In my home, I let them sniff the area first to get the lay of the land. This will give them space to get comfortable surroundings and understand that it is a safe space for them. Since my dog is also home with me, I prefer they meet in neutral territory for a meet & greet to ensure that it is a good match, however I’ve had other dogs come over without the need for one, and it has been okay. I just like to take the extra precaution to give both of us piece of mind. At the client’s home, I’ll follow yours and your dog’s routine. I’ll initially watch them closely to assess how they interact in their home. I do this for my own understanding so I can best read their needs.