[valeriejsmyth]

Ok, Pips is finally coming home on Monday (8 wks old). I am a stay at home retiree so I am home 24/7. I have him set up in his pen in the kitchen with his crate, pee pads, water and food bowls, toys, etc. Bailey my 6-1/2 yr adult male is 14 lbs (a bog boy lol). I am planning on putting up a gate to kitchen for Pips to run around in and give Bailey time to get used to him being here before introduction. He can go to gate and sniff, etc but no face to face yet. Bailey is not friendly to other dogs in general but has had playmates in the past. I had a female yorkie in the home when he joined us a pup but she passed four years ago. So I think taking it slow and in stages is the best way to go.


Do I have to be concerned about them playing together before Pips gets his shots? Pips got his first shot today (he weighs 17 oz). Bailey goes out for quick potty trips and very brief walks. We live on two acres so he's not exposed to other dogs like a neighborhood, so I think Parvo shouldn't be an issue. Before I allow them to be together I will wipe his paws and his coat with a puppy wipe first.


Once I can see how Bailey acts towards Pips I will be better ble to judge if he is ready for the next step which is to let him into the kitchen while Pips is in his Pen area. Then next step would to let them play in the kitchen.


Is this a good approach? My husband thinks we should just put them together (he is used to bid dogs and doesn't know about yorkies or small dogs). Oh, and Bailey just had all of shots updated and got the influenza shot and booster too along with bordatella so Pips won't catch anything from him.


Thanks I am so excited and want to do it right so Pips will have a good experience and not be afraid or fearful.