I need advice (and vibes) on introducing a new dog (female)

[hedgehog]

to my older dog (male hound mix) and younger dog (male spitz). Both of my dogs are neutered. I'm dog sitting for a friend who has a bad back and can't take care of her dog for a while.

(cross posted from the Lounge)

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Just put them altogether in the yard and stay close. Any growls or

snaps should result in verbal commands. They should be fine and I've found it best to let them work it out themselves.

[hunter]

2. How big is the guest dog?

I wouldn't put a smaller or much larger male dog with your guys until I was absolutely certain they got along, and even if they are all similar size and the guest male dog is neutered, I'd still see if they got along first on neutral territory, and then again on your dogs' turf.

But I'd be cautious with a smaller female dog too.

Well, actually I'd be cautious with any dog. Some dogs just don't get along.

[hedgehog]

3. I haven't seen the guest dog, but I'm guessing

she's the size of the hound or else bt the hound and spitz. Her owner is 93, so I don't think this is a rambunctious dog!

[hunter]

4. It will probably go alright, but I'm always extra careful.

Vibes for everyone, all around.

[angstlessk]

5. When I introduced my big dog to my kitties..I put on a muzzle

It can take a second for a large dog to kill a smaller animal...till I knew he was fine with the cats, he had a muzzle...it only lasted about a week before we knew he could not care less about the kitties..and they to him

[2theleft]

6. Good luck to you..it's a great thing that you are doing with helping.

I think the main thing I would be worried about is what amount of socialization the guest dog has and what kind of dog she is - some breeds are more prone to dog aggression, isn't guaranteed, but could make you approach things a little differently. I am happy that the guest dog is a female and yours are male, that generally should make it easier.

I would recommend a seperate area or crate for the guest dog so she has somewhere "safe" to go if she has not been socialized properly. Is she healthy?

Do not feed them together if you can help it. Food/toys seem to be the biggest aggression makers in even non-aggressive dogs. Be careful when feeding or playing with toys. My hound mix is never aggressive until some other dog tries to take his toy/bone/food. Then look out!! So meal times and toy time are well monitored and controlled.

Any back history on the dog? I saw you don't know her size. Some additional info might help us help you. VERY curious as to if she has ever been around other dogs and what her behavior in general is like (is she dominant/bossy to owner, is she laid back, etc.).

[hedgehog]

7. Thanks for the pointers, everyone. I volunteered to board the dog because a 93 old lady I know

hurt her back and is having a rough time taking care of the dog. I'm kind of winging it, but am hoping it's a calm beast.

[Curmudgeoness]

8. If possible, I would first introduce them at a dog park

or some other neutral location. I would prefer leashes on all of them until you see how it goes. Maybe even just going for a walk around the neighborhood with someone else walking the new dog. Let them smell butts and greet each other that way first.

[roody]

9. Definitely meet on leash.

A crate will make everything much easier in the transition.

[hedgehog]

10. She's going to be staying in the crate for a little while -

I think the older dog is almost there, but the younger dog is barky and making her nervous.