We have a 5 months old puppy (Kai, mixed Lab, picture attached). He is really a great dog, and we don’t have any problems with him. However, he is a bit submissive towards other dogs. As our neighbors have a puppy around his age (Jaya, 6 months, mixed Golden Retriever) we naturally want them to be good friends, and play a lot when possible. Problem is Jaya is a bit over dominant. This makes us somewhat reluctant to bring them together.

Is there something we can do to increase his dominance towards Jaya, and play with her as equal?

Another question regarding that is - when we do bring them together - is it a good idea to make it happen inside our (small) apartment, or should we do it only outside?

[lil mutt]

seems like your dog doesnt want to play/compete to be the alpha dog and i dont think there's anything wrong with that... i still think that your dog is very cute!

it is better to make it happen outside, a more spacious area in which they can both enjoy playing together...

A lot of people just expect their dogs to play with whatever dog the human chooses. The problem is, you don't get to choose.

Dogs, like humans, are social creatures and create packs amongst themselves. They even pick "best friends"! Ask people who run doggie daycares; most dogs will have a favorite friend or playmate.

Domanint is over used by the common public. "Over dominant" means Jaya is growling assterively, protecting territory, showing teath, and claiming space... I highly doubt that's what is going on.

Jaya has high energy levels, lack of dicipline, and leashes out her excited energy on your dog.

Kai is a shy dog. Needs more socialization and exercise to burn off the anxiety.

Jaya & Kai may never been "the best of friends". But don't count it out just yet. Try again, but with a new perspective.

Dogs should play on neutral territory, fenced in area, off-leash.

There is nothing wrong with what you are describing, that is natural pack order. Dogs choose by themselves who is head honcho and who will be the follower. As long as there is no fights and no one is getting hurt, they should work it out by themselves. If they decide they like each other, things will be fine once they find an order acceptable to both of them, if they don't like each other, that will become apparant and they may just learn to tolerate each other. Let them decide the pecking order themselves. Best wishes.