06/20/2026
words of wisdom from one of our rescues’ trainer - yes, indifference @ meet & greet is a great response! They have plenty of time to become friends in the future 🐕🐕❤️
One thing I've learned about bringing a new dog into your home is that not every dog is going to be instant best friends.
When I'm evaluating compatibility, I don't look for dogs that immediately want to play together or become inseparable. What I look for is whether they can communicate appropriately with each other. Can one dog give a correction without escalating? Can the other dog receive that correction and respect it? Healthy communication is a huge part of successful long-term relationships between dogs.
Just like people, dogs have different personalities, comfort levels, and ways of adjusting to change. Some dogs click right away, while others need time to build trust and understand each other's boundaries.
It's easy to get discouraged when the friendship doesn't happen overnight, but relationships take time. Patience, proper introductions, and allowing dogs to communicate naturally can go a long way.
Some of the strongest bonds I've seen started with dogs simply learning to coexist respectfully. Friendship can come later. The goal isn't instant best friends—it's mutual understanding, respect, and the ability to live together peacefully. ❤️🐾