Bulldog visiting

Question
I have an 8 yr old boxer and my sister is bringing a 2 yr old Bulldog to visit for a few days. How do I introduce them so they get along during the visit?

Answer
Hi Diane,

Hopefully both dogs are well-socialized and generally get along with other animals.

The best way to introduce them would be at a local park or playground, somewhere that belongs to neither dog (neutral territory).  Walk them at opposite ends of the park (or at least about 50ft. away) and gradually bring them closer together.  Make sure you are walking them parallel to each other and not head on.

When you get them to meet, do not make a big deal out of it.  Just continue on with your walk side-by-side.  Walk a bit and then take them home.  

Before letting the bulldog into your home, be sure to let them play outside together.  Pick up anything in the house that your Boxer may become possessive of.  Beds, toys, chews, etc.

Anything you can do to reduce the chance of a fight is good :)  If either dog is known to have food aggression, be possessive of toys, etc. these things (feeding, playing) should be done in separate rooms.

Do a quick Google for canine body language.  Read up on it a bit.  Briefly, if you see staring separate them.  This is often the first sign of tension...along with posturing (a stiff body).  Dogs do not make eye contact with each other unless they are challenging one another.  If you see one dog become very stiff, see the neck/shoulder/back hair raised, see a flattening of the ears or a curled lip...separate them.  It doesn't mean  you can't bring them back together.  :)  Separating them will break the tension and show them that you are in charge and the behavior will not be tolerated.

This all sounds a bit doomsdayish...I apologize.  Most dog meetings go fairly smoothly.  :)