Help with introducing a new puppy

Hi there I was wondering if anyone had any advice on introducing a new puppy.

I have a 5year old female staffy named Harley who has a very exuberant nature. A typical bull in a china shop. She is not dog aggressive at all and has co existed with my mums 3 other dogs very well. However because of her tendency to be enthusiastic about life she sometimes doesn't know her own strength and because of that we have always bee cautious when she is playing especially with smaller dogs.

On the weekend my sister brought home an 8 week old American bulldog puppy who seems to demonstrate the same type of attitude as Harley and I can foresee problems. When we introduced them the were good but as soon as the pup started to play with her. She kept into action and knocked her over which then ment we had tell her to calm down and go sit in her bed for a bit.

Today when the pup came over for her play date I could see Harley was worried as if she didn't know how she should behave especially when the pup tried playing again.

What I don't want is Harley to feel like she is in trouble and I don't won't the puppy being able to dominate her and don't know what the best way to allow them to interact but with out it escalating as at some point the puppy is going to get bigger and the play could become more aggressive.

Sorry that it's so long winded thanks for any help. The two dogs don't live together but we are in neighboring houses.

Xx

Hi and welcome to the forum from Flo and me.

When you get a minute do pop by and introduce yourself here
https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/f7-new-member-introductions


I'm not an expert on dog socialisation but it sounds as though you have the measure of things so far.

There are people here with far more experience that will be able to help I am sure.

Hello and welcome, this may help   

http://staffy-bull-terrier.com/how_to_introduce_a_new_pup_household

Not sure I would be warning Harley too much. Could make her paranoid/jealous. If she is too rough the Puppy should yelp and let her know. Harley should then, by nature, back off a bit. If she doesn't then you may have to try the calming measures.

Let us know how it goes.