Question: Moving into a house and person that already lives there has a dog...?

[Ama]

I have one dog myself- How far in advance before moving in should we let the two dogs meet on a neutral territory/have them socialize with each other?

The person I'm moving in with has one small dog. He was rescued from a puppy mill(was used for breeding). Which resulted in him being pretty picky with other dogs/people/social events. My friend said he is okay with other dogs after he meets them a few times.

My dog is a medium sized dog(she weighs 48lbs) and the other dog is a small dog. My dog has grown up around small dogs so she likes them. I think she'll be fine with him.

Would it be best to have them meet beforehand or should me and my dog just move in and have the dogs crated when we are not around for the first day after we move in(that's what I usually do with new foster dogs) ?

[Sammy Gabbie]

Have them meet asap and don't move in until they are comfortable with each other.

[lauren:)]

Let them meet a few times beforehand on neutral ground.

[Danielle]

Your dog may be okay with smaller dogs, but you have to remember, small dogs get very anxious and scared of larger dogs. It's that anxiety that causes the problems...I would suggest letting them meet up on equal terms, maybe at a dog park. Just find out from the owner if this dog has issues with other dogs at first sight.

Have you met this dog? Generally if you have a happy quiet dog, even meeting one with anxiety issues might not affect your dogs personality towards it. I'm sure it will be fine

Good luck!

[E. H. Amos]

You should DEFINITELY get the dogs to meet & socialize on neutral territory several times, before you finalize the MOVE.

[Sunshine]

If you can introduce before, it will give you a fair idea of the level of risk between the two.

The intro session shouldn't be more than a day or two ahead of the move, more for the sake of assessment.

You sound savvy enough to manage from there. When the dogs do meet on her home turf, be sure all toys and food/water dishes are put up so possessiveness is minimized. As long as both of the humans don't get in the way, the two will sort things out quickly.

Good luck on your move!

[mandi1562]

Have them meet as soon as possible and as often as possible.

My dogs are good with most dogs however they sometimes meet a dog that they don't like for whatever reason. Most of the time I don't even know the reason.

[Gene]

The fact that both dogs are of opposite sex will help considerably. it is extremely rare for dogs of opposite sexes to be aggressive toward one another unless trained to do so or there are puppies involved.
Just to be on the safe side, i'd take them for a couple of walks together, Just to make sure.