Hi All, As some of you will be aware in just over 5 weeks we will be bringing home our new pup and I was wondering what would be the best way to introduce her to my sisters dog, a female 15 month old French Bulldog. We need both dogs to be able to get along well together as we will be looking after each other's dogs for holidays, overnights and they will need to socialise well at family gatherings, christmas etc. My main concern is that my sisters dog, although good with people has not been socialised very well with other dogs. My sister initially had 2 females from the same litter and they were displaying aggressive behaviour towards each other both trying to dominate one another and my sister was advised to rehome one of the dogs before the situation escalated. She has not shown any other form of aggression towards other dogs but as they live in a rural village where she will often go days without seeing another dog she hasn't had much chance to socialise whilst out walking and some of the older dogs in her village have been a bit miffed at her over zealous pup so my sister has avoided those dogs altogether!! Any tips beforehand would be appreciated. Thanks
Re: Best way to introduce a puppy to another dog? The good news is you have nature on your side. Most adult dogs will tolerate a puppy so you can make the most of that natural behaviour pattern. I'd suggest waiting a couple of weeks until your new puppy feels completely at home and you've got a better idea of what he's like. On first introductions, keep the pup in his crate and let the older dog see him. If that goes well and the Bulldog has had a good sniff and inspected the pup with no apparent issues - you can let the pup out. All should be fine. Keep calm and relaxed to keep both dogs relaxed and behave as if everything is going to be fine. Don't use a lead on the bulldog, just be close. I'm sure the real experts will be along soon to offer their advice. I hope it all goes well.
Re: Best way to introduce a puppy to another dog? I would do as Gordon suggests. Do the introduction at your house. Also, have tasty treats ready to reward both dogs for good behaviour. Don't make the play session too long - end it while everyone is still relaxed. Don't worry if the older dog more or less ignores your puppy. That is totally fine and normal. Hope it goes really well and that they eventually become great friends
Re: Best way to introduce a puppy to another dog? Hello Nicola, We had a similar situation a few months ago when we got our rescue adult Simba . I had kept Bruno at a friends place while we went to get Simba , So Bruno was pretty tired when we got him home as he had bin playing with my friends dog while we were away . We put Simba on Leash at kept both Simba and Bruno on either side of the pet gates and let them sniff each other , There was a bit of light growls from Simba but I kept telling him 'Its ok' . We didnt use any treats during this . I would suggest make both dogs do some exercise(a walk or a play session) before introducing them . Keep an eye for any signs of tension etc. Best of luck let us know how it goes. Cheers Vish
Re: Best way to introduce a puppy to another dog? Thanks all for the advice. She is quite a sweet dog albiet a little mad and loves my girls so hopefully all will be ok. I have added a pic of her below! image by nicolamorris0208, on Flickr
Re: Best way to introduce a puppy to another dog? Aww....what breed is she? (I am a bit of a numpty regarding dog breeds) Hopefully your lab pup won't learn from big Sis
Re: Best way to introduce a puppy to another dog? Hi Jacqui, She is a French bulldog. She is my sisters dog so they will not be living together but they will be spending holidays etc together so need to get along well.
Re: Best way to introduce a puppy to another dog? [quote author=Nicmorris link=topic=5762.msg74073#msg74073 date=1399320132] Hi Jacqui, She is a French bulldog. She is my sisters dog so they will not be living together but they will be spending holidays etc together so need to get along well. [/quote] Ah! Of course! Yep, we have a reciprocal arrangement with my sister in law for holidays - very useful.
Re: Best way to introduce a puppy to another dog? I am sure they will got on fine, after the first few 'interviews'. Just take it easy, relax, and enjoy them.
Re: Best way to introduce a puppy to another dog? [quote author=Nicmorris link=topic=5762.msg73781#msg73781 date=1399275684] Thanks all for the advice. She is quite a sweet dog albiet a little mad and loves my girls so hopefully all will be ok. I have added a pic of her below! image by nicolamorris0208, on Flickr [/quote] Burst out laughing.......was it Stacia that came down and found her Labrador in the sink licking the dishes?this photos reminds me of that! I hope they are good pals x
