Young Pup Older Dogs (Elsa)

[Elsa's Mommy]

This is more of a non-dog-park question, but what is the best way to introduce our new pup to dogs she'll be around for the next several years? She's 11 weeks old, and we took her to my mom's house to meet the other dogs, and it scares me to death. Mom's got two Rottweilers and a half-sharpei, half GSD. One rott is too old to give a hoot, but the other growled at Elsa the other day. I'm afraid to just let her down on the ground and let them explore each other. The mutt is the other one I'm worried about. He just wants to play, but he's really big and I think he might hurt her.

So we've just been taking her over there to get them used to the smell. I have a large travel kennel we can put her in and get the other dogs over and "meet through the fence" kind of thing...

Not sure what to do. Can't bring myself just to put her down and let them go at it. Help!

[chelle]

Originally Posted by Elsa's Mommy

This is more of a non-dog-park question, but what is the best way to introduce our new pup to dogs she'll be around for the next several years? She's 11 weeks old, and we took her to my mom's house to meet the other dogs, and it scares me to death. Mom's got two Rottweilers and a half-sharpei, half GSD. One rott is too old to give a hoot, but the other growled at Elsa the other day. I'm afraid to just let her down on the ground and let them explore each other. The mutt is the other one I'm worried about. He just wants to play, but he's really big and I think he might hurt her.

So we've just been taking her over there to get them used to the smell. I have a large travel kennel we can put her in and get the other dogs over and "meet through the fence" kind of thing...

Not sure what to do. Can't bring myself just to put her down and let them go at it. Help!

I'd start a new thread about his issue. But understand the dogs feel YOUR tension. You said you were scared to death, so you're likely putting out a whole lotta vibes. Most adults deal with pups, recognize them as pups and allow some leeway, but that depends on how well balanced they are?

Why did the one growl? Was the pup in his space? Was pup doing anything at all?

Again, I'd start a thread about this. Doesn't really apply to OP's thread.

[wolfstraum]

Originally Posted by Elsa's Mommy

This is more of a non-dog-park question, but what is the best way to introduce our new pup to dogs she'll be around for the next several years? She's 11 weeks old, and we took her to my mom's house to meet the other dogs, and it scares me to death. Mom's got two Rottweilers and a half-sharpei, half GSD. One rott is too old to give a hoot, but the other growled at Elsa the other day. I'm afraid to just let her down on the ground and let them explore each other. The mutt is the other one I'm worried about. He just wants to play, but he's really big and I think he might hurt her.

So we've just been taking her over there to get them used to the smell. I have a large travel kennel we can put her in and get the other dogs over and "meet through the fence" kind of thing...

Not sure what to do. Can't bring myself just to put her down and let them go at it. Help!

The big dogs are giving you warnings. Keeping her crated is the best and safest thing. There is no way in the underworld that I would let a pup "socialize" with a Rottie who growled at her and another large dog!!!


Regular visits where the pup is crated in their environment may be in order for a long time, and on lead meetings the next step,then a fenced area to separate them is next...if they are aggressive, you will have protected your pup....

Lee