Whether meeting a dog already in your household or going to someone else’s home, two rules apply to introductions.

First you need to know for sure that the other dog is friendly and tolerant towards puppies.

Second, they need to first meet in a neutral space.

Never place or walk a puppy into an established dog’s home! An unknown puppy or dog invading their space will seem like a threat. Especially since puppies are still learning the rules of socialization with other adults and this can be annoying to dogs who aren’t used to playing with youngsters.

Make sure all bowls, food and toys are safely up and put away. If the resident dog uses a crate, shut the door for the introduction.

Have them meet in the driveway or sidewalk. Garage if weather doesn’t allow for meeting outside. Ideally do this with two adults so each person can hold the leash of one dog or puppy. Start outside, both of them leashed (puppy should be in a harness with a leash) and have each person start walking with their puppy or dog, going in the same direction. Your goal is to get them “working/traveling” together side by side or on either side of you. This will be just a short distance, turn and walk back. You can do it a couple of times. Think sled dogs with each team working side by side. And although your puppy will likely be too young to properly walk at your side, just get them following you if possible.

After they have moved together in the same direction, allow them to sniff each other and do a general greeting. Once they have walked a little together and met each other in that neutral space, then you can go inside. The resident dog should go in first but keep the leash on.

Don’t reprimand the adult dog if they growl at the puppy. This is how dogs let others know that they’re feeling unhappy about something. Growling can let the puppy know to back off or chill out. Growling is a way older dogs communicate that a puppy has crossed the line. Obviously if the adult dog is making inappropriate contact or snapping at the puppy it is time to separate them.

Adult dogs that play bow or get low to the ground are trying to make their play safe for the puppy. But make sure they aren’t overwhelmed by the puppy. If you notice that the elder dog is becoming agitated or overly tired by the puppy, separate or redirect the puppy to another task. Adults should always have a safe place to go and rest (away from the puppy). Preferably where they can still receive one on one attention from their people. Puppies can safely be put into their playpen to also give adult dogs a break.

Once they are familiar with each other and have successfully interacting for a long period of time, you can introduce toys again. Always make sure you put out an extra toy, not just one for each of them. This goes for long lasting chews and/or antler splits also.