemons or limes. Did you know that dogs can get very sick just by brushing against a lime? Read more: Are limes safe for dogs?
Note that if the dog shows discomfort, aggression, or fear, you must stop approaching it. You will avoid potential attacks this way, and it will help you regain the dog’s trust.
It is much better to meet in a neutral location where neither of you has a territorial advantage. This could be a dog-friendly park or other safe open space.
Take note that introducing yourself to some dogs, such as guard dogs or aggressive dogs, may require the help of a professional. It would be better to ask a trainer for more detailed advice on how to introduce yourself to a guard dog in this case.
Introducing A New Dog To Your Old Dog
What is a proper introduction for dogs? A proper introduction would allow them to sniff each other in a safe and neutral place. If you are with another dog, it will help if you keep both old and new dogs on leashes so you can control them if needed. Give them plenty of space so they don’t feel threatened by one another.
Here are some tips on how to properly introduce dogs:
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- Always watch the dogs’ reactions before and during introductions. Be prepared to get between them when necessary.
- Let the dogs smell each other and give them plenty of time to introduce themselves.
- Encourage positive behavior with praise, pets, and treats. Discourage negative behavior with a loud ‘no.’
- Make the first meeting brief. Gradually increase the time the dogs spend together.
- If they are in one place without leashes, give each of them a private space where they can hide.
Keep in mind that not all dogs will be friendly toward each other, and you must respect each dog’s boundaries and preferences. Never force them to get along, because that will just build up their resentment. Allow their relationship to grow naturally over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Greet A Dog For The First Time?
When you meet a dog for the first time, you should approach them calmly—do not make hurried gestures. Your body language must show that you are not scared or angry. Let the dog come to you first, and let it sniff you before touching it on the chest or chin. Do not pat its head because this may be interpreted as a dominating gesture, as is reaching over them.
Should You Let A Dog Sniff Your Hand Before Petting?
Yes, it is wise to let the dog smell the back of your hand before petting it. Sniffing your hand gives comfort to the dog because it gains more information about you this way. Sniffing is also a dog’s way of greeting you. While the dog is sniffing, take the time to observe the dog more closely to see if it is agitated or fearful. Avoid petting if so.
What’s The Best Way To Introduce A Dog To A New Person?
The best ways to introduce dogs to someone new require that you must not hurry things. Instead, be considerate of the dog’s comfort. Let the new person approach your dog in a calm and careful manner, while avoiding eye contact. Encourage the person to allow the dog to sniff their hand before petting.
When To Seek Professional Help
If interacting with your dog makes it consistently show signs of aggression or anxiety, it may help to seek the assistance of an animal behaviorist or dog trainer. Such a professional can help improve the dog’s mood so it can overcome its negative feelings toward you.
It may also be necessary to call for the help of someone who is experienced in handling dogs if your dog is behaving too aggressively. If possible, have that person around before making your first interaction.
Lastly, if your dog does not recognize you at all, it may be a sign of a serious medical or cognitive disorder. Go to a vet to rule out underlying issues and get the appropriate interventions.
Remember that dogs respond differently to reintroductions, and the time it takes for your dog to cope with your return may vary. Reintroductions will also be different depending on the temperament of the dog. How to introduce yourself to an aggressive dog will differ from how you introduce yourself to a calm one.
Be patient and always look for the best ways to introduce dogs. Soon enough, your dog will be more comfortable, and it will welcome your presence once more.
Read More:
How to reduce anxiety in your dogs?
