Introducing Dogs

NotJennay

We're making a little trip to visit my brother this weekend and bringing G with us - the only snag is that he's currently dog sitting.  We'll get there late Friday, so my current plan is for my brother to meet us outside of his place with the dog he's taking care of and to take a nice 15 to 20 minute walk with both dogs leashed.

Any other ideas?  Should we have him put away all toys before we get there?  G forgot some toys last Christmas when we visited and the other dog has been playing with them and is somewhat possessive - is it irrational to think G might remember that those are her toys?  We're bringing G's kennel, I don't know if the other dog has a kennel or not. 

ETA:  It's also an option for the dog sitted dog to go to a different house or for G to stay at a daycare over the weekend instead of coming with us.  I get nervous leaving her to go on trips and thought she might enjoy playing with the other dog, so my thought was it would be better to bring her with us, but maybe that is wrong?

hboo2011

I have tried to reply 3x from my computer but kept having issues so I'm on my phone. Pardon the lack of paragraphs/any grammar issues. We got the help of a trainer when we introduced Squirt (right) to Reesey (left). We started on completely neutral territory and just walked near each other, then after that went well, an hour long walk with each other. Then finally off leash in backyard. All toys were removed ahead of time and not introduced for a fewdays. Bowls were picked up and then they were fed separately for a few months. I think it's a good idea you are briging your dog's crate just in case. My only other big advice (per our trainer) is to wait until Sat am to introdice when it's light out. Maybe have your bro keep his dog outside until u get your dog inside in her cage in a room his dog can't get to. Then take them both out separately Sat am to watch howthey interact when you can really see them/their reactions to each other. Onviously you'll just be there for the weekend, but use your best jidgement on toys. Ours were not available for about 2 days until we got to see how they reacted to each other.

hboo2011

Side note- we took extra precaution w Reesey bc, although she liked H's parent's dog immediatley, we were not there for the intro (his dad did it while we were out of town) and then one time at Petsmart, a stranger let his dog jimp on Reesey and she snapped at it so I was alittle paranoid how she would react. Turns out as long as a new dog doesn't get in her face, she's just fine :-). Oh, we also kept them on leashes inside for a few mins just to make sure she eas ok w him being in her house. May not be an issue w/ your bro's dog since it's not really that dog's house. Ps- I just reread what I wrote above. Holy spelling/lack of spaces. Again, sorry. Good luck!

NotJennay

Thanks for the insight!  I didn't even think about it being an issue for them to meet at night.  Maybe I can get DH to leave work early enough for us to get there while it's light out.

The dog at my brother's house is on a somewhat extended stay, so she may think of it as her place by now.