Hi, I'm looking for some advice please!  I have Edward who is just over 6 months old - a Border Terrier. Since getting Edward a week prior to Christmas, he travels everywhere with me, daily to the office, visiting family, the pub etc. Quite a socialised and pleasant little fella!

I have helped an old work colleague by re-homing her 11 month old Border boy with my parents(who sadly had to have their last dog pts prior to xmas last year). She could no longer keep the pup due to changes in the family home and her becoming pregnant again. She had the pup from 8 weeks old, but also at that time had a toddler coming up to the age of two. 

Quality time was never really dedicated the dog. (to which she freely admits that it was a mistake to take on a pup to which she couldnt dedicate the time and effort to).  He was not socialised very much at all, rarely went for walks. Therefore never had the opportunity to mix with other dogs. He did however live in a family home with another dog (approx 10yr old cross-bred bitch) a cat, the toddler, a teenager, my ex-colleague and her husband.  He got on fine at his old home, however now comes the time at his new home that he must be socialised with other dogs - especially Edward who visits my parents daily with me.

My parents have had Benji since Monday evening, Mum has taken him out for walks morning, noon and night (he must think he's hit the jackpot). Neither of my parents work, so will spend 24/7 with this new addition to the family) Benji whilst being out on his walks hasnt encountered any other dogs yet, he is obedient, walks ok considering the amount of time he's actually been out on a lead, and is really quite good in doors, house trained, a little scared at night when put to bed, (howls for a while) but eventually goes to sleep.

We introuduced Edward and Benji to each other yesterday lunchtime, both on their leads.  Benji was an absolute horror.... which is understandable and what we were expecting from what we had been told, Edward was beside himself as he had never encountered a dog behaving like this before. We didnt actually let them close to each other because of Benji's aggressive behaviour, and so the introduction was cut short.

So, apologies for the length of this post, but thought it best to try and explain the situation as much as possible without rambling on too much.  So if anyone has any advice for us to progress this introduction we would be most grateful.
Many thanks
Wendy

Hi - Edward sounds lovely, and having a wonderful life!

Where were you when you introduced them? I've found the best way to introduce two adult dogs is to go to neutral territory (a strange park or something) and walk them about, on leads, within sight of each other. After a few distant passes you can start walking them in the same direction but closer to each other, when hopefully Benji will be more relaxed about Edward's proximity.

However it must be said that sometimes poorly-socialised, fearful or aggressive dogs will never tolerate others, but hopefully Benji's young enough for his problems to be overcome. Don't expect an instant result though. Good luck!

Hi Jeangenie
Thanks for your prompt reply, yes Edward is coming on a treat and I am really proud of him.
My parents had Benji on Monday evening, so was less than 24 hrs when we attempted the introduction this was in the back garden.  We thought sooner rather than later, I will share your advice with my parents and go to a neutral area and do as you suggest, none of us are under the illusion that this is going to be easy, however as I said previously my parents have 24/7 to dedicate to this boy and he will now be getting all of the attention he so needed in his earlier days, here's hoping that this will help bring him around a bit.
Its going to be a long road, but we are and always have been animal lovers, thanks again for your advice.
regards
Wendy

I would tend to wait a few weeks for intros and maybe get Benji bonding more with his owners and maybe obeying a few simple commands :)

Lindsay
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