Bringing my dog to my parents house for Christmas!

[AlohaPolynesian]

I adopted a dog in April and she is the greatest dog in the world! I got so lucky because she is very well behaved and is a good listener.

My family dog is not a good listener and kind of likes to do as he pleases. My mom reluctantly agreed to let me bring my dog home for the holidays because their house is big and there is plenty of room for them to be separated should they not get along.

We are trying to decide the best way to have them meet for the first time. They say you should have them meet on neutral territory, etc. but I know different things work for different people.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to best introduce two dogs to each other? My dog is a 20lb shy 1 year old female and the family dog is a 50lb 4 year old male. My dog goes to daycare twice a week with dogs of all sizes and gets along well with them, whereas their dog really doesn't socialize too often besides for passing by dogs on walks or at the park.

Anyways, my mom is very wary about this so I want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Let me know if you have any thoughts or advice!

Thanks in advance!

 

[NotUrsula]

My advice is to board your dog or have someone pet-sit.

If your mother doesn't want him as a houseguest, don't bring him -- it's bound to cause friction.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

The best way to meet is through walking.

Also walk, walk, walk and wear these dogs out first so they are drained of energy and more happy.
That is really the big secret. Keep them tired and they will get along better.

I do agree that boarding the dog is better for all involved since your dogs have never met each other.

 

[minkydog]

The best way to meet is through walking.

Also walk, walk, walk and wear these dogs out first so they are drained of energy and more happy.
That is really the big secret. Keep them tired and they will get along better.

I do agree that boarding the dog is better for all involved since your dogs have never met each other.

I agree. My mother's dog is largely untrained, and a Border Collie at that. She brought him to my house when her dog was about 2yo and my dog was an elderly 9. Her dog barked and growled and carried on--she was wild. I got out the leashes and we took them on a long walk before we ever tried to bring them in the house. For the most part they get along, but her dog tends to "run" my old Minky too much. She thinks it's cute when the dogs tie it up when they're establishing dominance(Minky wins, hands down) and she doesn't care if it's in the backyard or in the kitchen. It makes my dog upset and it makes my DH upset. I have asked her not to bring the dog anymore becuase it just upsets the whole household.

Good luck, whatever you decide. Be prepared to have to "deal" with the dogs several times while you're there.

 

[MichelleVW]

I would board my dog if I were you. I don't want my dogs around dogs that misbehave, especially ones that are way larger than they are!! It would be less stressful for everyone (dogs included) if you boarded the dog.

 

[arminnie]

Just not a good idea. My dog had a little mate that was half his size. Breaux looked after the little one -took him food, etc. Was his protector and big brother. I took him by for a visit the othe day and Samson (all grown up now) tried to kill him and I got bit in the process of separating them. Male dogs dont' get along that well.

 

[LuLuO]

I agree that it is not a good idea for all the reasons the PPs stated. It is a lot to expect two strange dogs to get along, especially at the holidays when life can be stressful anyway. Boarding your pup would be a better option. If you go this route, make sure to get her Bordetella vaccination and possibly the Canine Flu vaccination (required in my county) ASAP. A lot of kennels require that they be vaccinated at least a week before boarding.

ETA: My Bella, a senior adopted two years ago, is the sweetest girl and quite the lap dog, until she gets around other dogs and then she turns into Cujo. Big or small, she tries to take them out.

 

[java]

If you decide to throw caution to the wind and bring your dog my only advice is to make sure YOUR dog is on a leash when you walk in. (both on leash would be best- but even just your dog would help)

 

[Minnie]

Please reconsider boarding your dog.... sounds like you are setting yourself up for a difficult situation

 

[hambirg]

My advice is to board your dog or have someone pet-sit.

If your mother doesn't want him as a houseguest, don't bring him -- it's bound to cause friction.

ITA!

Please don't take this the wrong way. BUT. . it may not even be your dog. . but your Mom already knows that it is going to be too stressful on the family dog. I had a lil cocker pekingese mix. . he was OLD. . .14. . .had cataracts and I suspect his hearing was going. My cousin insisted on bringing her 2yr old Newfoundland pup. . ."she's great! she gets along with everybody!" I'm sure she does. . .and she really was a good dog. . .BUT it was extremely stressful for my old pooch. Her poor dog ended up spending most of it's time in her car. . .and it wasn't the dogs fault. I had already said that I didn't think it was a good idea. . .and it didn't have anything to do with her dog, but EVERYTHING to do with mine.