How to Introduce Your Dog to Your Romantic Partner

If you’ve been dating someone that you’re excited about, chances are, you’ve already told them all about your dog. They’ve probably seen a few pictures. Okay actually, they’ve probably seen lots of pictures.

But, you might be worried about whether the two of them will actually get along. Just like you would think about the best way to introduce your new beau to a family member or your closest friend, you don’t want to just throw the two together without any kind of prep or thoughtfulness.

As we celebrate the month of love over here at BreezeGuard, we’re offering a few words of advice for introducing your new romantic partner to your dog!

Assess whether your new partner is a dog person
A good place to start is to gauge whether the person you’re dating is a dog person. If, for example, they have lots of experience with dogs, you can feel more comfortable introducing them to your dog sooner.

On the other hand, if they’re afraid of dogs, you can think about how to navigate the situation more mindfully. Often, fear of dogs is rooted in negative past experiences or a lack of exposure. So, you might take things slow and think about how to make a first meeting more comfortable.

Prep your dog
Your dog probably already senses a change in their world. And even if the change is ultimately positive, they might feel overwhelmed to have a new person in their life, regardless. You can help them process these changes in two ways.

First, consider introducing your dog to your partner’s scent before an in-person meeting. Dogs can gather so much information from smell alone, and giving them a whiff of a t-shirt or other clothing item is akin to letting them look over your partner’s resume or scrolling through their social media. It’s not the full picture, but it will give them a first impression.

Second, make sure to give your dog some exercise or mental stimulation before meeting your partner. This will make sure that their nervous system is nice and calm before the excitement of meeting someone new.

Consider planning a date for the three of you (based on your dog’s hobbies)
Taking a partner to your home can be intimidating even if you don’t have a dog. So, we would recommend doing it in two parts: first, introducing your dog and your new partner in a neutral place. Then, inviting your partner into your and your dog’s home.

In the first phase, it’s a good idea to plan a date that your dog will love, such as a walk through the neighborhood or to their favorite park. We would recommend an activity that is enjoyable but not overly stimulating.

Don’t assume that your partner will know how to interact with your dog
Every dog is different, and even if your partner has experience with dogs, it’ll take some time for them to learn your dog.

If, for example, your partner is a bit standoffish or overly cautious at first, they may be trying to be respectful and allow your dog to set the tone of the interaction (this is a good sign!)

On the other hand, your new beau might try to hurry things along by going right up to your dog and scratching them behind the ears. Depending on your dog’s temperament, this might be a good approach or you might need to intervene and show them a more appropriate way to interact with your dog.

Either way, it’s helpful to remember that your partner may feel nervous about making a good impression. So, have a little bit of grace if they seem to be struggling.

Let your new partner be the cool guy/gal for a while
Later down the line, you and a romantic partner may want to talk about what their pet parent role will be. For instance, will they start to take your dog for walks? Help with grooming? Step in if your dog is doing something naughty like counter surfing?

But before any of that, your dog and your partner will need to start building a bond. Their only task in the early days should be to have positive interactions that facilitate trust and friendship. This can look like making sure your partner gives your dog the majority of treats and engaging in play. Your partner should also avoid giving corrections or training until your dog sees them as a safe, trusted person.

Be patient
You might have an image in your mind of your dog and your partner becoming instant friends. But, it’s okay if the reality doesn’t shake out the way you expected. Dogs, like humans, are emotionally complex beings. And an adjustment period might be needed before the three of you feel entirely comfortable with the new set-up. In fact, if you’re struggling, calling in a trained animal behaviorist can make the process easier

During this time, it will be helpful for your dog to maintain some normalcy through consistent mealtimes, exercise, and potty break schedules. You’ll also want to make note of any changes in behavior like sudden resource guarding, peeing inside the house or separation anxiety. And, because your dog might be feeling a little bit confused, make sure to take extra precautions for their safety, such as keeping them on a leash outside and if you haven’t already, installing BreezeGuard Screens in your car to prevent them from jumping out.

All in all, the fact that you’re thinking about how to make this transition easier on your dog is a sign that you’re probably already doing the right things. Don’t forget to breathe, enjoy the early days of the new relationship, and let things move along at their own pace.

By this time next year, the three of you might be taking selfies in matching Valentine’s Day pajamas!