Foster Dog being aggressive..

samson134

Hello, We have just received a foster puppy who is 12-13 weeks old . We already have a puppy who is 5 months old and he is a very friendly dog. When we went to socialise them on leads the foster dog started growling and barking very aggressively at our own dog and was trying to run at him..! While our own dog was calm and nervous after it.

Has anybody experienced anything like this before? We are not too sure what we should or can do now.

We have them both in separate crates and the foster dog seems to be taking to that well but I am not too sure how we will manage if they don't get on with each other!!

Any advice would be greatful.

Thanks in advance.

VonVix

Have they played well off leash before?

Perhaps he was frustrated by the 'barrier' of the leash and wanted to play?

samson134

VonVix wrote: »

Have they played well off leash before?

Perhaps he was frustrated by the 'barrier' of the leash and wanted to play?

No they have not played of the leash at all, I would be a bit nervous to let them of leashes around each other after seeing how she interacts with him.
The foster dog was even growling aggressively at our dog when she was out and ours was in his crate.

Not sure what we can do!

VonVix

samson134 wrote: »

No they have not played of the leash at all, I would be a bit nervous to let them of leashes around each other after seeing how she interacts with him.
The foster dog was even growling aggressively at our dog when she was out and ours was in his crate.

Not sure what we can do!

Have you been given much information about the puppy's history? I would call whoever you are fostering them from and let them know the situation, if it's a big enough rescue with experience they may be able to advise you of what to do.

Does the puppy react from outside the crate when your dog is in the crate?

Also, is there a significant size difference between the two dogs? What breed is your pup and the foster puppy?

With a puppy so young I'd sooner say it's either fear or over excitement leading to frustration, but not outright aggression.

muddypaws

Have you spoken with the rescue that you are fostering for? They should be able to offer advice and back up for you.

Mince Pie

Where did you introduce them? Neutral territory is best and perhaps a walk will help with bonding.
When I took on my foster (now adopted, I'm a failed fosterer) they got on great on walks but had the issues at home, my dog being aggressive and foster being docile.
It's a bit different for you due to their age and not being able to go on a long ramble together.
I wish you all the best and hope you get some better advice but don't give up. It will get better. Trust me.

samson134

I would imagine it is fear possibly. We were given a brief background and it is that she was found at the side of a road.. That is all.

I would imagine from the smell of her she has not been taken care of too well, she is also flat out sleeping now for the past hour.

We might try the walk in a while and see how that goes.. She might not respond well to being on a harness.

We introduced them in our living room.

samson134

Also , No we have not spoken to the shelter. I tried contacting a lady that works with them but her phone was off.

Mince Pie

samson134 wrote: »

I would imagine it is fear possibly. We were given a brief background and it is that she was found at the side of a road.. That is all.

I would imagine from the smell of her she has not been taken care of too well, she is also flat out sleeping now for the past hour.

We might try the walk in a while and see how that goes.. She might not respond well to being on a harness.

We introduced them in our living room.

I'd start again by introducing them in neutral territory both on leads. Let one walk in front so they can get the scent then turn around and allow the other to walk behind for scent. Obviously with them being so young they can't walk for a great length of time but it gives them a chance to familiarise themselves to each other.
You have someone to help you?? Poor foster is only a pup and its all new and probably a shock but patience is they key and lots of love.
Hope you hear back from the rescue soon as there should be support there for you fostering.

VonVix

Dropped you a PM samson.

samson134

We went for a walk there and she went for our own puppy and bit his leg I had to pull her off him.. I have them separated now!!

Mince Pie

samson134 wrote: »

We went for a walk there and she went for our own puppy and bit his leg I had to pull her off him.. I have them separated now!!

I don't really have any experience in this area as my dogs were older when I adopted them but we are talking about a 12 week old puppy yes? I was under the impression that at that age they are prone to nipping and playing "rough"??
I'd have to bow out here for fear of giving dud advice but I know there a quite a few more on here with puppy experience.
Have the rescue you're involved with been in touch yet with some kind of advice or support?

