Puppy Intros

Samba · 09-28-04, 08:49 AM

Hello All!

Well I have some questions for you guys regarding introductions between two dogs.

I've had S80 (Sadie) now for a few months and she is wonderful. Loves to play, extremely hyper and a little sad when I leave for work in the mornings; (literally she'll grab my ankle with her paw as if to say, "No! Don't Go!") I love her to death, she's the best thing to happen to me in a long time.

Now, this last weekend I was given an 11 week old Staffordshire Terrier (Full-blooded) who is gorgeous. I let her acclimate for 24 hours before the first introduction to S80. She was a little scared, but this is not an excitable pup. She doesn't bark, or run around or anything... she's very serious...

Anyways, the introduction: Besides myself, there were my sister and her boyfriend present to observe and help with handling. To help S80 feel better I scratched her, and talked to her as my sister and her boyfriend carried the pup over... then they stopped at a distance of about 10 feet from S80 and I.

With S80's scent still fresh on my hands I walked over to the pup and petted and scratched her. I then returned to S80, who, bless her heart, wasn't even jealous. I let S80 sniff around, and she was happy to see the pup. She wanted to play, but the puppy showed her teeth and was a little defensive, which I totally and completely understand.

I do have to option of returning this dog to it's owner if things don't work out, but I'm planning a second introduction today. I need some ideas to help make this go smoothly, and even though S80 is very into this, I think her jumping around and being excited is scaring the pup, who then gets defensive.

Well, if you guys have any ideas let me know please... It would be nice if these two got along! Thanks in advance! =)

Samba · 09-28-04, 10:01 AM

Anyone? A friend of mine told me to just let the dogs 'go at it' so they can establish the pecking order... I guess I'll call a few vets around here and see what they think... I would think there's a chance of injury if I let these guys 'go at it'....

Linds · 09-28-04, 10:08 AM

I would definitely not let them go at it. Dogs can and will get injured if they do not get along. I have to keep my house partioned off with a baby gate, as one of my longhaired Jack Russels (messed up rescue) is very possessive and defensive (was abused and also had to fend for himself as a puppy amongst a pack of 12 mostly largebreed dogs). Is any animal so much as crosses what he wants for himself, or tries slaps him with a paw trying to play he will freak right out. There is establishing a pecking order and then there is fighting. Some dogs will just not work it out regardless.

ydnic · 09-28-04, 10:10 AM

Just like your friend said - let them go at it. I have two rotweilers. The male is pretty nice and the female is good with most males but not females. It depends on which dog is feeling 'alpha' at the time. I met my friend who lives across the street through our dogs. They always barked at each other so one day we took em to the park to play. We both knew they would have to have it out first because they both thought they were better - and so we let them fight (but were ready to kick em apart if it got too crazy) it lasted a few minutes and then they were playing fetch together and are best friends now.

Introductions like that suck but it has to be done if you want to keep both.

Samba · 09-28-04, 10:34 AM

Well, thanks, those are two very different opinions. Please keep in mind we are dealing with a 1 1/2 yr. old Shep/AmStaff mix(S80), and an 11 week old Purebred AmStaff puppy (Cedar). Cedar is actually the defensive one, and I know she's been stressed. One day she's with her family, the next she's in another home, and the day after that she meets S80, who is ready to play and is bouncing around and barking.

They did do some nose-to-nose introductions but the puppy is a bit snappy at S80, and my only real fear is that S80 will turn on her for not being 'polite'.

I think the puppy acts a bit snobish... she's very sweet and open to being around people, but she's not very nice to S80. I think with consistant Positive reinforcement I can get these two used to each other... but I really wanted dogs they will enjoy each other's company... (Part of the reason I got the puppy was so S80 would have someone to play with while I'm at work during the day). Is there any chance this will work out?? We'll see what happens... any advice is still appreciated... Thanks again.. =)

lakeridgekennel · 09-28-04, 10:37 AM

Just let them go at it. DON"T make your older dog feel like the younger dog is taking over make the older one's space his that means different dishes maybe different blankets some toys but not all toys and put the younger dog outside or something and give the older dog your undivided time for a little while and then over time he and the new one will get along or at leats live together.

Samba · 09-28-04, 10:49 AM

Thanks, Lake, I have already taken numerous steps so that S80 (the older dog) won't feel left out, unwanted, etc. I actually spend a lot of time with her, Car-rides (to visit 'daddy' at work), pet stores, walking in the park, etc. and she is very well-adjusted. She doesn't appear to be jealous at all, but perhaps things will change once she sees that the puppy will be staying... who knows, but I do reassure her, and give her lots of attention.

