If a shy dog and a more confident dog are meeting for the 1st time, where should they meet?

Question

Meaning - on whose turf?

The confident dog is not necessarially dominant.

The shy dog can get aggressive out of fear, but only w/ larger dogs usually, and this dog is his size.

Neutral turf isn't an option, so what is second best :)

(It's 0 degrees here, we're hanging out w/ friends and want the dogs to be a part of it. It's my place or my friend's place.)

Answer 1

Neither turf. In a neutral area is probably the best idea.
Perhaps the dog park.

Answer 2

Neutral turf would be best but since you say that isn't an option, here's how you do it.
One person arrives at the friend's house and stays in the driveway closer to the road than the house. The house owner brings her dog (both are on leashes) to the guest and allow the dogs to greet. Be careful that the owners remain relaxed and do not hold the leashes too taut, lifting the front legs of the dog could be seen as a challenge.
If the dog that lives in the house is comfortable then allow him to precede the guest dog into the house. Both dogs should follow the owners. Make the first visit a short one.
Now, do it all over again at the other house. Again a short visit.
The visits can become progressively longer as the owners realize that it was mostly their apprehension that slowed down the visiting.

Answer 3

If neutral turf is out of the question (I don't understand why but okay whatever!) then MEET at petsmart FIRST. That is neutral territory and neither animal will feel as if they have to defend their den. Dogs are territorial animals. Do you really want them to fight at your place or your friend's place? If your dog gets into a fight with another dog - it could damage him/her for life. The end result would be that he would become aggressive to other dogs or people - or COWER (shy) away from everything in sight? Is that what you really want?
Take the time to find a neutral place like Petsmart or a dog park or any other place that allows animals. If anything, YOU do IT for YOUR DOG. You are it's protector - its pack leader. It is your responsibility to protect him/her.

Answer 4

I'd allow them to meet on the shy dogs turf to give him/her confidence as long as the shy dogs is never territorial. If so, then neutral ground is best. Sometimes placing them in a crate in the same room for a few hours before letting them out to get aquainted is a good idea. In fact, I'd probably let the shy dog out and in his own time let him wander over to check out the confident dog.

Answer 5

I go through something similar all the time since we foster dogs and have a dog of our own. My advice would be for both dog owners to have their dog on leash. Let them sniff each other and get acquainted. If they are doing good and being nice, or even if they don't act TOO nice they just don't growl, give LOTS of praise and pets; I prob would not use treats for positive reinforcement in this situation, bc they might fight over it. If all does not go well, whichever (or both) dogs acted aggressive, they need corrected. I have slip collars (not choker chains) on 2 of my dogs and a prong collar on the most aggressive JUST when they meet new dogs. If you do not have a corrective collar, just say no in a firm, louder than normal voice (don't yell). and if it looks like it might get ugly, separate the dogs. It can be frustrating and a long process, or it could be just fine, you never know. Also, what we do is even if it looks like they get along ok, we let them walk around with their leash clipped to their collar, dragging the ground, just in case something happens you can quickly grab the leash. Also, it might be helpful to talk to a vet or a dog trainer. All the things I gave as advice, I learned from my trainer. Congrats on caring about your dog and the other dog to want to do it right; some people would not even think about that issue or care about it. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

Neutral ground, for sure, first and foremost. Otherwise, the 'homeboy' will be bound to try to defend his turf, which will not make for a nice introduction.
Also, keep close track of them, each of you owners, just in case they get a little too aggressive. But remember that aggression is an essential part of meeting behavior in dogs--as in most people. Once they have established a dominance-concord, they ought to be fine, since dogs are pack animals and happiest when in multiples. Just, sometimes the adjustments are wearing on their owners' nerves.
You should not intevene unless it looks like they'll come to bloodshed.
Good luck.

Answer 7

Neutral turf is very important for their own safety. You are going to have to bundle up and give them some time outside to get acquainted. 15 minutes or so isn't ideal, but it's better than nothing. Then, whichever place you go to, put up food, toys, bones, etc - anything that might cause a problem between them.

Answer 8

Neutral is best. But if not possible, try to bring the aggressive dog to the shy dog's place. Remember not to introduce them face first, try showing their sides first.

Answer 9

nicely you want to construct self assurance and this can be performed with effective reinforcement, treats and rewards even as assembly different dogs and individuals. I have self assurance the early neuter is a large mistake and now you particularly have your artwork cutout for your self. Get this dogs into agility practise or Rally-O or Flyball come across a sturdy coach in those activities.

Answer 10

Neutral territory, only. You are not setting the dogs up for success if you bring one dog over to another's house and introduce them that way. If it's inconvenient for you to go outside to introduce them properly, then don't do this at all.