How to actually introduce them?

LauraBR

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To summarise- I have Big Dog, and little dog. Big dog is a 13 stone mastiff x rottie, little dog is a springer spaniel sized rottie cross.

ASBO puppy is a TINY minature JRT pup with more attitude and bravado than both Big/little dog combined.

Little dog is actually great with ASBO puppy, gentle, careful, interested, but knowing when to firmly but gently put her in her place.

Big dog is WAY too big to be 'loose' with ASBO. We have had ASBO a week and for the first 2 days Big dog barked wildly at her through her giant dog crate (frightened of her). He's now SOooooo much better- no barking. We take things day by day and now he doesn't pay any attention to her 'caged' tantrums, he sniffs her and then wanders off calm as anything. We can hold her and he'll sniff albeit roughly but with tail wagging and eyes friendly (can tell a lot by his eyes)... today had her on the floor for the first time (with my hands protecting her just in case) and he sniffed and licked as he does (she was soaking).

Don't plan to let them 'loose' together until she is a FAIR bit bigger and much more nimble... just wondered whether anyone had any tips?
 
keep introducing them... maybe the big dog and the pup... then the little dog and the pup. both on leads? If they want to play while on the leads, let them for a tiny bit, then build it up day by day. then take maybe pup off the lead for each.

once they pup and big are fine off lead together, and the same with pup and litte introduce all three on leads. etc etc. you will prob find you will have more trouble with little dog than big.

Jack russels will put up with a fair bit and are fairly tough... but the longer you leave it... the harder it is for the others to accept it.

Imagine a pack of wolves in the wild... pup is automatically part of the pack... if a wolf gave birth to another fully grown wolf i think it probably wont be accepted? see what i mean?

hope it helps... bit waffly tho :s
 
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you will prob find you will have more trouble with little dog than big

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Little dog and puppy are fine together now, already introduced- playing quite cutely together as I type- it's Big dog that needs introducing properly. Will incorportate the lead idea... thanks
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stick a muzzle on the big one and let em get on with it, they will sort themselves out
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No, not a good idea I'm afraid.

I don't think for a second Big dog would bite the puppy, what I'm worried about is Big dogs clumsiness and over exuberence with such a tiny puppy (she fits in one of my hands and he's a giant mastiff!). One swipe of a Big paw and it would be game over for puppy.

BUT, that would be my take on things in general- you have to let them sort it out themselves... just need to be careful given the size difference, hence the post really.
 
I think what your doing is fine. They still meet and can see each other through the cage so its not like they are suddenly going to meet. When ASBO puppy is bigger then they can meet and play properly, as you say Big dog may accidently knock puppy over. I'd wait till puppys older and stronger.
It doesn't sound like big dog will attack ASBO. I know when we introduced our tiny puppy (not so tiny now) to our other dog, other dog got a bit OTT trying to make puppy play, but soon learnt not to play rough.
 
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probably a bit careless to get such different sizes
if your so worried
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The decision to get a small puppy took a lot of thought and planning and YES we took her on knowing it would be hard work but I would not describe us as 'careless'.

In the last week all the dogs have come on in leaps and bounds, my hubbie and I are thrilled with them- just wondered if anyone had any extra advice
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Just because it wouldn't be safe to let them 'fight it out' doesn't mean they won't enjoy a lot of fun together over many years if we take the time and care to get the beginning bits right
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Thanks IC.

We've graduated to having puppy on the ground while Big dog sniffs about her (with our hands hovering round her to whip her up and away if needed) and he has been really good. Bit enthusiastic with the sniffing but totally placid.

I think she will end up the total boss of him when she gets bigger
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We got a puppy (v. small and cute) for the g'parents and with three large dogs, two lab sized and a bigger one were a bit concerned.
Turns out one played (he has had her head in his mouth, and just gently pushes her away
 
We got a puppy (v. small and cute) for the g'parents and with three large dogs, two lab sized and a bigger one were a bit concerned.
Turns out one played (he has had her head in his mouth, and just gently pushes her away!), the oldest one ignores her and puppy doesn't bother her and my lab did get cross, but growled and that was it, still does when puppy gets overexcited (when visiting!).
We just allowed them to say hello while we were holding puppy and they were all grand.
I would be inclined to put big dog on a lead, perhaps in a room where ASBO can escape under a sofa/table if necessary and let them say hello.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys! All dogs are now fully integrated
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Big dog is actually really good with her now
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Shame the same can't be said for her- she thinks biting his facial wrinkles and dangling off them is fun
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Awww cute!!
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I think you'll be suprised at how tolerant AND careful Big Dog will be around ASBO - When she stars getting a bit bigger and tougher though his patience will soon disappear!! LOL!!!

As for being careless? what a load of tripe!! Careless would be chucking ASBO in with both dawgs and going down the pub!!
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He is SO good with her, puts up with a lot. Little dog is more inclined to tell her off (which is fine) with a warning snap. Still wouldn't leave puppy alone with either of them but while we are around they are all together.

Really pleased and glad we took the time to do it gradually, they all seem well adjusted and relaxed which is great to see.
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