5 Stress Free Steps for The Visiting Dog

Have you considered the correct protocol if you have a dog visitor?  Say you have a friend that would like to visit you at your house with her dog.  How would you go about it if the dogs have never met before?

Well, there is a method that you can use which is similar to that of introducing a new dog into your home.

This method is especially good for dogs with behaviour problems, PTSD, or anxiety and stress related issues.

1. You should first introduce the dogs to one another on neutral ground.  This could be done at a park close to your home or at the end of your street.
2. After they have become acquainted, you can then walk them to a more restricted area of your home like the back yard.  It is important not to restrict them to the house yet as they will feel stressed if they don't have a means of "escape" in case either one needs it.
3. Allow them some safe play time and let them get to know one another.  Remember sniffing is okay and it's their "hello", so let them have at it. 
4. Once you sense that they feel comfortable together, you can perform a couple of basic commands with them individually and then together such as sit and stay.  This will allow you to be able to control them if the need arises.  If one dog is generally "superior" to the other, you will know it right away.  You can acknowlege their status by giving them treats accordingly.
5. If you are comfortable with their demeanor and they are responsive to your direction, you can then allow them into the house. 

It's inevitable that some dogs will not like one another, but remember that if they are well socialized, they will generally tolerate one another.

Do dogs enjoy the pat on the head?

People often pat the top of their dog's head because it is an easy place for them to reach. Your dog may be used to you doing it but watch his body language.  Does he really enjoy it? 

When we touch a dog's head we can cover the dogs eyes or ears which they use to be aware and control his surroundings. We can touch the sensitive hairs on their muzzle which can be very distracting and sometimes disorienting to a dog. This can make make the dog very nervous, especially if the dog is a naturally nervous dog already. Depending on the force you are using, it can shake their head and blur their vision.

There are dogs that don't mind this if they are comfortable with the person doing it, but there are dogs, such as the typical shelter dog that just doesn't like it.  They may have been abused or have had a bad experience that you just aren't aware of.  Therefore, if you do not know a dog very well, it's best not to touch his face.  The safest is to touch a dog on his chest or back to not bother him. Leaning over a dog to touch him is not appropriate either because it might make the dog think you want to attack him. When a dog is not sure about a human's intentions he usually moves his head away from the person's hands.

If it's not your dog, a good rule of thumb is to "ask first".  Just because you are used to being around friendly dogs, doesn't mean that all dogs are friendly to you.  That doesn't mean they are not friendly dogs; they just don't know you.  It is always proper to ask to pet someones dog before doing so.  Let their dog smell you and get to know your scent before you approach them.