Our 4 year old Yorkie can be snappy with other dogs so want to introduce our new puppy (tomorrow!) properly to ensure it, hopefully, all goes smoothly. I have read this should be done on neutral territory so I'm a bit stuck as the puppy hasn't had her second injections yet. Any ideas/thoughts anyone? Thanks

Oh dear, a new puppy being introduced to a snappy adult dog doesn't sound like a good idea.

If a puppy is frightened at such a young age it can be affected for the rest of it's life. Personally I wouldn't do it, it's not fair to the puppy, but if you go ahead I think you will have to supervise them constantly and not leave the puppy alone with snappy.

I find if you walk them together first, then come into your home, that might work. I would risk it, even though the puppy has not all injections.

Whenever I've introduced a new puppy to a home where there is an older dog, I've let the older dog 'find' the new puppy.
EG. placed puppy (usually a little bewildered) in the garden, gone into the house and then let the other dog into the garden. It has always worked. The older dog investigates then comes back to you as if to say "look at what I've found" - almost always in a tail waggy pleased with themselves way.
It can be a good idea to get a new toy for the older dog and act out the puppy 'giving' this to the older dog as well, sort of showing respect.
I would not worry too much about the older one being snappy. In my experience, dogs always recognise that a puppy is a puppy and as such needs to be tolerated and occasionally put in their place if they get bitey etc.

Good luck, I'm sure it will work out

Thanks for your replies.

Paralax: The reason we've waited so long to get another dog was because of Lucy's temperament but she has settled down a lot. She mostly reacts to bigger dogs so we thought a puppy should be OK and just want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. The puppy is quite a robust little thing so hopefully everything will be fine...anyway there is no question of not getting her now!

Absolutely: We have foxes and all kinds of things round here so it's not worth the risk of letting her walk outside. I've been in touch with the vet and he's ringing me later so hopefully he might come up with something.
Fingers crossed

Good Luck. Might be good to have a crate for the puppy, given him/her a place save to sleep. Also giving the older dog some time to itself, puppies can be a bit much sometimes.

Firstly don't worry too much, most of our snappers have been perfectly lovely with new puppies, secondly relax both dogs will feel much happier if you are relaxed and not stressed.

No right or wrong way to do this, all depends on the older dog and what they need. If yours is ok on lead a walk is possibly best, if not we have always taken older dogs to pick up newbies so they see the pup for a while before actually meeting them.

Comment about supervision is important until they are safe together even if they seem to hit it off straight away or the older dog is a softy, never a good idea to leave them alone at least for first few weeks IMO.

We have a crate for Milly so that's going to help a lot. I had planned to put her in it in the kitchen at night along with Lucy but Lucy normally sleeps on our bed so I'm thinking it may make her resent the new arrival, so looks like the cage will be getting lugged into the bedroom for a while!
I'm thinking of introducing her to Lucy whilst in the cage as it might make her seem less of a threat? Basically I think it's going to be kind of "suck it and see".

Above all...deep breaths and be calm.....

Wish you all the best, and let us know how you get on.

Sorry if I came across as critical, I didn't mean to. Was thinking about what it's like when my relatives with a snapper visits with my over friendly dog, who won't take the hint and leave her alone, she's fine otherwise, it's bedlam, talk about Snappy and Yappy!, it's' like a couple of toddlers you can't take your eyes off. You don't have to justify anything on here. Hope they don't drive you potty.

I will do, thanks a lot


No problem. I am expecting bedlam so anything less will be a bonus!

All that worry for nothing! Lucy was good as gold and only snapped at Millie when she jumped on her back! They aren't exactly friends but aren't enemies either

Glad it seems to have worked out ok for you and most importantly the dogs!

This thread was an interesting little read. And I learnt a few things as a consequence.

That's great news knew it would be OK most snappers understand puppies are no threat.

Good to hear, I am sure they will become friends in no time.