Introducing our puppy to in-laws dog - any advice

[Tillyboo]

My in-laws are coming to visit tomorrow with their 'baby', a gundog lab. He can be very grumpy with other dogs on walks but is totally professional when working.

I am a little anxious about our 15wk old Springer Pup and the Lab meeting as I don't know how the older dog (he's 10 and is a bit arthritic) will react.
Our pup growls and barks at other dogs when out but is submissive if the other dog shouts back. We are starting puppy classes next week so I am hoping this socialisation will help.

I have told my in-laws that both dogs should meet whilst on leads and on the front lawn rather than inside the house.
Our Pup is very Springy and exciteable so the last thing a mature arthritic dog wants is a young whipper snapper jumping on him.

Is this the best route or can anyone suggest anything else to achieve a stress and injury free meeting.

My guess is the older dog will very quickly put the pup in his place! The lab may snap at him but the pup should quickly get the message and back down. It's actually best not to have them on leads as a dog can feel quite vulnerable on a lead and may consequently be more aggressive than they would usually be.

Should be fine once the initial ground rules have been set down by the lab. Good luck!

Thanks Bella - that makes sense but I'm worried the Lab will 'go for' my pup. He's shown an intolerance to our dd in the past too.
I'd rather he didn't come at all but it's a very delicate situation as we fell out about the issue with their dog and our dd i.e. they wouldn't accept the fact that their dog had growled and nipped at our dd on several occasions.

Dont do leads please. As bella said it is likely to make both more aggressive. I would do on neutral territory and supervise the meeting. Dont be alarmed by some initial aggression whilst older dog puts younger one in place but obviously be prepared to step in if looks like puppy will be hurt.
THey will pick up on your tension too. DOnt shout at them if it goes wrong just distract. Shouting will excite and reinforce aggression.

We have 3 dogs and the bitch will often put one of the males into his place and it looks really nasty but she has never actually nipped him.

At the same time dont let the puppy bother him especially if he's arthritic.