Introducing dogs at the airport

I don't take dogs out at the airport. It is TOO noisy even out in the parking lot. You never know how stressed or noise sensitive a given dog is. I know people who've lost dogs from their BOLTING from the crate or on their lead at the airport so I just don't do it.

I drive a short ways away to the closest quiet parking area. I park waaaay out where no people will bother me or even better some park or such. I open the crate in the car as you said and immediately put a leash and collar on...in case of bolting. I let the dog sniff for a bit, go potty if they need to...etc.

I personally would not bring another dog...too much stimulation and not really something I'd try. I'd bring the new dog home and have mine outside or crated ina  room with a closed door, then allow the new dog some down time and time to explore and know another dog is present thru scent...first. Then I'd reverse them and allow my current dog to do the same. Then I'd take the dogs someplace neutral and intro them.

Make sure any toys or treats or high value items are picked up in your home...no reason to set up an issue right off the bat. See how they are together first.

That's what I'd do...

Everything Gina said is exactly the right advice.  Much too dangerous at the airport and scary too.  Introduce on neutral ground as Gina said.  Take both dogs for a nice longgggg walk together with one person walking each dog.  Make your initial meeting very low key emotionally.  Don't pet, pamper or baby talk the new dog for several days.  Let him adjust to his new home without overloading him.  If you stay calm and relaxed when the dogs are together they will pick up on this and be fine.  Have fun with your new boy!

As far as the "pecking order" is concerned, I have found that dogs will figure this out much quicker than we do.LOL  Even though, in your mind, Lilly is the top dog it doesn't always work out that way when you introduce another dog.  They will figure out their relationship once the new guy has settled in and this will go much easier if you don't get involved emotionally because you feel Lilly should be the top dog.  Dogs are generally so good at forming bonds and getting along with each other that it's best to step back and let them do what they do best. 

We did this when we got Tinkerbell and I will never miss this trick again!

Drop a cheap washcloth in your dog's bed AT NIGHT. Let him sleep on it and then fold it up and put it in a ziplock bag and seal it.

Also include something for you and the other resident humans -- a washcloth or piece of cloth that has your scent on it. Again put them in *separate* ziplock bags and send it to the person who currently has this new dog you're getting.

Ask them to do the same thing and send YOU her towel/washcloth. Then on each end introduce the dog in a really calm "Hey, look at this" thing and even then drop the cloth from the other dog in their bed at night.

There is *something* about sleeping -- the scent of a sleeping, relaxed dog is unique. When they then meet (and everyone has given you great advice above) they literally will be old friends. They've "smelled" each other before in a completely relaxed state (and *at home*).

I exchanged "scent boxes" like this with the woman who was Tink's foster mom and she sent me a dirty towel of Tink's.

Now I did include in the package for Tink a pillowcase for each of David and I. It was easy and since David had gone to work that day I just peeled off those pillowcases and sent one for each of us. IT WAS AWESOME.

When the rescue group and Tink met us at the motel (we drove all the way to Texas to get her and none of my pack had met her) she literally LEPT into David’s and my arms as though she’d known us FOREVER.

I will never forget it – we were in the lobby and she was still about 4 feet away from us and she gave one sniff and literally LEPT out of Rita’s arms into mine and cuddled into David with her head. You would have thot she’d known us well. And ... further ... when it came time for the rescue to leave, she barely knew it she was so relaxed and comfortable with us.

Then after we arrived back in Orlando (3 days later) and I went to pick up Billy. They met on leash in a grassy area it was all "oh, hi" and wags. When I opened the car door she got in and Billy literally got up and cuddled right beside her!! (that’s not typical for him)

When Luna and Kee met her, it was the same story – "Oh hi again, wassup?" -- no big posturing, no careful circling. You literally would have thought they were all OLD OLD friends. There was never any tension or typical ‘newbie’ stuff - it was, quite honestly, absolutely amazing.

I’m convinced the fact that we used "sleeping scents" helped enormously both for the dogs and us.  But I'm sure you'll find this will put this dog at ease *very* quickly both with you and your resident dog.

 In fact, the funny thing is - the only thing that did freak Tink out at all was the bird!!  I never thot to include anything of Hooties -- next time I would!!

LOL!  Let me explain our cargo section of the airport.  It is a landing strip in the middle of a huge feild with a chain link fence around the parking lott.  At any given time there are maybe 5 cars parked there.  I live in South Africa.  It is a VERY quiet area.  Hence me being happy taking him out for a walk there.

He comes from a large kennel environment.  He currently lives with 16 dogs and has showed before.  I am sure Lilly will not cause him upset.  She has stunning dog manners.  The reason I want her involved is because this affects her too.  I will gauge the mood and take it from there.

The walk together and the wash cloth ideas are excellent!  Thank you!  I will definately pick bits of advice from everyone.  Very insightful!  I appreciate it!