I absolutely prefer to introduce on neutral territory. It has been my experience that it seems to put both dogs more at ease, since neither one 'owns' the territory or feels protective of it...there is no 'outsider' invading the 'personal' space, and both can be much more interested in 'sniff-estigating' the area than confronting each other.
When we went to get Mia, I took Brody with me and introduced them on the grounds of the complex where Mia's previous owner lived. I made sure Mia's previous owner knew I would be bringing Brody to make sure they got along, and Mia was very happy to show Brody where she lived, and compete playfully with him over who got to sit in my lap...LOL
When I was preparing to puppysit for a friends two (a purebred Yorkie and a Yorkie-Poo mix), we met on a school ground a couple blocks from where she lived...my Yorkie kids came by car and were on the ground when my friend walked over with her dogs. All five dogs had a great adventure, especially since there was a fence and we could close the gate and they could run free and play, explore, and get to know each other...and it was all very civil between the dogs. |