![\"\u201eFreedom\u201c](\"https:\/\/hornystimple.skraidanciosausytes.lt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/skraidancios-ausytes-freedom-02-1024x665.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nThe first meeting should not happen in a narrow corridor<\/h2>\n
If health and vaccination status allow, arrange the first meeting in a neutral, spacious place. Two people walk in the same direction, keeping their distance at first. The dogs can gather information without a head-on encounter.<\/p>\n
Approach in a curve, keep the leads loose. A brief sniff \u2014 then move on again. There is no need to hold the dogs muzzle to muzzle until they \u201cbecome friends\u201d.<\/p>\n
If the puppy cannot yet go to public places because of infection risk, choose a clean private garden and a known healthy dog, and agree the specific plan with your vet.<\/p>\n
Growling can be information<\/h2>\n
The older dog is lying down. The puppy jumps on him. The older one turns his head away, moves off, and finally growls. That can be an entirely proportionate request: leave me alone.<\/p>\n
Do not scold every growl. But do not let the situation repeat until the older dog has to defend himself more forcefully. Call the puppy away, separate them physically with a gate and offer another activity or sleep.<\/p>\n
That way the older dog learns that you hear his boundaries. The puppy learns that walking away and turning aside mean the game is over.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, age does not give the right to control the puppy\u2019s every move. If the older dog follows, blocks, guards passageways, prevents access to people or attacks the puppy when he is not even interacting with him, you need to step in and seek help.<\/p>\n
What good play looks like<\/h2>\n
The bodies stay fairly loose, there are pauses, and the roles swap. Sometimes one chases, then the other. A larger dog may hold back or lie down. After a pause both sides come back willingly.<\/p>\n
If one dog constantly runs, hides, tucks his tail and tries to climb on you while the other does not let him withdraw, that is not mutual play simply because there is no blood.<\/p>\n
![\"\u201eLucky](\"https:\/\/hornystimple.skraidanciosausytes.lt\/wp-content\/uploads\/qn-foto\/luckysix\/1696789640632743.jpg\")
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