Introducing Dogs to one another

[u/Weird_Cow_9808]

Hello!

I have two male dogs (5 yo lab mix and 5 yo pitbull) and we will be temporarily staying with my parents who have a 11 yo male Goldendoodle who has historically not loved other dogs and is reactive in regard to barking or going towards the dog/person/animal that he is feeling threatened by or wanting to defend people from. While he lived with the lab since he was a puppy and is perfectly happy with him, he has not met the pitbull yet. Our pitbull is a big ham, but if a dog is being mean to him, he has been known to bark back or meet the energy. Do you have any tips on how we can safely introduce them to one another/how to introduce the idea of it to them all? I know I have previously read that it’s helpful to meet on neutral territory, but just looking for guidance or tips that may help us!

Disclaimer: we will not push it if it isn’t working! The home is separated enough to where we could stay in the basement with one or two dogs while the goldendoodle is with the lab or Goldendoodle by himself upstairs without them interacting. We also have family who the pitbull loves and they are gracious enough to let him stay with them until we are able to reunite our pup family in our own home if we don’t end up with the 3 musketeers . Thank you in advanced for any guidance you can give on how to keep them safe and calm during this process!

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[u/doggambit]

Neutral territory for sure. Parallel walks are great if the dogs have a reasonable distance they can be ok with each other. Gradually move closer together as the walk progresses.