Introduction

[Courtney]

Hi!  Thanks for adding me.  We currently only have a chocolate lab, but are picking up our goldendoodle this weekend.  I'm getting a bit nervous about having a puppy around again and making sure she gets along with our current dog.  I'm open to any tips you have about making that transition as smooth as possible.  I've been perusing the board for a few weeks now picking up bits of info here and there.  You all seem like a wealth of information! 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Welcome to DK. I left my new puppy outside in a travel crate when I brought her home. I got my older dog and let him sniff at the crate before I let her out. My two have never had a problem with each other.

[Courtney]

Thank you so much!  That is a great idea.  The breeder is by my in laws so we are visiting them for the weekend.  I think it will be good they will be introduced there since it's neutral territory.  I will do your crate idea when we come home though.  I've read walking together is good too.  Will it be too soon (vaccination wise) to try to get the puppy to do a small walk by our house when we get home before we come inside?

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Congratulations!  We introduced our two at a remote grassy area near Logan Airport.  I flew back to Boston from Cincinnati with Charlotte when she was eight-weeks old, and my husband was waiting to meet up with us at an area that we chose in advance.  Wally, our older dog, was waiting there with my husband to greet us. We spent about 10 minutes there while the dogs got acquainted on totally neutral territory, and then took the two hour drive to the Cape with Charlotte on my lap (on a towel) in the front passenger seat, and Wally in the back seat.  When we got to the Cape house, they played for a little bit in our front yard before we all went inside.  To answer your question about taking a walk in your neighborhood, we waited until after Charlotte had finished all of her puppy vaccinations before we let her walk anywhere that wasn't on our property.  You can never be too careful.  Have fun this weekend, and I'm sure everything will go smoothly.