Hi , I'm quite excited - I've been on a waiting list for a litter since...forever! and they were born friday!!! So, I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here, but would like to be prepared as I've never kept 2 dogs before. It's introducing the pup (yellow lab bitch) to dexter (my 16 month old yellow lab). I've read a lot about this on the internet, but it mostly applies to introducing older dogs or mistakes after the initial introduction. Dexter's shared his house with lots of other dogs that I've minded, never with any problems, but I obviously can't take any chances here. Dexter is a mellow yellow, he gets on well with other dogs, is neutered, well behaved, secure and confident.
I was wondering if it'd be wise for Dexter to go and play at his best friends for the day (a REAL treat for him), letting the pup get to know me in the day and introduce them in the evening.. maybe in the front garden?  Forgive me if this seems a stupid idea, but I really don't know - which is why I'm seeking advice! Or perhaps he should be here all the time? And does introducing on neutral ground apply to new pup, as I'm sure Dexter won't see it as a threat, and an unvaccinated puppy can't really go to anywhere 'neutral'. Also, is there anything I can be doing to get Dexter prepared for this shock to they system in 8 weeks time?
Any advice greatly appreciated!!!!
~Clare

My advice is based only on my own recent experience of introducing a puppy to our home and our 7yo lab.

We brought the puppy into the home where the lab already was waiting.  She'd already been for her walk of the day.  When we brought the puppy in, we didn't make a big fuss of either of them.  We put them both in the living room with my hubbs and I kinda both sitting on the floor as well with our legs out so that the puppy couldn't get to our lab but that so both could see each other.  The puppy was raring to go and trying to get to the lab, but she was quite uncertain about it all.  She's great with other dogs and our cats, but hadn't been around puppies before.  We had a few treats for our lab and had new toys for both of them, and then after the inital meeting, we sent the kids to play with the new toys and the lab in the garden and hubbs and I played with the new puppy, and then we brought in one of the children at a time, to say hello and have a little play.  Before long, the puppy was exhausted, and so then we put him in to his crate for a sleep, and let the lab wander around freely.  She was able to go and sniff him etc. without him being scary lol.  We kept them apart like that for 24 hours and then let them meet when the children were out and all was quiet.  The lab kinda skipped around a bit at first as the puppy tried to climb all over her and bite her legs, and she did give him a few very minor tellings off, but then she started to play with him and it's all been wonderful from then on.  Our lab did things like she picked up a tiny little stick in the back garden, held it gently in her mouth, and nuzzled the puppy until he took hold of the other end, and then she played a very gentle tug of war with him.  She did the same with tug of war toys inside.  She allowed him to climb all over her and investigate and whenever she had had enough, she'd just roll him off.  She didn't want to share her bed with him, although he wanted to snuggle up, and she's just allowing him to do that now and we've had him for 3 weeks.

It's been truly wonderful watching how she teaches him and tolerates him.  She has only told him off properly once when he bit her much too hard, and then she butted him, a bit like a dolphin would, with her nose.  It's quite incredible to be honest, to watch nature taking it's course and I have to admit that I have fallen even deeper in love with my labrador than I was before. 

I hope you're experience will be as easy and rewarding as mine has been. :)

Hi,
I have a 2y3m old bitch and a 9m old puppy.
Each time over the years when we have introduced a new puppy to the household we have done it on neutral ground ie: just outside the front gate we didnt put pup on the ground just held them in our arms and brought other dogs out to greet them and give a bit of a sniff then let the older dog into the house first as if he is inviting him/her in then we have placed the pup on the floor usually the kitchen to let it explore and say hello.
This has always been sucessful for us for a first meeting.
We then make a big big fuss of our older dogs give a few treats big pats and hugs to make them feel secure then after a little toileting  etc we let them together again very carefully watching them and how they interact together .
Once my older girl has fully inspected the  pup  she is no longer interested and goes off to play then I can put pup in her crate for a few ZZZZ.
Puppy adored my girl from day 1 wanting her to play like puppies do but she was having none of it  and when pup went lie bye her to rest she would move then..... after around 5 days she gave in and let pup sleep next to her then with her in her crate (got some great pics in anyone wants to see them)then ontop of her he he he so cute!
They spend all day everyday together usually wrestling ...chasing even kissing and Ellie the oldest is very protective of her always first thier if she makes a slight wimper to check they miss each other dreadfully when they are apart.
So I would say it was successful once again.

Good Luck

~Roni

Thanks for your help!  Think I'll try something similar, might introduce them in front garden, and will definitely give them plenty of separate time (especially over night).  Did any of you do any special training with your older dogs before the arrival of the puppy - to ensure all went smoothly?
Thanks,
Clare

No, I didn't do anything special with my older dog.  She is very easy going and well behaved though, and has a firm understanding of the word leave :)

I was very nervous when I did first introduce them, and didn't relax for about 48 hours, but I think it was unnecessary :)