Introducing dogs to dogs that don't like other dogs...

[frostedviolets]

Possible?

Dog is pretty uncomfortable around most other dogs.
Never bitten but not friendly either...

Have done significant work on it in the past but now opt to just avoid other dogs.

Dog will usually choose not to approach others on walks but does (very rarely!) get on okay with some, usually small active ones that leap straight into play bypassing the formal greeting or small, old, placid ones.
Sometimes okay with puppies too.

We have had relatives dogs come to the house before and dog has been less than impressed, lots of growling when they come near but ultimately will sit next to them nicely to take treats, play with toys with them around without nastiness etc.
Basically ignore them and growl if they try to interact.

Is it possible to introduce a puppy to a dog like this and it work out well and they become friends?

Yep very possible.

It depends on the reason for the reaction to other dogs but this is usually down to fear and uncertainty.

What breed of dog is it?

Also observe the temperament of the puppy some are easier for dogs to tolerate than others.

I am speaking from experience that this can be done.

Yep very possible

So glad to hear this!

It depends on the reason for the reaction to other dogs but this is usually down to fear and uncertainty

Yes, It's been caused by other dogs attacking and aggressing.
Often unprovoked, quite a few times dog hasn't even realised they are there.

Really relieved to hear that it is possible to do an introduction and it work out.

Definitely possible.
I introduced a young dog ( not tiny puppy but probably 9-10 months old) into a home with a highly reactive dog. The first meeting consisted of nothing more than a quick sniff through a stairgate. We moved on to parallel walking on neutral ground and before eventually taking both dogs home. We did this over the course of a month or more.

It was very obvious that the reactive dog was much happier than usual walking out with his new companion, who was a confident, sociable young female.

The worry is that a very young pup will pick up on the reactive dog's fears. A slightly older one, with a good temperament is more likely to help.

My mums dog was like this- but always fine when carefully introduced to dogs at his own home. He has accepted my dog fine, we were careful not leaving them unsupervised together for first year when we visit, and separate rooms for meals- but I honestly think my pup has helped my mums anxious rescue dog a lot!

I've done it successfully! Twice. And about to do it again.
It's difficult but doable.
Both times the only way I could the main dog to be calm and accepting was by lots of walking side by side. Then gradually the snapping and growling indoors reduced and then gradually disappeared. Both times that side by side walking was key.
Hard work and there were times where I did feel new dog was going to have to go, but the perseverance was worth it when I saw my grouchy growly dog running freely with new dog and loving life!

my worry is that a very young pup will pick up on the reactive dogs fears

I am also concerned about this.

Though my dog doesn't appear to be nervous unless actually up close.

I am planning to teach pup to ignore other dogs and walk past calmly.

I'm not sure if this is the 'correct' thing to do but I have had so many dogs aggress at reactive dog for no reason (that I can see anyway) that I don't trust other dogs anymore.

Reactive dog isn't particularly shy in any other situation really, quite a confident dog overall

If other dogs have attacked your boy then it will absolutely have knocked his confidence. Think of it this way - a truly confident dog doesn't feel the need to have a go at others, so however calm he may seem to you he will be feeling a bit insecure.

He is unlikely to feel threatened by a puppy but IMO a nice older dog with good social skills may be a better match.

When we got a new puppy, I also worried that she would learn from the older reactive dog. I was prepared to walk her separately if I had to until she had matured. We deliberately chose the most confident puppy in the litter, and actually she has done wonders for him, and his nerves have not affected her at all. He still barks at other dogs, but when she recalls he does to, rather than standing his ground and being obnoxious as the stranger dog approaches (not a biter so allowed off lead). He still has issues, but he is so much more manageable with her around.

He is unlikely to feel threatened by a puppy but IMO a nice older dog with good social skills may be a better match

If an older dog of a small breed I would agree, but the breed we are thinking of is a larger dog.

I think no matter how placid an adult of the breed we are thinking of, dog would be anxious because of the size difference.

My dog has a selected group of doggy friends but in general is a people person , we would love another dog but I have absolutely no intention of making my current dog uncomfortable in his own home so we will remain a one dog household . I’ve little interest in whether he would get used to it and like it after an amount of time because the one certainty is that he would be extremely put out at the start .