How to Get Dogs to Get Along in 7 Steps

It’s important to identify the cause of your dog’s unwanted behavior before correcting it, which may require working with a professional dog trainer. Here are some common reasons why some dogs don’t get along:

• Gender-based aggression: Studies show that female dogs are more likely to get in fights than male dogs, especially with other female dogs. However, male or female dogs can both have predispositions of aggression towards either sex. This is especially true for dogs who aren’t spayed or neutered.
• Incompatibility with certain breeds: Some dog breeds simply aren’t destined to become best friends. The size, posture, or behavior of a specific dog type can put another dog on the defensive. Even if your Border Collie’s playful energy is an appealing trait to you, another dog might find it irritating.
• Negative historical associations: Even if you do everything right when introducing your dog to a new canine friend—like working with a behaviorist, meeting on neutral territory, or giving your dog exercise beforehand—a negative history with a specific type of dog can trigger an aggressive reaction. For instance, if a German Shepherd or Pit Bull attacked your dog when they were young, it might grow up to dislike all dogs that look similar.
• Overprotectiveness of their owners: An aggressive dog’s behavior toward a second dog is sometimes more about the pet owner than the other pooch. When a dog feels overly possessive of their owner, it may view another dog’s innocent interaction with them as a threatening act. This reaction is widespread in small dog breeds with owners who coddle the dog or old dogs who struggle to share the spotlight with a new puppy in the house.
• Scent-based trouble: Dogs have an extremely powerful sense of smell that they use to discern another dog’s mood, gender, and other personality traits. (When dogs meet, this is why they smell each other.) If your dog doesn’t get along with another pooch, the other dog’s scent might be sending them a warning signal.

It may take hard work, but a dog who can play and coexist with other dogs will be a happier and healthier pet. Here are some actionable steps dog owners can take to help two pooches get along.

1. 1. Choose a neutral location to meet. Ideally, the first meeting will be in territory unfamiliar to both dogs with plenty of space. While a dog park may satisfy these requirements, other dogs can be a huge distraction. Instead, an uncrowded outdoor park or a fenced-in backyard is a good choice.
2. 2. Introduce the dogs in stages. Initially, keep both dogs on a relaxed leash, with each on the periphery of the enclosed area. Pay attention to the dogs’ body language. They should exhibit some degree of interest in each other but not become overly aroused or agitated. Let them get closer if the dogs exhibit a positive first impression with their body posture and behavior, like a wagging tail and a relaxed gaze and stance. Let the leash go slack. When the dogs are approximately ten feet apart, allow your dog and the new dog to have a closer, face-to-face encounter, enabling them to explore each other’s scents and even begin playing. You’ll be close enough to intervene if necessary.
3. 3. Prevent resource guarding. Resource guarding is when a resident dog exhibits signs of aggression (like snarling, lunging, barking) when a new dog uses their possessions, such as a favorite toy. Prevent resource guarding by having separate possessions for both dogs (including water and food bowls, toys, dog beds, special treats) in separate rooms. Dogs can also be very possessive over certain locations, like a cozy spot on the floor that gets warm sunlight. If you notice location guarding, try temporarily isolating the area with a baby gate.
4. 4. Be equally attentive. Whether you’re adopting a second dog or dog-sitting a family member’s pooch for the weekend, it’s vital to give both dogs the same amount of attention to prevent the resident dog from feeling jealous and becoming aggressive toward the new dog. Even if you want to show your new canine companion a little extra love, make sure to divide the belly rubs, and high-value dog treats equitably among all your pups.
5. 5. Spay or neuter your dogs. Dog aggression is inherently greater in dogs with their reproductive organs intact. To increase the odds of your pup getting along with other doggies, get them spayed or neutered and check with the owners of any potential playmates to see if they fixed their dogs as well.
6. 6. Practice obedience training. If your dog doesn’t know the basic dog training commands—“sit,” “stay,” “down,” “come,” “heel,” “off,” and “no”—they are more likely to experience behavioral issues around other dogs. Regularly work on obedience training with your pooch so that they remain calm and listen to you while interacting with other dogs. For instance, suppose your new dog angers your old dog by lying in their bed. In this case, use the “no” and “come” commands to tell your new dog they’re engaging in unwanted behavior.
7. 7. Work with a professional animal behaviorist. Some dogs simply need more work than others, especially if they’ve experienced past trauma. If your dog continues to be the aggressor despite your best efforts, seek out an animal behaviorist. These professionals can help you get to the root cause of your dog’s bad behavior and develop a game plan to correct it.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.