ArcaMax

- Penny, Las Vegas

Dear Penny,

It can be challenging to help a dog get used to other dogs if she hasn't normally been agreeable with them. I am hopeful, though, because she has learned "no bark" with other dogs when out on walks, that she is receptive to training.

Take your dog over to meet your son and his dogs. Our current social-distancing guidelines work in your favor here. Sit in your son's yard with your dog at a distance of at least 10 to 15 feet away from your son and his dog (meet only one dog at a time at first). All dogs need to stay leashed.

These dogs now can get to know each other from a safe distance. Both dogs may need a few minutes to settle down when they first meet. As soon as they sit down or lie down though, you should each reward your respective dogs with treats because the goal is to reward this relaxed behavior over and over, and to encourage this relaxed behavior when around the other dog.

If you live locally, you can do this several times each day. Keep moving the yard chairs closer and closer until they are ready to be near each other.

If you are moving to your son's place from out of state, practice these yard introductions, but keep your dog in your room or in a wire kennel for about a week or until you feel the resident dogs are used to the new dog in the home. Then be sure to keep all dogs leashed during the first in-house greeting and introduce only one dog at a time. Eventually, they should all get used to the new living arrangements.

========

(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

(c) 2020 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.