Dog Introduction

[Rivsky]

My sister is getting a 3 year old Border Collie (Zeta) early this week and we were wondering what would be the best way to introduce her to Brandi (a 2 year old Blue Heeler x Border Collie).

We have a couple of issues that sort of rule out taking them to a park (ie neutral terriority) for their first meeting as:

1. Brandi is completely ball obessed - take her to the park and she will 100% focus on looking/waiting for her ball. If we don't take it she just resorts to chasing other dogs - which would probably not be the best introduction from Zeta's point of view!!

2. If we keep Brandi on lead she tends to be more dog aggressive when leashed compared to off - however if we let her off we go back to the ball situation!!

Is it possible to let them have their first meeting at home? Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to get these two off to the best possible start?

(BTW - both dogs are spayed)

[IceyBlueSibes]

Well geez. What a sticky situation. LOL I really don't have any suggestions. It could be possible to do it at home. It's just running a higher possibility of Brandi becoming protective of her home. How did you guys introduce River and Brandi?

Do you have a fenced yard? Maybe you could put a leash on Brandi and walk Zeta in (leashed), but stay close just in case you have to grab ahold of Brandi's leash.

How is Brandi generally with other dogs?

[Cassiepeia]

Why not intro the dogs at your house or another friends place that has a fenced yard? That's neutral territory and not a park.

Cass.

[misdemeanorsmom]

What about having them well exercised prior to their meeting. If they're already tuckered out, they're less likely to clash. What about a structured walk together? Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer, says it promotes a sense of pack. And again, if they've already had the edge taken off, the on-leash aggression should be less likely. (Any other Cesar fans? He makes alot of sense.)

[Rivsky]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

River and Brandi were introduced in Brandi's front yard - being a pup though Brandi just took to River instantly - something she has never done before or since really.

Brandi is not overly tolerant with "bouncy" type dogs (if you get what a mean) - but she is getting a LOT better around other dogs generally - it's just the leash issue that we're concerned about.

I like the idea of taking her out for a walk or to the park beforehand to take the "edge" off.

We will probably go the option of using someone else's yard - we don't really want to do it at my place though because Brandi can get a little protective over River at times - which is sweet but sometimes she doesn't seem to understand that River is having a great time with somebody other than her!!

Will let you all know how we go and what we end up doing - thanks for all your suggestions - gives us some other options to consider!!

[IceyBlueSibes]

That's a good idea Cass. I never thought of that. That's a perfect idea.

And yes, walking them together helps them get used to eachother while not really "interacting". If you know what I mean. I had to do this with Sarge (my boxer/GSD) and Ike when we first brought him in to stay with us. Sarge had gotten to the point of not letting Ike walk into the house (when Ike went out back to pee), so I started walking them together. After a while, Sarge stopped with his nonsense and we really didn't have any issues after that. So I think walking them together after the first greeting will help to allow them to adjust.