Safest way to introduce dogs?

[Chantael]

I'm unsure of how to introduce my cocker spaniel X beagle with my other beagle X as the cocker spaniel X can be territorial and semi aggressive with SOME dogs. The spaniel X is a female, she's 2 years old now and the beagle X is 1 1/2 years old and is a male (sterilised) The beagle X is a fair bit bigger than my spaniel X and if they were to fight I'm almost certain the beagle would win and I want to prevent any fighting whatsoever. So far they've only met/seen each other through a gate that has a big gap in the bottom. They barked and the spaniel X growled a little bit but the person on the other side said that she was still wagging her tail as was the beagle X. What is the best way to get them comfortable enough with each other so that they can happily live together? As a precaution we have bought both a muzzle each and we have lots of different leads for walking etc, thanks

 

[London]

Get another person, put both dogs on a leash, and just kinda let them sniff at each other from a close yet safe distance. Inch closer. There really isn't an easy way to do this. My mom used to work at the humane society and she was specially trained on how to do these things. We got one dog who is super aggressive with new dogs.
The unfortunate part about him, is that no matter what we have tried, he won't get along with another dog until he has asserted his dominance. He goes after the new dog, but after that one time he's nice from then on unless they mess with his food.
I'm not saying just let your dogs fight, you would need to be prepared to break it up, but your current dog would be more comfortable with the new dog if they figured out who was the more dominant one. Just how dogs are. No avoiding it.

 

[Roach]

How to Introduce Two Dogs
1. Read a book about the two different breeds to see if there are any special socialization tips for your particular dogs. As you may know, some dogs are very easy going--that's typical of their breed--and others are not. It's important for you to have as much information as possible before you introduce the two dogs.

2. Call your veterinarian and let them know what is going to happen. They know your dog and may also have some special tips for you.

3. Take both dogs on leashes to a park together. Let the dogs get used to each other. Keep them on leashes at first with each owner responsible for their own dog. (If you are introducing a mature dog to a family with dogs already, have two family members walk the dogs before you bring the new dog home.) If they show interest in each other, let them sniff around. But the main focus needs to be on a walk, together, with both owners present and in charge of their dog.

4. Allow your dogs to explore each other (if possible) in a neutral territory without leashes. If your community has a dog park, this may be the perfect place. Your dogs can sniff, run and play together. They can get to know each other before one of them comes into the other dog's territory. Also, this depends on if your dog's breed is extremely territorial or not. Remember, all dogs are different and have different personalities. Take it slow if possible, and you will know what is best for your dog.

5. Let them explore their new house together. Bring one dog into the house if that is the case, and let it off the leash. Watch them closely for any signs of aggression. You may even want to do this first introduction in the backyard if your house has one. Dogs will figure things out. There may be a little growling to establish dominance, and this is okay. Just don't let it get out of hand. Ask your veterinarian for some tips on handling aggression if you think this may be a problem. If you are both moving into a new place, try to bring the dogs at the same time to the new home, so they can explore together. These are safe ways to introduce two dogs.

6. Buy two of everything. Let each of the dogs have their own bowl, leash, collar, and so on. Make or buy two dog beds. Think of having two kids, and how you would want to provide two of everything. It's the same for your dogs. You don't want them to have a reason to fight with each other.