Cross Breeds

I have a 6 month old labrador puppy. How do I introduce her to small dogs half or 1/3 her size?

My puppy is very energetic, so I'm always afraid that her hyperness will hurt small dogs that are older than her but small due to breed type. How do I let them play together without worrying about the other dogs getting hurt? Should I just let them go and do their thing? I know that I might be overly cautious. By the way, my puppy is not aggressive. Just very strong. VERY.

Public Comments

1. I would let her get used to the other dogs before putting them together. The best way would be to put them on eirther side of a baby gate for at least an hour so that they can get used to each other's smell. That would also let your puppy get some of that hopping up and down excitement out of her system. My family had to get a huge rescued pit bull puppy used to 2 little old fox terriers. We took her to obedience training at the YMCA. I think it was 35.00 and we could tell her 'down and stay" when she got too hyper with the little old woobies. It really helped until she got a little older. Now that she's 2 they're best buddies and she's very careful not to bump them.
2. I would suggest when you introduce your puppy to smaller dogs (children or even cats) that you do it with keen eyes. I'm foster a Rottie puppy , I have a Bichon , cat and two small children in the house. Supervision is key. If the puppy gets to hyper or starts to nip a bit I correct her and let her know its not acceptable behavior. She responds very well to a firm No. Best of luck !
3. If your puppy is not aggressive at all don't worry about her too much. It's okay to be cautious. Dogs have no problem communicating between each other. They will tell each other when it's too much. Maybe try letting them met on leashes so you have more control. If the two dogs seem to be getting along okay then go ahead and let them go. Just remember to continue supervising, just "in case". I know how lab puppies can be and sometimes they just get caught up in the moment of being a puppy. Although she is energetic and hyper I think her gentleness might surprise you. I know mine did.
4. I know exactly what you mean. When my 4 month old puppy, Bronson, Belgian Shepherd Malinois started puppy Preschool he was good mates with 6 month old Labrador who was way bigger and stronger than he was. Bronson could handle the Labrador and didn't worry about him lying on top of him, etc. There were smaller dogs there that freaked at the Lab puppy. I had the same concerns as you about my Malinois with the tiny puppies but 1 day 1 came up to him and he played with it in an entirely different way than he played with the Lab or our fully grown Kelpie at home. He was so gentle and let the little puppy jump up at his head and so forth. One day he met a tiny baby puppy no more than 6 weeks old and again he was so gentle. It was quite funny cos the baby puppy's owner was concerned about it hurting Bronson cos Bronson was being so gentle. I was so proud of him. I guess try your Lab puppy out on smaller puppies in a controlled environment so you can pull him away if you need to. He may surprise you.