Getting along with daughter's dog( introducing a dog to another dog )

[belong]

We have a 3 lb. Yorkie and our daughter has a 4-5 lb. long-haired chihauhau. Our daughter doesn't live with us, but brings the dog when she visits on weekends. The problem is the dogs do not get along. They do fine as long as they are both calm, but daughter's dog gets wound up and starts charging my dog and trying to bite. A lot of growling, mostly from my dog is heard. Both dogs are very sweet by themselves, altho daughter's dog can be very mouthy. We usually end up putting our dog in her kennel which we feel isn't fair to her since it is her house. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to get them to get along? This has been going on for about a month and a half now (daughter got her dog about 2 months ago). Our Yorkie is almost 10 months old and daughter's dog is between 4 and 6 months old.

[ShardaBaker]

Hello Belong

The first time the dogs meet, it should be in a place that is new to both dogs; such as a park or other location. Keep the dogs on a leash but have them interact with the human they are with. Gradually move the dogs closer, but keep the attention of the dogs on the handlers. When they become comfortable move them closer.

Avoid having the dogs on very tight leashes, as this tends to excite them more and the chances of aggression increase. Handlers should remain calm and relaxed. Introducing the dogs several times before having them play together will allow them to become familiar with each other.

Be prepared for any aggression by either of the dogs. They will most likely attempt to establish which dog is dominant, and this may be done by growling, posturing or even fighting. Keep a close eye on the dogs, and have a way to separate and contain the dogs immediately if there is any aggression.

[jude09]

hello i'm moving this topic to a suitable location

i hope you don't mind belong, i added the subject so that everybody would know what

this topic is about.

[LynnDM]

When I have fostered dogs I always walk them together. My dog is NOT agressive, but I have been told that walking dogs together makes them think they are part of the same pack. Since they are both tiny dogs, it should be easy for them to be walked each on a different side and still be controlled so they don't go after each other. Hope this might help.

[Sarah]

I agree with Lynn but I would add the following. When your daughter's dog comes in the home, you want to offer that dog's rear end to your dog, allowing your dog to be the first to sniff. This puts your daughters dog in the submissive position. I would then do as Lynn said do, which is walk both of them together one person making them one pack.

I don't believe your dog is aggressive, but territorial instead. This is my house, you're not getting in here, sort of thing.

Let us know how it goes.

[Old Mrt]

I have 2 Cavs 4yr dog and 1yr old bitch. I have just accepted a 4 yr old cav. What is the best way to introduce the new dog to the family?

[Sarah]

When introducing an older dog to an existing pack, hold the leash and allow the other dogs to sniff the new one. Then leash them all up and walk them altogether, this will bring the new dog into the pack quicker. If things seem to go well, then drop the leash, [leaving it on] and be observant of all your dogs behaviour. If any get dominant, aggressive, you have to step in and put that dog in check letting the pack know YOU are in control, not them.

While the dogs are sniffing each other, do not let anyone mount another during the process as this shows dominance. YOU are to be the only dominant figure in your pack.

[Deaf Dogs]

I have fostered many dogs, and own 5 now. all of my dogs, and my sisters dogs get along just fine. I do not let them meet on leashes, ever, as I have a leash aggressive dog, and as I foster dogs with behavioural or physical problems, any one of them could have problems with leashes as well.

Basically, I assess the new dog before ever bringing him home, so I have a general idea how he/she is. I come home with the new dog, put him in an x-pen in the kitchen, then let my other dogs out of their room/crate one at a time. I have verbal control of the hearing dogs, and sign control of my deaf dogs. so I'll keep them in a sit stay, I'll go over to the pen, and stand near the new dog, while he looks at and gets the smell of my dogs, I'll then call my dog over and let them sniff through the pen for a few seconds, then ask my dog to back away then go lay down. after the new dog meets all the dogs that way (and there were no issues), i'll let everyone up from their down stay, and go about my buisness. I'll go into the pen to see the new dog, then out to play with mine. after some time I'll put my dogs away (except for Scout, as she ignores other dogs) and let the new dog out to explore, then add in my dogs, one at a time.

I've never had a problem, and never had a fight, I let the dogs work out who's who, who's bossy, and who's submissive. I let them tell eachother off for infractions, and I let them work out their own pack structure. I was taught how to do barrier introductions by a friend who's a behaviourist. I was able to introduce my extremely fear aggressive/dog aggressive dog into her pack of 4, easily without leashes, muzzles or a fight. It was done with Oliver being allowed to explore the backyard, then look at the other dogs behind the screen door, but amounts to the same thing. Oliver was uncomfortable, but showed no sign of aggression.

Having control over existing dogs is necessary, though. thank goodness, mine are under complete control in the house. It makes it MUCH easier to introduce new dogs.