By Grace Bathery
Just as humans benefit from connecting with other people, pets are happier and healthier when socializing with other animals.
Safe, polite, and positive interactions with other animals can be enriching to pets’ lives, which makes it important to be able to identify when pets are enjoying interactions and when they are not. While socialization methods can vary for different pets, there are steps that can be taken to ensure a safe, enjoyable interaction, says Maria Verbrugge (DVM’03; Department of Medical Sciences), clinical primary care instructor at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine.
Pet owners should consider allowing their pets to first see each other while separated by a physical barrier, like a baby gate, or while going for parallel, on-leash walks while outdoors, she says. During these initial interactions, pet owners should closely observe their pets.
“Observing body language will help you know whether it’s safe to move on to the next step versus taking a break and giving each pet some alone time,” Verbrugge says. “I recommend giving both pets the choice to interact or to have their own space, so that all interaction is voluntary for both pets.”
Dogs who are shy or anxious, as well as cats, might even benefit from first smelling another animal, either through a closed door or by taking turns walking around a neutral room. But even when these steps are followed, interactions can become unsafe. Once again, body language is the key to understanding pet interactions, Verbrugge says.
“For example, if a dog gets stiff, growls, and the corners of its mouth move forward, that suggests stress and should send a message that it’s time to move the other animal away,” she says. “Relaxed faces and mouths generally suggest more positive emotions.”
When dogs are excited, it can be hard to tell whether both pets are enjoying an interaction, Verbrugge says. But, in general, “if dogs are playing politely, they are taking turns — one chases the other and then they switch,” she says. “If one dog is consistently trying to move away and the other dog is consistently pursuing them, it might be time for a break.”
If one or both pets exhibit concerning body language, Verbrugge advises ending the interaction.
“The goal is always to stop long before any biting or attempted biting,” she says. “Watching the body language of both animals closely is very important, as is having excellent recall, so both dogs can be called away to take a break.”
Verbrugge also says it’s important not to step in between dogs who are fighting because, once they are upset, they will often not know who they are biting.
Keep these steps in mind to help ensure your pet has safe and enriching interactions with other animals.