She accepts the puppy and wants to play with her and get to know her, but the puppy is defensive. I think the puppy needs to learn some manners and be socialized. (The only other dogs she's been around are her parents, brothers and sisters). Maybe she's confused and doesn't know how to react to a dog that isn't a family member.

capsicum · 09-28-04, 11:12 AM

Whenever I have had to introduce a new dog into the family, we walked them both (one person with one, another with the other), just being very casual with them.

Cedar is probably just very nervous about being around a larger more excited dog. Try low-energy activites with both (having other people with you too), and show Cedar that things aren't so bad.

Congrats on your new pup!! Love to see pics whenever you get some

Take care and enjoy your pups!

TK

Samba · 09-28-04, 11:17 AM

Thanks, I do have just one pic and she and I on the day I got her... I'd have more but my camara broke a long time ago... This photo was taken with my brother's picture phone...

Maybe I'll try taking them both to the park after work... S80 loves it, and I know the pup is fond of playing in the grass... my sis and her BF will be there, too!

capsicum · 09-28-04, 11:31 AM

Aww...what a sweetie

She looks great!

TK

jjaj02 · 09-28-04, 12:12 PM

Being a breeder (of dogs) I can honestly say, yes just let them go at it. Watch that they don't hurt each other and when they growl at each other just tell them no. Growling from dogs is never good. If you can't teach them this at a young age, then they will never learn. They will decide for themselves who's who in your house. Cedar isn't being territorial or agressive.....or shouldn't be at his young age. He is probably just scared of S80. If Sadie isn't jealous of Cedar and she has a good temperment and can put up with a puppy then chances are you won't have to worry about her going after Cedar. If Cedar snaps or growls at her, S80 will probably learn to just walk away from him. But make sure that you teach Cedar that growling and/or biting is not acceptable in your house. We had an 8 yr old pomeranian from the time she was a pup and then got an 11 yr old pomeranian that was a rescue. They never liked each other from day one. They got into a few minor fights over food etc. but they eventually lived in the same house without incident. They just learned to avoid each other. With Cedar being a puppy he'll learn very quickly to like S80. Like I said he is probably just more scared having a new home and a new family and a new BIG sister. And he probably hasn't been properly sociallized with other dogs. Just be happy that its the puppy not liking the adult and not the other way around. Don't keep them seperated all the time because then when you are playing with one of them and the other one is locked away they will start getting jealous. Make sure you spend equal amounts of time with each and try doing activities with both of them at the same time to make them feel equal. Even if it is sitting on your living room floor with a dog on either side of you petting them. It's as simple as that. Feed them both at the same time, let them out at the same time, give them the same treats at the same time, walk them at the same time, etc. Do to one what you are doing to the other so one doesn't feel left out. Have fun with your new puppy and good luck. Don't worry Cedar is still young and with proper training and socialization he will outgrow it. Keep us updated on how he is doing.

treegirl · 09-28-04, 12:14 PM

Hey Samba! I would have to say too that you might think about just letting them do their thing. The puppy might snarl and even nip but your other pup will let Cedar know where his/her place is.

My 2 1/2 year old aussie had a problem with a puppy who didn't want to be messed with and tried to get Maiven to fight--Maiven tangled with her but just long enough to establish rank. They were playing with each other soon after that.

good luck!

Samba · 09-28-04, 12:25 PM

Thanks, that was particularly reassuring to me. Honestly I think if didn't hold back either dog S80 would probably approach Cedar, and Cedar would probably start growling or something. I don't think they'll get into a full-on fight, but Cedar definately needs to learn that getting along with other animals is very important. She wants to be by herself, and while I understand this is all very scary for her she needs to know other animals aren't bad. S80 is a fine dog, and I know she's dying to play with Cedar... S80 on the other hand, doesn't seem intuitive enough to realize that Cedar is scared of her. Well, I'll let you guys know what happens... if anyone has more to add or advice to give, please do so within the next couple of hours... I will be leaving work soon....

Thanks again, to all of you... =)

P.S. Just read your post, Dawnell, thanks! It's weird, A majority of people I've talked to have said just to let them get it out in the open. I hope everything works out... I'd really, REALLY hate to give this puppy back!!!

treegirl · 09-28-04, 12:28 PM

It'll be great when Cedar finally realizes what a potential friend she has with S80! I had a shepherd when I was a kid who loved puppies so much that whenever we got a new pup 'Eva' would sort of adopt them as her own and they all grew to be best buddies.

Samba · 09-28-04, 12:30 PM

Awww, how sweet! S80 and Cedar are the first dogs I've had since the one I grew up with, Whitney, died about 2 years ago. Losing her was something that was extremely difficult, but I decided that I was going to get more dogs because just having a dog around makes life so much more fun!!!! =) I really think S80 needs someone to play with while I'm at work all day... I feel bad that she's at home alone all the time...