My dogs bark at the front door when a dog arrives. What is the best way to introduce new dogs to lower the excitement level?
Ok this is what I do: I make sure they text me when they're on their way. I meet them outside and take directly to the backyard. I have a sound machine going in the house so it drowns out some of the noise of the new dog entering. I then let other other dogs outside to sniff and say hello. I have a note to never ring the doorbell or knock.
I err always on the side of caution and the dogs do not meet during the M&G. This has never been an issue. For my dog she can't accurately portray how she will be with another dog when that dog is excitedly running into her house with a new set of people. I also do not know the other dog or their owners' ability to control it so I control the situation. During the M&G she is safely in her crate with a bone.
For 1-2 night stays or anxious weird dogs I rarely have my dog meet their dog, but if I do I have already gotten a good idea of the dogs behavior and if it will mesh well with mine. If so I take them on a long walk together and proceed from there. They may or may not be separated around the house. For longer stays I do the same protocol but give them more freedom to chill together in the house.