Intoducing the new dog

[raycie]

Yesterday we adopted a new puppy/dog (violet - Rott mix) and were in the process of introduing our current dog (Bailey - Border Terrier / Shitzu).
After coming home, we thought that a nice way to introduce Bailey to Violet, was to keep violet in the car and in the travel kennel, and to bring Bailey to sniff Violet while in the kennel.
I guess Violet was in the kennel for long enough to think of that as "her" area, and so snapped at Bailey when she got close to snif the cage. After she snapped, we corrected the behavior verbally.
A little later, we went walking, Violet with me, and Bailey with my wife. They walked fine, we separted them while eating, and later in the evening, I brought Violet (on a leash) into the house.
While in the house, she had god interactions with both Bailey and the cat. The cat was the one who was the most curious. Bailey on the other hand, doesn't like bigger dogs too much.
This morning, when the dogs were left together for a little while, my wife noticed that Violet was getting into a stiff crouch-like stance, and stopped the behavior.

Are we doing this totally wrong? What would you think about a muzzle for violet for a little while when she is in the house, as to not let her get too nasty, but get the interactions going?

Thanks in advance..

[VTJess03]

It seems to me like the meeting/greeting stage is progressing pretty normally.

Just make sure that both dogs have plenty of room to get away from each other when they want their space. To have one or the other confined or restrained may cause even more defensive behavior (just like having them cornered would). I don't usually interfere until they start snapping (unless we're visiting at someone elses house); one dog will learn to respect the other one's growl (it's just like your verbal correction, but in dog language). I'm lucky enough that both of my girls have 'handles' (tails :) )that can be safely used to separate them when it gets ugly, so that I don't get bitten.

They will learn to like one another, but there is definitely a process of establishing the pecking order between them, which they have to do themselves. Since one of yours will be so much bigger than the other, you may want to intervene sooner than I do so that Bailey doesn't get hurt, but let them get themselves sorted out. Just make sure they both know you're the boss and can enforce that position by all the techniques that are commonly discussed on this board.

Oh, and post a picture of the new pup if you get a chance :)

[raycie]

Do you think the muzzle should be an option?

[Giselle]

I agree. Dogs need to sort out the pack order by themselves. Only interfere when things start to get physical (i.e. when you start to hear vicious snarls). It is also a good idea to intervene when you see visible tension such as raised hackles and the stiffness that you described.

Whenever you have a small and a large dog, I will always recommend a muzzle. Even though my greyhound Giselle was the submissive one, I muzzled her nonetheless. Big dogs don't understand that their sheer snapping strength can snap the other dog's back. Therefore, I would definitely recommend a muzzle for the time being.

The mistake that you made was allowing the dogs to meet on their own territory. Like you said, Violet spent enough time in the kennel to regard that as her safe spot. So when Bailey intruded upon her space, she felt the need to snap at him. You should have introduced them on completely neutral ground like the neighbor's yard or a nearby park. Perhaps you can reintroduce the pair tomorrow at the city park or something. Keep a slightly loose lead but always be on the lookout for aggravated dog behavior. If the dogs sniff each other but do little else, praise and treat them. I wish you luck and post tons of pictures!

[raycie]

I posted this in the "breeds" section, but don'y know if some ppl. are topic specific so.... here she is, and if possible, let me know your ideas as to what she may be. THe pound tag said rott-mix, one of the workers said maybe manchester terrier-mix, some others are saying dobie-mix. She does look a little dobie, but has a wrinkled forhead when alert, and has that stance I talked about earlier..

thanks if you can help.

[Giselle]

Her head *screams* Smooth Fox Terrier:
http://www.puppydogweb.com/gallery/smoothfoxterriers/smoothfox_conrad.jpg
- Courtesy of http://www.puppydogweb.com/gallery/smoothfoxterriers/smoothfox_conrad.jpg

She doesn't look quite dobe or rott. How big is she? If she stands at a petite stature, she could very well be part Manchester Terrier or even Miniature Pinscher. Actually, now that I look at it, she looks VERY much like an uncropped Manchester Terrier.

http://www.british-manchester-terrier-club.co.uk/frontcoverdog.jpg

http://www.manchester-terrier-deutschland.de/home/index.php

Do you have a full body shot of her?

[zoey]

Hi Racie, and congrats on your new puppy!!
When I adopted my puppy a few weeks ago, the shelter here in Texas, said to keep her away from other animals for 2 weeks.
It's a good thing too, because 3 days into the adoption she began exhibiting signs of a contagious "kennel cough" which has finally run it's course.
Was this "quarantine" not advised in your case?
Just curious...