For the benefit of others who may be able to help you, could you advise of the breeds involved and when the puppy bit your dog, were they both on the leash? Clearer circumstances help give an idea of how to prevent in future.

Kukey

I also fostered a pup who was very aggressive with my sisters pup.After I collected her from the pound,I brought her to my sisters house thinking
the two pups would have a great time playing together.Her pup was about
4/5 mths old and the pup I had was about 8 weeks old.
They started off playing then next of all my sisters pup started squealing,the
other little pup had her by the neck and was being very aggressive.It wasn't
normal puppy play that got a bit rough!! I separated them for a while and then
I introduced them again,but the 8 wk old pup was growling and tried to bite
her again.My sisters poor pup was terrified of her!
I couldn't believe that this tiny little puppy, would even contemplate attacking
another pup.
I would keep your dog and the other pup separated for safety and let the rescue
know what's happening.

Pretzill

Seems foster pup is being a puppy - nipping going in without realising the consequences - your puppy is probably a: fearful b: and also being young doesn't know how to deal with this verbose intrusion!

When my then 3 yr old met our new 7 week rescue puppy she seemed terrified of him - she ran away and little puppy thought it was a game! Little did we know the months of agro ahead the 3 yr old went for puppy more than once - eventually after sharing the house and learning what was expected - they are now the best of friends - puppy still pushes his luck - they do.

If you feel either dog is being badly affected by the change (as in their life is miserable) you may have to rethink the foster but you need to give it time too, dogs don't just get on - but they will follow your example.

samson134

Kukey, Your situation seems very similar to mine. Foster dog had mine on his back while she was on top of him then when he could get up she bit his leg and wouldn't let go until I pulled her off him , while she did it she barked and growled.. They were off leash for this but were in a neutral environment. When they were walking together on Leash foster pup wouldn't look at him at all! They just don't seem to get on unfortunately.

My dog is a collie and the other dog is a Jack Russell mix. We have not been able to get in contact with the shelter yet but might try again tomorrow or monday.

We will just have to separate them it looks like.

When she is out on her own with us she is quite and will jump up on the couch herself and sleep beside me!

Mince Pie

I would go with advice that DBB gives all the time and thats a puppy playpen and if you don't have one of those possibly a babygate to let them get used to each other without any contact or damage being done.
How did you pull the other dog off? There has to be a massive difference in size between a 12 week old jackie and a 5 month old collie.

I had an awful time when I fostered then adopted my second one. The bigger lurcher just didn't take to the smaller terrier and would go for her on occasion. Now it was never a "proper" fight but scary all the same. It took a lot of perserverance and patience and we have a somewhat good balance now. Thats not to say they don't have the very occasional spat but nowhere near as frequent.
Are they both bitches?

I know I'm not really helping in terms of advice that I know you need cos I remember feeling completely helpless when my two kicked off at 2 in the morning and not being able to call anyone. So just trying to give you virtual support without giving you anything concrete for fear of giving you crap advice. Sorry.

samson134

Mince Pie wrote: »

I would go with advice that DBB gives all the time and thats a puppy playpen and if you don't have one of those possibly a babygate to let them get used to each other without any contact or damage being done.
How did you pull the other dog off? There has to be a massive difference in size between a 12 week old jackie and a 5 month old collie.

I had an awful time when I fostered then adopted my second one. The bigger lurcher just didn't take to the smaller terrier and would go for her on occasion. Now it was never a "proper" fight but scary all the same. It took a lot of perserverance and patience and we have a somewhat good balance now. Thats not to say they don't have the very occasional spat but nowhere near as frequent.
Are they both bitches?

I know I'm not really helping in terms of advice that I know you need cos I remember feeling completely helpless when my two kicked off at 2 in the morning and not being able to call anyone. So just trying to give you virtual support without giving you anything concrete for fear of giving you crap advice. Sorry.

Thanks for the reply. They were male and female puppys. We ended up having to give her back this morning. She had another go at my dog late last night. It's a pity really but hopefully she will get the care and attention she needs.