introducing new dog to 6 year old jack Russell

Question
I recently took home a shelter dog approximately 9 months old great Dane/ lab cross. He has a great nature gets along with my older small dog and my cats. The problem is I stay a couple of nights at my elderly Mother's house who has a 6 year old jack Russell. Who is always great with me but  does get a bit grumpy with other people overly protective of mom. I attempted to introduce the dogs tonight. I had both of them on a leash b/c my boy was recently fixed and I did not know how the jack Russell would act. My dog wanted to play but the jack Russell was extremely aggressive. Would it be better to introduce them at my house or should I mussel the two of them and let them loose. The Jack the jack Russell does seem to have a problem getting along with other dogs but when loose seems to come to terms most times. When he goes to my brothers house who has a lab he will run and play with him but does not like the neighbors golden retrievers. What ever advice you can give me would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Susan,

It's best to introduce two dogs in a neutral place that neither dog is familiar with. This way, the dogs won't have any "claims" to protect or guard the location. It also helps to have another person with you, so that each dog's leash is being held by a separate person. Keep the mood light hearted and happy, offer plenty of tasty treats. Praise positive behaviors and avoid giving attention, even negative attention, for undesirable behavior.

Supervise the interactions. Recognize a balance between too much roughness and the natural behavior of dogs working out a social order. During the adjustment period, be patient and cautious.

You'll need to have more than one of these "introductions" in the neutral area before taking your new dog to your mom's house. Keep both dogs on their leashes when you first bring your dog to your mom's house. It will make it easier to control both dogs.

These articles on introducing two dogs might be helpful:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Introducing-Two-Dogs---Have-a-Safe-Introduction&id=240...

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/introducing-a-new-dog-into-your-household/page1.asp...

Best of luck,

Patti