New Dog Introduction! Help? | Page 1 | Pet Discussion | Guild Forums

CraftyTequila

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Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2006 2:47 pm

I have a Doberman, which I'm sure you all know about. My friend has an American Staffordshire Terrier who is an extreamly sweet and passive dog. He's a big smiler and I fell in love with him the first time I went to her house. I talked about him all the time and always asked if I could have him, just as a joke. The fact I was in love with him was no joke though...he stoll my heart away the moment I ment him. Which was shocking because I'm not a giant fan of that particular breed and hadn't been around them much at all. So after a few months, my friend actually told me that we could have him! His name is Bendly and his personality is a dream. He's calm, passive and loving, even though he's only 2 years old.

So my Doberman, Tasha, never was great around other dogs. She just doesn't like them walking near her. For some reason she just gets aggitated and snarles. If she's sitting on the couch and they walk by or look at her she gets really upset and will lunge! It's really frusterating for me since she doesn't want anyone else around her while she's comfortable or even getting attention. They can't be in the same room or she'll hide and snarl (she hides because she's ashamed she's so mean and she knows we'll yell at her.)

So my main question is this:

I really want to have Bendly and we haven't had two dogs for years now. So, I know the first introduction is somewhere outside of the home so Tasha has nothing to really be protective of, yes. I know all about that, but what about in the house? Is there a way to curb her aggression so that I can pet them both or they can both lay on the couch at the same time? Or is this just her and there's no way she even wants them around. If there are any good sites or your personal experiences, loads of feedback would be wonderful.

Thank you for reading!

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 2:37 pm

You are going to do what you want, regardless (completely understandable), but I'd like to put my two cents in.

I am under the impression that Tasha is an older dog, because of other post you have made. It is highly unlikely that she will be very happy about this, at all. If she doesn't like a dog walking near her, I am sure she will not like one living in HER house. Honestly, I can only see a dog getting hurt if you get Bendly. It would also be unfair to Tasha, because she was there first. I could not see her being cool while you paid attention to him. Dogs who have been in the house alone, are not very quick to welcome another dog. Tasha's description lessens the odds of acceptance.

I brought my little pup in last year in October, and I have a dog who is 4 years old, and has been here as the only dog for about 4 years. He still cries when she gets attention. He is not violent towards her, but he still makes a huge deal about it. I would have been worried, but he is extremely passive (he was fixed since he was young) and I think that is just part of his personality. Everytime my sister got a new pup, or another dog has come into my house he was fine, so I did not question whether it would be a good or bad idea. I was actually worried about the puppy...

Honestly, re-read what you have written. I don't see anything good coming out of this. I can completely understand wanting another dog. I have a pit bull and because of the fact that they have a high tendency of being dog aggressive, I may never be able to get another dog while she is still with me. Those are the things we must sacrifice for our pets.

You really have to think about the dogs, and their safety, most of all.

Jalelia

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CraftyTequila

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Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:53 pm

That's what I was thinking was going to happen. Thank you though, for all of that. I needed to see what someone else thought.

Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:18 pm

Thank you for accepting my two censt so well biggrin . I was actually worried I had been a little too harsh, and if I was, I am sorry. I don't hope that you don't get Bendley, instead I hope that it works out wonderfully, if you do. biggrin

Jalelia

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Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 4:32 pm

I doubt Tasha would accept a new dog in the house, just from how she reacts to other dogs coming near her. It's also a bad idea to introduce a new dog if you have an older dog (8+). Many veterinarians say that 8 years old should be the limit for introducing a new dog. Also, in my opinion, it's unfair to an older dog. Let them enjoy their final years with you without the added stress of a much younger dog, especially if said dog pisses 'em off.

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 8:59 pm

I think it depends on the dog, about the age thing, I mean... We had an old shepherd named Cory, and he was about ten or eleven when we got Patriot, and they got along just fine. But then, Cory was never dog agressive at all, and was used to having another dog or two around. I actually think that having a younger dog around helped Cory out, and kept him a lot healthier longer. He really loved playing with the younger dog, and it kept him more active, and more mobile.

I think that you should step back and try to figure out if you're really going to be able to get the two dogs to, if not get alone, at least tolerate each other, and if not, you should do what's best for the dogs. Be honest with yourself about your dogs. (Which is easier said than done.)

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