Hi, I have a nearly 2 year old Staff, Buster, who has been very well socialised and loves other dogs.  However, the only time he has been "funny" has been when he's met three pups [on seprate occasions], quite small ones, either when they were on a lead or in the park, when he has growled quite ferociously at them and then I have tended to call him away or pull him away if he's been on the lead.  Two close friends have now bought male puppies, one is an 8 week old Jack Russell and the other an 8 week old Springer Spaniel, and our hope is to have lots of lovely walks together in the coming years!  They are both quite apprehensive about introducing their pups to Buster, since they have seen him in action with these puppies, although once again I emphasise that he's brilliant with all other older dogs, and is very, very playful.
In what way would it be best to introduce them?  Off lead/on lead?  Obviously I was going to do in neutral territory, but should I scold him if he growls at them?  Should I leave them to get on with it?  Obviously the Jack Russell will be especially small when he's had his final jabs, and my friend is nervous that Buster, being so big, will "beat him up"!!!!  Any advice grateful, thanks very much.  Nicki

Hi Nicki, At least you are aware of potential problems and sensitive to your friends' feelings and their new puppies welfare ;-)  More than a lot of people!

IMO I would suggest that your friends puppies are not introduced to your lad anyway until they have had their full vaccination courses - so depending on the vets in your area they will be at least 10 weeks or possibly 12 weeks of age.   This has the added benefit of them being slightly bigger and a little more socialised themselves.

You are right to find neutral territory but even then you would have to feel completely confident that all three owners wouldl be able to control their charges.  Personally, I would try having the puppies crated or behind a safety gate in one of their homes so that all the dogs get to see and smell each other without any direct contact or opportunity for interaction (better not doing this initially in your own home for obvious territorial reasons <LOL>).   With a protective "barrier" between them your older dog will not be subjected to wild puppy antics for which he sounds unprepared ;-) and you will have the chance to observe his reactions and guage how best to proceed and at what pace.  I think it's mportant not to rush things tho'

Please DON'T be tempted to >leave them to get one with it<

No doubt someone will be along with some more suggestions - this is simply how I would prefer to handle the situation if it were my dog (or my pups!) :D

Possibly the reason that Buster is 'off' with puppies is that, very often, adult male dogs are actually scared of them! They seem not to know what these small, squeaky, yappy, bitey things are so they give them a warning to go away. Take all precautions when introducing them. Initially a barrier, as suggested above, would be a good idea. Buster can then see them & get used to them without enduring puppy antics, and, importantly, he can get away from them if he wants to.

THanks for replies so far.  So would you suggest initially 5/10 minute sessions if you like, from after they've had their jabs?  Incidentally, I will be introducing them one at a time since I think two would be too much! 

My older elkie has always growled ay pups when I've bought them home.He will do anything to get away from them.
However as they get bigger he accepts them and treats them as any other dog
Archer