My neighbours dog is worrying me

[shonajoy]

We have a nearly 12 week old cocker pup, Indie. and our neighbours have a 6 year old collie, S. We introduced Indie to him a couple of weeks ago, and he snarled, but was mainly ok. We did all the advised things, praised him, treats etc, and as we know he'd had his jabs up to date, worming etc, we wanted to socialise them together.

 My friend just phoned, they were away for the weekend at a friends house and had taken S - he went for their pup, a 12 week old basset, and has ripped his ear so badly the vet couldn't stitch it! I'm really reluctant to introduce them again after this, what would anyone advise?

Shona
                     

[Dessie]

Hi Shona

How has Indie and the Basset Puppy been introduced to this Collie ??

I was always told that it is best to let the older dog find the puppy rather than thrusting the puppy upon the older dog.  I've heard this from various people who are involved with Breed Rescue and it has worked for me when introducing firstly Bart to Sebastian and then Douglas to Bart & Sebastian.                    

[shonajoy]

Thanks Dessie. We introduced Indie to him in the street at first, then in the house (his). We stood by and let them sniff, etc, and only interrupted when he looked angry and snarled.  We gave him a treat and praised him for being good, and thought it had gone well, apart from the snarl. It's just really shaken my faith in this dog, he's normally so good.                    

[Dessie]

How was the Basset Puppy introduced though.                    

[shonajoy]

The bassett was in it's own home, and they took their dog there. I don't know the exact form the intro took, my friend didn't talk too long as she was so upset.

I'm just concerned now he's done this once, in case he now has a tendency to do it again - I'm wary of any contact between them now to be honest. I'm sure I'll calm don, it's just he's a great dog, really calm normally, it's shaken me.
Thanks                    

[Dessie]

I'd say that was the problem then taking the older dog into a different house and then having the puppy thrust upon him, if you see what I mean.  I think yes you should be on your guard with this older dog but if introduced correctly there shouldn't be a problem.  Try as I mentioned above.                    

[shonajoy]

Yes, I do . I'll make sure we inroduce them properly, if we do. At the moment my baby is going nowhere near him, I'll do it after the holidays when everything has calmed down.

Thanks for your help and advice, Dessie.