Introducing small dog to big dogs?

Question

i have recently discoverd i have inherited and white schnauzer and we have two big dogs (a pit,lab weimeriener mix and a golden retreiver) and the retriever could care less but im worried for the other one, he is a chicken but the little dog could make him go crazy. and he might hurt her. what do i need to do

Answer 1

I don't know about the gravy thing...that's at least not what I did...

I have 2 Pomeranians living with an 85 lb rot shep mix.  

All we did was just HEAVILY supervise them at first...if my dogs got too nippy or the big dog seemed to get dominant, we scolded and separated.  

Eventually, they learned they were allowed to continue playing together as long as the biting was kept out of the question and it didn't get too rough.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Take the big dogs and little dog to a park that neither of them are familiar with. Have all 3 on a leash and slowly show them to each other. If the big dog gets out of control, tug on the leash and walk away. Do this several times and make sure that are comfortable with each other before bringing the little dog home. Soon enough you can let go of the leash and just let them sniff and play, if the big dog is trying to her, quickly grab the leash at tell him NO. He will eventually learn and have no interest in her. Good luck!!!

Answer 3

I have raised jack russells for many years and often have to "introduce" a new dog to the pack.  Jacks are very territorial and can be quite aggressive to new comer animals.  I put the new dog in a crate next to the established dogs (also in a crate) and make them sleep next to each other.  After a period of time, usually about a week they get bored with each other and I can relax a little.

Pay close attention to the dogs body language when loose, and don't let both big dogs free with the new terrier at the same time.  You don't want the small dog to feel threatened and start posturing.  

Look for stiff legs, and unusually still stand offs, with high held head.  3 is a dangerous number.  

Also let the two big dogs sniff the schnauzers butt while you hold it.  Then let the schauzer sniff them while you hold them.

Don't tolerate even the smallest growl.

Build a pack by walking them all together everyday.

Answer 4

cover the small dog in gravy first