Introducing little dog to big dog?

Linzp

Need a little advice...

Recently rehomed a little female Cairn Terrier (you can read the story on my previous post)
She's very sweet and according to the kennels got on famously with the other dogs whilst she was there. (Best friends with a Yorkie and an American Bulldog)

My dad has a female German Shepherd and he is keen for them to meet, she is 21 months old and a real handful...subsequently she doesn't get out any where near as often as she should. (dad is 72 and really cannot handle her very well)
She does have full run of the large back garden at all times and is very good with people but because of her lack of socialisation I am very wary about the whole ordeal.
she has in the past played with one dog off the lead, because of this my dad just say' "she'll be fine " but that was when she was much younger....
plus, it's okay for him to say that it's not his dog that'll be possibly injured or worse!
It would be great for them to meet because there may come a time when dad's not around and we've always said she'd have a home here with us.
Any idea how to initiate this, and could it work?
Thanks

sarabe

The most effective way to do this would be with a group of dogs that both your dad's dog is used to and your dog is used to. All off lead in an outside environment.

If your Dad's dog doesn't mix with other dogs then I wouldn't recommend you do it. It might work but it might not and it wouldn't be fair to your little dog.

ixwood

Walk them together as much as you can. That'll make them/you a pack and they'll then be cool with each other.

And always bring them together on neutral territory.

And the most important thing is to relax and not expect/anticipate any trouble. Dogs are very sensitive to body language and fear/nervousness and will pick up on your feelings. Be cool and relaxed. You're in control of the situation and both dogs will feel secure, relaxed and comfortable knowing that.

Once the dogs know and like each other, there's still potential for spats over food or treats, especially if they're possessive, so just be careful with treats/bones/sticks/bowls etc.

I think any dogs can get on and like each other if they're in the same pack, so don't worry too much.

I had a dog who hadn't been very well socialised before I got him and wasn't very dog friendly and after one meeting and walk with another dog that was going to be living with us (who wasn't too bad, but not especially fond of strange dogs himself), they were fine together. The 2 of them would sit in the boot of a hatchback together and sleeping side by side in front of the fire etc.

ameliarate

I am just in the process of doing this as we are about to "foster" a lurcher and have a patterdale. The lurcher is very laid back and is used to being with other dogs, the patterdale is a bit nervy. We have walked them together and then eventually brought them into our home at the same time. My dog did get a bit snappy, jealousy we think, when I arrived home from work one day. We used a water spray and just gave her a quick squirt, which seemed to do the trick.

I think walking them together is definitely the first step.

cjmumto2

YOu should let them meet away from their own territory ie at a nearby forest. Your father should really employ someone to give his dog a good run as it is a large dog that needs stimulation and exercise.

Relax as someone mentioned if you anticipate a fight it will happen. Keep both dogs on a long relaxed leash, so that you can control the situation and probably best to have someone other than your dad, incase he gets pulled off his feet. But it should be fine, dogs are socialalbe friendly creatures and if allowed to meet in calm circumstances they should be fine. Dont shout or say anything, just let them say hello then call them and give them a treat.