We're due to visit my folks this weekend and my dad has just announced they've acquired a chihuahua. DD is 16 months, and I would like to make sure that the two are introduced as sensibly and carefully as possible, for the benefit of them both.
I know absolutely nothing about dogs - I'm happy to pet other people's and am perfectly comfortable around them but that's about it. DD loves them and often says hello to ones we meet with the owner's permission, but she needs to be prevented from shrieking with excitement and leaping on them.
I don't know what experience my stepmother has with dogs, but my Dad has very little. He says the dog is around a year old and 'starting to do its business in the right place' which I presume is because it's just arrived in a new place rather than because it's not house-trained, but I'm not sure.
I'd be hugely grateful for advice from the initiated as to how to manage the meeting responsibly, without stressing out the poor dog or endangering DD. We're only staying one night this time so can separate if all else fails, but would like to think long-term.
Thank you!