How to introduce your partner to your dog

Everyone's lucky: you don't need any special introduction ritual.

It will all happen naturally. Someone comes over more and more often, and so they become familiar, one of the family.

The not-so-easy case: the dog is timid, anxious or aggressive towards strangers

We need to help the dog. Introduce your partner and the dog on neutral territory, for example outside. That way the dog will feel less anxious. It's important that the dog has the option to walk away from contact if it isn't in the mood right away (now there's someone whose personal boundaries are in great shape).

Go for a walk together. At first, it's better for your partner not to look at the dog and not to initiate contact. Over time they can offer contact, but not force it. Let your partner give the dog a treat. Once you've got a match outdoors, you can head home (just like dating). It may take several walks without going inside. If the dog is prone to aggression, keep the leash and muzzle on at home.

Visiting the dog

Let your partner enter the home first, with the dog, aka the owner of the territory, following after. At home, don't forget the rule about not forcing contact. But the dog's own initiative to start interacting should be encouraged. If the dog comes over on its own, give the sweetheart a treat. If it wants to be petted, you can pet it, but preferably for no more than 3 seconds.

For example, scratch behind the ears for 3 seconds, then take your hands away. Only carry on if the dog itself wants more. Make sure the dog always has the option to back off and walk away.

Time has passed, but the dog still hasn't accepted your partner. What should you do?

For example, some dogs are afraid of men: their voice and body language are usually rougher than women's. And dogs can simply be scared because they're not used to someone yet. But three things can almost always help:

FOOD

PREDICTABILITY

POSITIVE EMOTIONS

The goal is for the dog to start associating the new person with something pleasant.

For example, you can walk around the home scattering tasty treats behind you, or offer the dog a treat just because, and talk to the dog softly and gently. And most importantly, the new person should become as predictable as possible for the dog. Tell your partner about your rituals with the dog. Think of how they can join in.

What there definitely shouldn't be: punishments, raised voices, sudden movements or attempts to train the dog until it gets used to this new person. Don't bother the dog when it's sleeping, eating, in its own spot, or in places where it's "cornered".