I have a 14 month old Black Pug and a 10 week old GSD Puppy. I'd like to know how best to bring them together. They both have separate crates, eat separately, go on walks separately, play separately, basically live separately to this point. I'd like some sound advice as to when and how to bring them together.

Bio on these two:
The Pug is 26 pounds, and no he is not overfed or fat, just a freak of nature (LARGE PUG). The GSD Puppy is about 18 pounds and growing <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

The Pug is high energy and very agile. The GSD is also high energy, but still clumsy with his big feet.

Both the PUG and GSD Puppy have good Prey and Food Drive. Bottom line they have similar dispositions, both rather Alpha.

When I have brought them together briefly they seemed to play, tails wagging, but the GSD Puppy would chase the Pug. The Pug being much faster would typically get away and run in circles around the GSD Puppy. The GSD Puppy would on occassion catch the Pug, biting him on the neck. The Pug did not seem distressed by this, but I immediately would break them up to avoid any issues. I do not want either dog hurt or mentally distressed. I'm assuming that they in their actions are trying to determine dominance. Should I let this occur, wait until the GSD Puppy is bigger, or keep them apart forever?

I plan to do Schutzhund with my GSD and do not want to do do anything to screw up his drive.

Thanks,

- Craig

ed has an article entitled introducing a new dog into the home. i suggest yo read that. it should answer all of your questions.

 Quote:

ed has an article entitled introducing a new dog into the home. i suggest yo read that. it should answer all of your questions.

You can listen to his Podcast too:

http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/showf...rue#Post4169417

Scroll down to Introducing a New Dog.

I would immagine it's best to introduce them asap while the pup is still young, as opposed to waiting till a later time. At least this way they're still fairly simillar in size and younger puppies are usually more open to new things.

I have no clue what the implications would be with this being a future sch dog. From a simple two pets perspective, I would let them interact supervised. Walk them together, but feed and crate them seperately. Establish a code of conduct for both in terms of each other and enforce this conduct. Make sure both dogs receive some quality alone time with you. Obviously the pup will be alone with you while training, make sure the pug gets some attention too. The bottom line would be clear rules and clear and fair leadership by you.

Thanks Jason. I actually did read the article and listened to the podcast. I'm picking up a few more of Ed's DVDs. The more I can learn the better I'm sure.

Marta,

Both dogs get plenty of quality time though individually. I have their crates next to each other and both dogs are peaceful. They smell each other through the bars, and not a peep from them. When on a leash though they go crazy so I still have a ways to go. They also do well with one loose and the other in their crate. It will take time I'm sure.