Introducing Dogs

gillmc

Any tips on introducing two German Sheps. One is 5 yr old male and quite aggressive and new guy is a quiet 1 yr old male. Hasnt gone too well introducing them as yet any help would be really appreciated.

Ruu_Old

If you bring the new dog into the other dogs house or territory this is a bad way to start off. The best thing is to introduce them in a neutral territory like a park or a friends house.

peasant

I gather the "damage" has already been done and the new dog is already in the house ?

In that case you'll have to walk a bit of a tightrope for the next few weeks.

It is important for the old dog that he doesn't see the new one as a threat to his status. So for the next time you will have to give (and have to be seen to give) the old dog preferential treatment. He eats first, gets talked to first, goes through the door first, he gets the toys ...that kind of thing.

At the same time, though, you have to be careful that you don't elevate him too much and that he doesn't get too full of himself and gets notions of attacking the new fellow. A bit of growling and staring is the absolute limit of aggression that he's allowed and not too much of that either. You can not tolerate the dogs fighting and will have to prevent that. For the beginning keep them separate when you're not there to supervise.

Also routine is important. Whatever routine you had with the old dog ... stick to it religiously. No exceptions just because there is a new dog around. There always is the temptation to focus on and mollycoddle a new arrival ...don't!
Pretty much perform your daily routine as ever, as if he wasn't there (without neglecting him of course).

Dogs have a great knack at fitting in ...if you stick to the old routines, the old dog won't feel put out and the new one will make himself fit in before you know it.

Once things have quitened down, you will still have to keep a watchful eye on things. The one year old will soon come into puberty where he will begin to question the rules around the house.


Please also keep in mind, that not unlike humans, not all dogs get along with all dogs. If you don't see a marked improvement in them getting along after two, three weeks you might have to consider the idea that they just don't like each other and will never get along.

BobTheBeat

peasant wrote:

I gather the "damage" has already been done and the new dog is already in the house ?

In that case you'll have to walk a bit of a tightrope for the next few weeks.

It is important for the old dog that he doesn't see the new one as a threat to his status. So for the next time you will have to give (and have to be seen to give) the old dog preferential treatment. He eats first, gets talked to first, goes through the door first, he gets the toys ...that kind of thing.

At the same time, though, you have to be careful that you don't elevate him too much and that he doesn't get too full of himself and gets notions of attacking the new fellow. A bit of growling and staring is the absolute limit of aggression that he's allowed and not too much of that either. You can not tolerate the dogs fighting and will have to prevent that. For the beginning keep them separate when you're not there to supervise.

Also routine is important. Whatever routine you had with the old dog ... stick to it religiously. No exceptions just because there is a new dog around. There always is the temptation to focus on and mollycoddle a new arrival ...don't!
Pretty much perform your daily routine as ever, as if he wasn't there (without neglecting him of course).

Dogs have a great knack at fitting in ...if you stick to the old routines, the old dog won't feel put out and the new one will make himself fit in before you know it.

Once things have quitened down, you will still have to keep a watchful eye on things. The one year old will soon come into puberty where he will begin to question the rules around the house.


Please also keep in mind, that not unlike humans, not all dogs get along with all dogs. If you don't see a marked improvement in them getting along after two, three weeks you might have to consider the idea that they just don't like each other and will never get along.

Would agree wholeheartedly... its never going to be easy to introduce a new dog to one thats been the centre of all pet related attention for quite some time.

Like Peasant said,its very important to mark the boundaries early on, of what is acceptable behaviour and what is not. The older dog,while its important to assure him of his position, must learn that 'the master' is the ruler in this. If the dog shares such a relationship with yourself,then the integration should be a bit quicker.

But suffice to say,it will take some time before things will begin to stabilise. And if (hopefully when!) it does, you will be in for a treat to see your 'pack' increase!Best of luck"