Introducing Your Dog to Other Dogs in Public Spaces

posted on Friday, May 30, 2025 in Pet PSA

As dog owners, we want to be sure that crossing paths with other dogs in public spaces is safe for all parties involved. Here are a few tips for when you are out and about with your dogs this summer.

Introductions between dogs unfamiliar with each other can be easy, but other times it may be challenging. The best results come from being slow and careful. Some dogs have better social skills than others, and even friendly dogs can get agitated with another dog’s rude behavior. 

Here are a few tips for when you are out and about with your dogs this summer.

• Keep your dog on a leash. Once they have made eye contact with the other dog, allow them to sniff the approaching dog. If you are at a dog park, walk around the perimeter (outside the fence). This allows your dog to meet the other dogs through the fence before entering.
• Calm, low voices. While your dog is meeting other dogs, humans should remain calm, with low voices to keep excitement out of the situation and to help reduce stress.
• Read their body language. Know your dog's body language; when they are stressed or becoming aggressive, it's time to move on.
• Pay attention to your dogs in the dog park. Your dogs may not be afraid, but other dogs in the park may be fearful and may need some space. Know when it's time to call them away from other dogs if situations become tense.
• Accurate and updated information. Always be sure your dog is wearing their collar with updated tags, and their microchip information and vaccinations are up to date.
• It should be fun! Remember to reward your dog along the way for good behavior.

The ARL offers training classes and behavior resources. Click here for more information. 

More From Pet PSA

• Protecting your pet's paws on hot cement
• Keeping Canines Safe from Parvovirus
• Before and After Surgery