Introducing a new dog to the pack?

Thanks so much!

I added up there that Kate was a bluffer. She really never bit another dog, just growls and pushes them around. (Still not cool though.)
 
She will need to be assured the new dog will not attack her. I'd make sure that the new guy doesn't get in-her-face too much when they first have contact.

I should have also mentioned, try to be really calm and relaxed when you are doing this. Take some deep breaths and do whatever you need to in order to clear your mind and be the calm leader, picturing in your mind that things go well. Direct the person who brings the dog to stand where you say, etc., don't be afraid to take charge. That is what the dogs need to see, that someone is leading the show, calmly. Try not to be nervous because dogs can smell if you are faking it.

Even though you are meeting that dog in anticipation of adopting it, do not make a big fuss over it in front of your dog. You should probably meet it and decide if it is the dog for you before ever trying her with him. Fuss over it then.

Let us know how it goes!
 
Great advice!

You should probably meet it and decide if it is the dog for you before ever trying her with him.
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I'm leaning toward doing this the more I think about it. I think Kate may need to take a long walk while I meet the new guy and let his parents check out our place. (Would that be wrong?) Then meet up at the lake for the walk together.

Jamie is really big on staying calm and maintaining proper "I am the alpha dog" body language.
 
Just make sure the first encounter is away from your property. Remember your dog may think its property is much bigger than your actual lines....err on the side of being farther away from your house if in doubt.
 
Ok. Thanks for everything!

We haven't been to this lake since last summer, we go everywhere else around here quite frequently. Long walks every day and to all the nearby parks. So the lake is the best bet and it is only about 3 miles away.

I didn't realize how nervous I was about this until now. Maybe I'm just super excited. I need to chill out by tomorrow so the dogs don't pick up on it! :P Guess I need a nice glass of wine, or two.
 
Yay! Was it breed snobery? Some dogs really like to find dogs of their own breed!
 
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