Safe introduction to a friends puppy.

[viagrafalls]

Slightly more complex than the title suggests as this is my good friend who is/was my go-to dog sitter since I've had my 2.5 year old terrier mix. She adores him and thinks of his house as her own. So, what is the best way to introduce them. Off site? At the house? We want them to be able to be walked together. My dog is highly socialised with a big group of pals that she plays with. She's a typical terrier - she can be wonderful with small puppies that she meets but obviously I don't want to take any chances. TIA for any advice.

If the puppy is fully vaccinated then off site would be best.

Walk in a big circle with the dogs behind each other. They will be able to sniff from a distance and get used to each others scent.

If that goes well then parallel walk them so they are not reacting to each other , gradually walk a bit closer together then have a 2 sec meet and greet nose to nose and one of the dogs should then go to butt end and then walk away.If they do not go to butt end then walk away anyway.

Depending on the reaction add or decrease distance.

Okay thank-you thats a good start.

@PollyRoullson

If the puppy is fully vaccinated then off site would be best.

Walk in a big circle with the dogs behind each other. They will be able to sniff from a distance and get used to each others scent.

If that goes well then parallel walk them so they are not reacting to each other , gradually walk a bit closer together then have a 2 sec meet and greet nose to nose and one of the dogs should then go to butt end and then walk away.If they do not go to butt end then walk away anyway.

Depending on the reaction add or decrease distance.

Sorry, just re-read this - there is no way my dog will be able to walk ahead of my friend without wanting to turn and say hello to him!

I worked with a behaviourist to introduce my reactive dog to my sisters puppy some years ago. First step was going for a walk together. Side by side was fine. I put a stair gate up in the house and lots of rewards for positive interactions between the two, even just looking at each other without a reaction. My reactive dog died a couple of years ago and I now have a rescue dog. Using the same techniques and they are gradually getting used to each other. Just small steps and lots of praise and rewards.

Thank-you!

Then you walk your dog in front and the puppy behind.

If your dog can not walk with your friend calmly then get that introduction out of the way and then bring out the puppy.

@PollyRoullson Thank-you, I will try to implement all these suggestions…

Oh and use a high value reward. I use cocktail sausages but I cut each one into tiny pieces (one sausage makes about 20 treats). My boy is a bit chubby so need to be careful with rewards.