[sydneynicole]

advice for introducing a dog-selective dog who has not been around other large female dogs?

 

[Shell]

Introducing and management can depend a lot on your household layout and adults available for walks and such.

I am not personally a fan of muzzled introductions and interactions unless the dog is highly comfortable wearing a muzzle. it does not feel natural to them and can highten stress and reactivity

you say she can be selective but don't say how that was observed

you say she has not been around larger females but don't mention what interactions so far makes you worry that she will have an issue

doggie daycare with 6-7 other dogs is, on face value, way more dog friendly than what most people I know would consider for a "selective" dog

 

[sydneynicole]

Introducing and management can depend a lot on your household layout and adults available for walks and such.

I am not personally a fan of muzzled introductions and interactions unless the dog is highly comfortable wearing a muzzle. it does not feel natural to them and can highten stress and reactivity

you say she can be selective but don't say how that was observed

you say she has not been around larger females but don't mention what interactions so far makes you worry that she will have an issue

doggie daycare with 6-7 other dogs is, on face value, way more dog friendly than what most people I know would consider for a "selective" dog

Hi Shell,

Yes, I know I might be being over cautious about the whole situation, but I guess I would rather over manage than under-manage. Perhaps I'm also misusing the term dog selective. I don't live with this dog and the owner isn't as observant or knowledgeable about dog behavior.

From my understanding, Luna has become increasingly less tolerant to being introduced to new dogs coming into the daycare program. Which is expected as she has just turned 3, I understand. She hasn't been aggressive but she will "make ugly faces" which I interpret as showing teeth, and growls. Her mother has turned away some dogs because of how Luna reacted to them because she won't accept dogs that might not vibe with the group. Most of these were larger female dogs.

 

[Shell]

That does help me get a better mental picture. i was imagining a dog daycare with more of a changing/new dogs in and out situation.

i think from this description that dog selective is probably the right term

since you have space and time, i would suggest not even trying to introduce for the first month or even two months. let her adjust to the new digs, work on muzzle training (Muzzle Up Project has tips) and be careful not to let them interact through a gate/fence or with one inside a crate and the other outside the crate to avoid barrier reactivity or frustration.

When you do start interactions, keep in mind "trigger stacking" regarding stressors.

i like the parallel leashed walking method for getting dogs used to each others presence but without any direct interaction.