i have 3 dogs and want to introduce them to my boyfriends 2 dogs... advice?

[Ashley]

i have two small breed pekapoms and a larger mixed breed. The pekapoms don't get along with bigger dogs usually because they are afraid. My boyfriend has 2 black labs and we want them to be able to be around each other. He is planning on bringing them to my house tonight. Do you have any tips that may help calm chaos or prevent it? Thanks
thanks to everyone. The walking idea is a good one except that one of the black labs had a toe removed recently and cant walk well. I will try a short walk. Thanks again

 

[daa]

Don't introduce them in your house or yard at first. Leash them all up and go for a walk together in a neutral area. Start off walking them at a comfortable distance, then gradually move closer. Reward them all for remaining calm. If they're relaxed and friendly by the end of the walk, you can try taking them to your house for a short while. If not, walk them together every day until they are friendly.

 

[kellywebb]

Put them in separate rooms so they can get use to each others scent, see how they react when they are calm, keeping them well in hand, open the door and go from there. Good luck.

 

[Natalie]

It is not a good idea for the dogs to meet at your house. Your dogs may be territorial and this may cause problems that wouldn't have arisen in 'neutral' territory.

Go to a park or beach instead.

Keep all the dogs on leads so that you can quickly intervene with any negative behaviour.

Let them sniff because this is how dogs greet each other.

I would suggest you and your boyfriend take the dogs for a long walk (separately) so that they are all calm and submissive when they meet.

Keep the meetings short and gradually build up to longer times spend together.

When they are more used to each other, try taking them on 'pack walks' where you all walk together.

You and your boyfriend should stay calm and assertive. If you are scared, the dogs will pick up on your fear and it may cause negative behaviour.