[mydogquestion]

I have met the man of my dreams .We both have older dogs. Both have some health issues that require meds. We plan on getting married by May of next year. Our dogs have not met yet. We are both big dogs lovers. We both baby our own babies a bit we kttnow that. We love each others dogs as our own. Now getting our dogs to love each other. They each are the kings of their own castles. Any ideas on getting the dogs to meet. We live a fair distance apart ,should we meet at a park halfway. If we bring one dog to the others house we worry that there might be territorial issues. I have a 11 year old GSD.He has a 14 year old mutt. Mine is 90 pounds his is 25 pounds. Any ideas? Thanks

[shazamataz]

I agree with your idea about getting them to meet at a park halfway.

Yes, there could be teritorial issues if they meet for the first time in one of your homes.

Before they meet I would suggest swapping their beds over, or at least swapping toys or blankets, so they can get used to each others scent first.

Once they have smelt the blankets/toys/etc then hopefully when they meet in the park they will recognise each other and it will be more of a "hey, I know you!" rather than "Who the heck are you?"

Another suggestion is to keep plenty of treats on hand when they meet, that way if things aren't going the way you want, you have a distraction.

Start at opposite ends of the park and gradually get closer, that way you can make sure they know the other one is there, but they are far apart and not a threat.
Gradually get closer, making sure you read their body language.

Hackles (hair) standing up is a very bad sign.
As is, snarling or growling.

Of coarse tail wagging is a positive sign, but only if both are doing it.
Some times a dog will lower itself and wags its tail to "submit" to the more dominant dog.

[JudyKayTee]

My dogs met my boyfriend's dogs at my house because I have a fenced yard and my dogs are less territorial than his. Mine are 132# and about 90# and his are about 40#. No problems. My bigger dog is not terribly fond of other dogs and very protective of me so the only problem was when his dogs came over to me. My larger dog growled but his dogs weren't threatened and it worked out fine.

My smaller dog, in fact, had a wonderful time.

If/when this relationship ends I'm finding a man with children instead of dogs. Children can stay with their grandmother; with dogs you need a petsitter. Then there's the whole "meet and greet" thing.

If both of your dogs are territorial you might want to find someplace neutral.

[mydogquestion]

Yes the pet sitter thing is getting old fast. Like the idea of swapping toys ,no beds as they sleep on our beds. The do sniff us like mad we we get home from visiting the other dog. We are looking for a house that is halfway between our jobs to ease the distance so the good news is both dogs will move to a new house. Will try the park. I know it will take more than one time so hoping not to many problems on the first visit.

[shazamataz]

Good luck, let us know how it goes on their first meeting!