No doubt, all immediate family members have met the new dog and everyone agrees you have chosen the best dog in the program. What will you do when you get home? How will you introduce your pets?

The safest way to make introductions is to place both dogs in a down stay position near to each other. This is not always possible, so controlled upright introductions may be in order. Don't let the dogs charge each other. The key here is you maintain control: You are the pack leader. Only the pack leader allows disputes to be settled, and typically the pack leader settles disputes him- or herself. Assert your authority--do not tolerate arguing.

Many dogs will hackle up (puffing up their fur, noticeable first on the dog's back) when meeting dogs they don't know. Since hackling makes a dog appear larger, some dogs do this when they feel threatened or powerless. Dogs will go through ritual posturing when meeting for the first time and often upon reintroduction. This posturing is a means of sizing each other up and deciding which dog will be dominant. Issues arise when the posturing is not enough to decide which will be top dog.

Dogs will first meet head on with heads held high and limbs stiff. They will check each other out, front on. Then one dog will present its side, or the more dominant dog may insist on moving up so the dogs are side to side sizing each other up. They will check flanks and genitalia. This may culminate in a quick spin from the less dominant dog and a play bow--an invitation to play. This is the usual progression of events with dogs that can easily determine their status.

With dogs that are more nearly equals, additional posturing and vocalizations occur. The dogs will circle one another repeatedly. Be alert, as sometimes these sessions are accompanied by snapping and, if the dogs don't back down, fighting. Watch for increased stiffness in the limbs, hackling, escalated growling, direct eye contact, and lifted lips (snarl) or bared teeth, as these are all preludes to fighting. Separate the dogs and keep them separated for a time at home. Let them see each other through a barrier, establishing your own pack order if they cannot establish it without fighting. Feed the higher dog first and pet the higher dog first. The higher dog may sleep near you in your room. Take the higher dog with you and the leave the other at home. Keep in mind that the dog you chose as the lower dog may not agree with you in cases where both dogs are very dominant.