Two or more dog families

allwildgirl

allwildgirl

Cathlete
Okay, I'm picking up a new doggie this weekend. The doggie we have now is coming with us to meet her when we pick her up (we want to make sure they'll get along). Any words of advice on how to introduce her to our home in a way that will make doggie #1 comfortable and not threatened?

Thanks!
 
I don't have any answers, but I wanted to say YAY!!! new doggie! I'm excited for you guys :)



*(Calvin): People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world. (Hobbes): Isn't your pants' zipper supposed to be in the front?
 
Shell,

The only advice I have for you is based on being the proud mama of a male Husky and female Chow Chow. I found that when we brought said Chow Chow home to meet said Husky that keeping a watchful eye on them for a few days helped. I was able to stop the jealous growls, uncomfortable sniffing moments and other irritating and potential fight starters. Meal times were very important. Again watching to ensure that wandering tongues do not wander beyond their bowls was important. I think everything will be fine and FUN!!!!
 
Shelley, I think you should take both of them, together, for a long walk. I've been watching the Dog Whisperer lately--it's such a great program--and he stresses the importance of establishing your role as the pack leader. He suggests walking as the best route to accomplish this. Here's his website:
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

I would definitely check it out. On his program he usually recommends walking a new pet for a minimum of an hour as soon as you get the dog. He says it's the best way for you to get to know each other and to gradually ease the tension.

Good luck!!

ETA the correct link above
 
Wow! That is good advice...I wish I would have known that when I got these two. I also wish I would have known that they should have been named Fred and Ethel not Jake and Sheena! ;)
 
Oh, Michele, what a great suggestion. Thank you. I think that's a wonderful idea.

This poor pup we're getting hasn't been treated very well at all, so she's going to be extra shy and nervous, I think.

By the way, this is Miss Sadie:)

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Ooh, so cute! I think I read somewhere that you're supposed to introduce them in neutral territory (like the yard) so that no one feels like their status is being threatened.

Good luck!

Marie
 
Shelley,

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I was going to say exactly what Michele said. I'm a HUGE Dog Whisperer fan. He says the worst thing that people do when introducing two dogs is let them go nose to nose because this just encourages a fight. He recommends taking them both at once on a walk before any "real" introductions take place - at least this is what he did with these two pit bulls when one definitely wanted to kill the other. Every time the people tried to introduce them nose to nose they'd go at it but when he took them on a walk viola! Of course they still needed work but it helped a lot. And remember, as Cesar says, stay calm assertive in ALL situations - even if they get into it. :)

Okay, now ask me how this works for me tomorrow when we take ours on the annual Dog Jog (walk) benefit for our Animal Shelter. There aren't many people/dogs out when we walk in our neighborhood. The big test!

Good luck and bless you for taking in this sweet baby.

Suz

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds
 
Good luck on the dog walk tomorrow, Suz!

Yes, Sadie is 8 months old and she's already had a litter of puppies:( She didn't know what treats were when they found her. She was all matted and had lost some fur and then she had separation anxiety when they separated her from her puppies. Poor little baby.
 
Shelley,

That's SO heartbreaking. She's lucky to have found you. I know it won't be easy, as I'm sure she has a lot to learn about being a "pet", but hang in there and it will all pay off in the end.

You're an angel.

Suz

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds
 
What a great thing you are doing. I'm sure she will be happy having you for her new owner. The dog you already have may become jealous so try to spend some individual time with each one. Our older dog still gets jealous and we had the younger one now for 6 years, so I do individual play time as well as playtime together.

Jean
 
Hi,
Congrats on the beautiful new doggie. I just got a pug puppy, Lilly in August and already had a 5 year old Jack Russell/Cocker Spaniel cross, Lucy.

Lucy was terrified of the puppy at first and wouldn't go near her. Her nose was very out of joint. Starting just in the last few days she has been smelling the puggie's bum and taking toys away from her when I am playing with them both. She also chased her in the yard today and her tail was wagging. So things are improving. Just play with them together and they will bond. Also walking with them both helps too. GOOD LUCK!

Laura:)
 
Suz - she's been with a foster family since August, and I had a long conversation with her foster mom last week and she's come a long way. She now knows that she gets treats for being good, so she's good a lot;) The foster family has three dogs (2 Jacks and a Shepherd) and they all get along great. I'm hoping Gilbert will take to her. He loves girl dogs. Oh heck, he loves any dogs.:)
 
Congrats on getting your new dog. I, too, believe that establishing that walking routine is so important... not only for getting the two dogs used to each other, but getting them used to you as the leader. It's also great for redirecting the dog's energy into something healthy, exercise, as opposed to say, tearing up your house. I walk my pooch at least an hour every day... and what a difference it makes. I'm able to go out and leave her unattended in the house, without worrying about her eating the couch.
 
What a cute dog, Shelley!! You are such a sweetheart for taking her into your family.

I second what was said about the walk. When we got our second Aussie in August, I did take both of them for a long walk and they are big buddies now, no problems. I also took our other two dogs out for a short walk with Tuxedo before I brought him in the house. Learned that from the "Dog Whisperer" which is one of my favorite shows.

When I brought the first Aussie in in April and I didn't do the walking thing(pre-Dog Whisperer :) ) there was quite some tension, growling and snarling between one of my older dogs and the new puppy.

Good luck to you and Miss Sadie. Keep us posted on how she is doing!

Carola
 
It depends on the dogs in question. 2 of mine are fine with any dogs. Usually I go out front and let them say hi and let them walk in together and unleash everyone.

You might want to make sure to do this in a big area. Some dogs get more tense in smaller spaces (hallways, corners, etc.)

I'm probably in the minority but I am NOT a fan of the Cesar Milan. The "trick" of taking them walking is the same thing as introducing in a neutral area which is what most trainers have been suggesting for years. Nothing new there.

Colleen
 
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