[dianne57]

I am looking for some suggestions.

My brother and his wife and their bichon will be moving in with me and my three chocolate labs in a week while their house is being worked on.

How can I introduce my dogs to this little baby? My dogs go crazy with small animals in the backyard like rabbits and squirrels and I am concerned they may mistake Lilly for one of these animals.

My dogs to get along with other large dogs, but this will be the first time that they will be with an animal so small. My dogs are also very excitable and jumpy.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Help!!!

[CorkyMax]

You might be surprised--All the dogs may get along just fine. It might take an initial meeting or 2 to have them get use to one another. Have your 3 ever 'met' the bichon? If not, it might be a good idea to get ready for the big event. Is there a park or other place that your bros. bichon and your 3 dogs could meet (neutral area)? Have your dogs ever met your bro? Try to let the dogs all know that your bro. and this bichon is part of your family.

If it doesn't eventually 'pan out' --you could do what I did when I got my new pup. I was away at work about 10 hrs. a day so had to do something. My other dog just would not leave him alone. He wanted to play constantly with the new dog and him (Corky) being 10 months older than the 10 week old pup (Max)--was too much for the pup (size-wise esp.) I am giving you a link: Dog Forums - Corky/Max's Album: Corky and Max - Picture
I don't know if you can see that well exactly how I set the crate up. I had it up against something (back of kitchen cabinet) at a slight angle (kept the gate open) with a 'path' to the gate opening that only the pup could fit through. My Max could run to the crate whenever he wanted to 'escape' Corky for a while! Of course with 3 heavier dogs-you might have to weight the crate down so your dogs can't move it!

After the dogs get use to one another and the novelty wears off--You may not need the crate after a while.

Good luck! Keep us posted on how everything goes. Love to hear how they are getting along finally!