Introducing a puppy to an older dog

[LHIS]

We're having friends over in a couple of weeks and they're bringing their retriever puppy with them. We have a 7 year old female terrier, who is at best tolerant of other dogs, and worst will give them what for. On very rare occasions she is friendly and wants to play, but not very often.
I want puppy to have a good experience meeting our dog and to ensure our dog does not give her a nip as I'm sure this would be a bad experience for the puppy, however I don't know how to manage it. I'm considering buying a small fabric muzzle and putting this on our dog if she proves to be unfriendly towards the pup, then that way they can interact without risk of a nip to the puppy. But then is our dog going to feel unhappy at this? I know dogs have a way of sorting out their differences and some people will say just let them get on with it, but the pup hasn't met many other dogs and I want it to be a positive experience for her. Thoughts?

ETA - our dog has had a muzzle on before, she's fine with it (in that she seems happy enough and doesn't try to remove it).

 

[twiggy2]

I would walk them together on neutral ground with them both on the lead and would separate them in the house. If you know you batch is not great with other dogs and it is just a day visit why take the risk. Your dog can scare/harm a puppy even with a muzzle on.

 

[Cahill]

i think basket muzzles are best.
will both dogs have somewhere to go for `quiet` time away from each other?
also good for ooman to step in to end the game if it looks like one or other is getting too exited.

it will be good for the puppy because this is how they learn to interact and learn to be `told off` etc

 

[Dobiegirl]

It does depend on how old the puppy is as there is puppy licence, if your dog is well socialised she may well tell a pup off without going in for a bite but you need to be vigilant and not let a puppy worry the existing dog.


I would walk them together as others have suggested on neutral ground and if I was unsure of the reaction of my dog or the puppy was continually in her face then I would keep them separated as its just a one day visit.

 

[LHIS]

Thanks for the replies all. I did wonder about just separating them, putting my dog in her kennel or asking my instructor to have her for the day so save the trouble. I don't think the pup is having walks yet, jabs aren't for a couple of weeks yet I think. I did wonder about walking them together as this is what I'd ordinarily but I'm expecting a puppy to be excitable and boisterous hence the muzzle as I find it unlikely that my dog will tolerate this.
Her socialisation isn't great, she will give other dogs a wide berth and only snaps when they ignore her warnings. She's a people dog, not a dogs dog.

 

[Aru]

If you think your dog is going to need to be muzzled as its likely she will break the skin defending herself then I wouldnt be subjecting her to a puppy and putting her in that level of discomfort that she would feel the need to defend herself to that extreme. A bite that needs a muzzle to prevent it is bite that shouldnt be allowed to happen in the first place.

A fabric muzzle would be cruel in these circumstances as they should only be used in extreme situations for short term restraint.A basket muzzle would be good to stop the puppy being physically harmed by the treeth but a bite isnt the only thing that makes an experience bad....honestly If shes bad enough with other dogs to need a muzzle I really dont see how this interaction is going to be beneficial at all for your dog or the pup...you already know she doesnt like other dogs....why force her to interact with a puppy when you know she likely wont enjoy it and may attack the pup.

Walk them together,then keep them seperately.That way the pup will learn not all dogs are there to be played with without your girl needing to resort to violence to keep a boisterous puppy away.
She may be fine and tolerate the pup....but if shes isnt... it isnt just a bite you should be worried its the message shes going to give that pup loud and clear of f off over what will likely be a small demenaour and due to fear as opposed to distilling manners.depends on how you want to socialise your puppy really.out of proportion fear based attacks dont tend to help puppies learn restraint....they just learn to be wary of that dog and not understand why the reaction was so disproportionate to their "crime" usually normal playfulness. It can lead to fear based responces after....
If shes a bit grouchy and likely to growl and warn air snap etc rather then a proper biter then id advise supervising them very carefully and remove the puppy when shes starting to warn and show signs of it being to much for your girl.a muzzle in those circumstances may lead to overconfidence and let your girl get to the level of discomfort where she will overcorrect the pup simply because the knowledge shes muzzled and cant do physical harm will stop ye stepping in before shes uncomfortable.not an ideal situation.

 

[Clodagh]

Thanks for the replies all. I did wonder about just separating them, putting my dog in her kennel or asking my instructor to have her for the day so save the trouble. I don't think the pup is having walks yet, jabs aren't for a couple of weeks yet I think. I did wonder about walking them together as this is what I'd ordinarily but I'm expecting a puppy to be excitable and boisterous hence the muzzle as I find it unlikely that my dog will tolerate this.
Her socialisation isn't great, she will give other dogs a wide berth and only snaps when they ignore her warnings. She's a people dog, not a dogs dog.

I think you are spot on and would kennel her or otherwise keep her out the way. I agree with Aru. My old lurcher teaches puppies manners, and makes a horrible noise and lunges for them if they push the boundaries, but would never hurt one so she is a great teacher. Now that she is very old I wouldn't expect her to deal with them, though. I aceept yours isn't old but she sounds grumpier!

 

[LHIS]

I think you are spot on and would kennel her or otherwise keep her out the way. I agree with Aru. My old lurcher teaches puppies manners, and makes a horrible noise and lunges for them if they push the boundaries, but would never hurt one so she is a great teacher. Now that she is very old I wouldn't expect her to deal with them, though. I aceept yours isn't old but she sounds grumpier!

Thank you - she is a grumpy sod, but absolutely lovely with people once she knows you. I rehomed her after she was a puppy machine and she lived outdoors without much other dog interaction. She was my first dog so perhaps in hindsight I should have made a conscious effort to socialise her when she was younger (I will make an effort when the opportunity arises!) but I didn't.
For those who are asking why we're doing this - friends are visiting from Lancs and they have to bring puppy with them. If it is an issue or either dog is unhappy I will remove our dog from the situation and put her somewhere she feels comfortable.