A bulldog is an excellent choice for a family dog. They’re easy-going and dependable, have a short, easy-care coat, and they seldom get into trouble because they spend most of their time snoring on the sofa. But do they maintain their calm demeanor around other bulldogs?
Do bulldogs get along with other bulldogs? Bulldogs have a sweet, gentle disposition and are known to get along very well with most pets. However, they can get aggressive with unfamiliar dogs. Nonetheless, with proper introduction and training, bulldogs can live peacefully together.
It’s not always easy to predict how a dog will react when you introduce another dog into your home. Some dogs are shy and may take time to get used to the changes. Others are aggressive and may take longer to adjust. If you need to know if bulldogs can get along with other pets such as cats, check out this helpful post we wrote here.
This article will explain the different dispositions of various bulldogs and give some tips on how to introduce them to each other successfully.
Do Bulldogs Get Along with Other Bulldogs?
Whether you own an English, French, or American bulldog, one thing is for sure: all these dogs have a great personality.
The English bulldog has a sweet personality and is fun and playful. According to Animal Wised, this type of bulldog enjoys spending time with its owner. It’s the type of dog that will stay with you for hours on the sofa. Not to mention, they’re reticent and calm.
The French bulldog, on the other hand, has an extroverted and cheerful personality and is devoted and sweet. They also enjoy spending time with their owner, and if well trained, they get along very easily with other pets and children.
The American bulldog shares some of these characteristics, but they are more loyal, faithful, and devoted to their caretakers. Not to mention, they are very active dogs. Therefore, if you enjoy sports or running, this is the dog to have.
So, do these dogs maintain their incredible personality in the company of other bulldogs? Bulldogs, just like other dogs, can get a bit aggressive and territorial in the company of any other dog. However, this reaction is most common among male bulldogs. Some bulldogs are also quite shy and take some time to become comfortable around other dogs.
Factors Influencing Socialization and Interaction of Bulldogs
If you’ve had your fur baby for a while and you’re thinking of adding another one to the mix, it’s only natural to be concerned about whether or not they’ll be able to get along. The good news is that dogs, just like humans, need friends. When you’re at work or busy, they can stay active with their companion, which is excellent for them.
The bad news is that you can’t always predict one bulldog’s reaction to another one. Several factors influence how bulldogs interact and socialize with each other. For starters, the timing of the introduction plays a crucial role.
For instance, it may not be the best idea to introduce same-gender bulldogs during estrus. Crazy Pet Guy suggests finding out if the dogs are neutered before making the introduction and avoiding sensitive seasons of their reproduction.
Your dog’s personality may also influence how they socialize with other bulldogs. If your dog has been raised in a positive and happy environment, chances are they’ll have an easy time adjusting. It’s not the same for a dog that has been mistreated in the past. Such dogs tend to be shy and avoid socialization.
However, as we mentioned, your approach will determine whether or not the introduction succeeds.
How to Introduce Two Bulldogs Successfully
It is said that first impressions matter, and sometimes they stick like glue. It’s not any different for dogs. Their first interaction will set the tone for the rest of their relationship. For this reason, it’s crucial to make the introduction a success.
Here are some essential steps to follow to set their relationship up for success.
1. Keep Both Dogs on a Leash
According to the Animal Humane Society, when you’re introducing two dogs, it’s essential to have the meeting in neutral territory. It can be a tennis court, your neighbor’s yard, or at a training center. Just do it anywhere that’s not your home because your dog may feel that their territory is being invaded.
Also, ensure that the dogs remain on their leash and maintain a 10 feet distance between them at all times. This way, they won’t be able to stare or growl at each other. The idea is to acclimate the dogs to each other without causing any tension.
2. Meeting with Dragging Leashes
After a few sessions of walking on their leash and getting used to each other’s presence, it may be a good idea to keep them on dragging leashes in an open area. Ensure there’s plenty of space for the dogs to move around because confined spaces can cause tension.
Leave the dogs to sniff each other and get used to being in each other’s presence without intervening. If they start to play and run after each other, everything is working great. If they’re still showing some signs of aggression, keep the interaction brief and try again another time.
3. At-Home Introduction
If you have no other choice but to introduce the bulldogs at your home, you have to do it right. Before you take the new dog into your home, take the resident dog out to the yard to meet the new bulldog before taking the introduction indoors.
When you take the dogs inside, keep the introductions short, especially if you notice tension rising. If they start showing signs of aggression, separate them and try again another time. Remember, you need to make their first meeting as pleasant as possible because it sets the tone of their entire relationship.
4. It Won’t Happen Overnight
Dogs are quite different from humans. When it comes to humans, dealing with strangers is easier. You can throw them together in one room and let them work out their differences. Sometimes, this doesn’t even have to happen because all it takes is a hello.
You can’t use the same approach with dogs. Putting them into the backyard and hoping they’ll work things out on their own is a recipe for disaster. It can lead to disaster and failure to integrate.
Therefore, make sure the introduction is slow and be patient because it may take time before the dogs can be left together on their own.
5. Separation in the Early Stages is Key
Once you’ve introduced the dogs, it’s essential to ensure they’re always separated when you’re not around. Doing so will prevent the fighting and territorial marking of the resident dog. Keep them in their crates or separate rooms until you get back.
It’s also important to feed them separately because bulldogs can be quite protective of their food.
6. Practice Conflict Resolution
Minor disputes among pets are normal. Often, you’ll see them growling at each other over their food bowls or a favorite toy, and they will solve the conflict. However, if the disputes involve limiting each other’s access to their owner or other members of the household, you may have to intervene.
Take note of polite behavior and reward it as soon as it happens. It may also help to teach the dogs that it’s okay to share by playing with both of them and avoiding limiting your attention to one dog that seems more submissive.
Back to You
Bulldogs can get along with other bulldogs. However, the success of your introduction will depend on several factors such as the dog’s personality and gender. Nonetheless, if you use the tips in this article, you should have an easy time getting your dogs to get along.
Learn More
If you want to learn more about English Bulldogs or other types of Bulldogs, then consider checking out this Bulldog Handbook on Amazon.