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When dating, adhering to some rules when introducing your pets to new partners will definitely help you.
Why is introducing your dog to a new partner so important?
A dog becomes part of the family, and their loyalty is why they’re known as a man’s best friend. Whether your pup is new to the family or is your lifelong friend, they can become protective when another person appears close to their human. When dating, you’ll want to avoid having a dog that frightens them or comes between you and them. So, Beyondthecharter users with an experience of introducing their pets to new partners recommend adhering to some rules that will definitely help you.
Tips that will help you bring your pet and loved one together
Use Some of their Clothing
Dogs use their sense of smell to understand situations, find things and meet people. When they meet people or other canines, they use their noses, so it’s time you do the same. If you consider introducing your partner to your dog, there is one trick that can soften the impact and ensure your dog is familiar with them. Ask them for a piece of clothing, give it to your dog, or put it into your apartment. They’ll sniff it and work out the scent, allowing them to become familiar with it and when they’re done, give them a treat. By giving them a treat, they’ll connect the scent with the treat. Complete this several times, and your dog will welcome your partner easily.
Avoid Introducing them at home.
Your dog will consider your house their territory, which means protecting it remains their priority. Anyone new will be considered a threat which increases the potential for problems. However, this can be avoided by meeting on neutral ground. Take your dog to the park and meet your mate there. Slowly take your dog over to them and allow a pooch to sniff and work out who this person is and why they are here. Once your dog settles down and gets used to a new person, then it’s time to stroke them or give them a treat. Keep everything relaxed, and your dog will soon take a liking to a new person!
Encourage Your Partner to Move First
Bringing your dog and partner together requires a methodical approach that keeps your furry friend relaxed and stress-free. Should your K9 seem keen to approach your mate, that’s a sign they’re feeling confident and interested. If you’re sure that pooch is happy, invite your partner to make contact with the dog. Ensure they adopt a friendly approach, and should your dog look anxious, then ending contact is vital; trying again is always an option. Once the connection has been made, let your partner stroke, play, and bond with them.
Bring Your Dog to Dates
This could seem like a ridiculous idea but ensuring your partner and dog get along might require a dedicated approach. Dating often takes the form of an intimate experience involving fine-dining or other romantic options, but it’s time to involve your dog! By combining dates and walking your dog, you can ensure that they become familiar with this new person in your life. Try walks on the beach or in the park and even visit canine-friendly cafes. Do everything possible to increase the interaction between your dog and your partner, especially if you plan on moving in together somewhere in the future.
Take Your Time
Never push or rush the meeting. Simply introducing another person, scent, and behavior into your dog’s life could lead to problems. It’s about ensuring everything takes place on their terms, as you can’t explain to them that you found the love of your life with words. If the first meet-up doesn’t work, then attempt it again soon. Keep bringing them together as much as possible but remember that your dog is protective over you, and something new could freak them out.
Tell Your Partner to Slow Things Down
Remind your partner to be patient when approaching your dog, as their behavior and reaction. If you’ve chosen to use clothing first, then the scent will be familiar to your doggo. So, ensure your partner takes things slowly and allows your pooch to do their thing. They’ll sniff, walk away and perhaps return but ensure your partner doesn’t get too eager. Allow your pup to dictate the pace at which the meet-up moves. Furthermore, adopting a crouched position could leave your dog feeling easier with the experience. If your mate is always standing over them, the dog could become frightened, anxious, and defensive. But when they both show clear signs that they are happy to see each other, it all worked out.
How long does it take for a dog to get used to a new person?
The reaction of your dog will inform you of how things are going. Dogs can become jealous when other people come onto the scene. Remember to keep them involved, give them treats and make a fuss of them as much as possible. Please don’t push your dog into the situation as that will lead to problems, so encourage them to relax and do everything possible to reassure them. Slow steps will enable you to manage the entire process.
If your pup reacts aggressively, don’t assume that’s the end of the line. Taking the time and adopting a slow approach will ensure they understand this person isn’t a threat. This is unlikely, as most pooches are friendly; however, if your dog does show aggression with barking or growling, then end things quickly and try it again at another time.
Final Note
Canine friends are undeniably a part of life, and having a crush on a new person doesn’t mean they’ll be cast aside. The aim is to ensure the canine still understands their position within your life, and bringing someone new onto the scene will mean that they’ve got to adapt. Fortunately, the majority of furry babies are accepting, which makes the process easier and straightforward. However, some problems can arise, but managing them correctly by following our guide ensures you can give the most important person and the creature in your life the best bonding chance.
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