Introducing dogs to each other | ExpatWoman.com
 

Introducing dogs to each other

135
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 16:08

Hi Ladies,
I have two dogs, one is a saluki/beagle mix (1yr), and the other a long haired german shepherd(7yrs). The two have never actually lived together. The saluki lives with me, whilst the german shepherd lives with my mom and sister. We have decided to have the two under one roof, and although i have read virtually every book and site on how to handle introductions, i would appreciate any tips from people who have actually gone through something similar to ensure i know the process like the back of my hand before i face it. Both dogs have very strong personalities, and both have abandonment and jealousy issues. They are well mannered dogs and behave themselves, but i am extremely worried that might change once they start their introductions. Although i am against crate training, i have decided to use this method with my introductions, but would like to avoid the required 1-2mnths of crating my dogs. Call me a bad dog owner, but i cannot stomach the though of my dogs sitting in crates for that long, although i know plenty of people who do it, and its fine. My dogs have been through a lot this past year, so yes, i tend to spoil them a bit more than most owners, and i'd like to not break that pattern with long term crating.
any advice, or even stories from past similar experiences, will be greatly appreciate. I'd especially like to know how common is it that dogs dont take to each other, or worse, have vicious fights...
TIA

135
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:51
I will do :) thank you ever so much ladies :)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:47
Oh excellent...sounds like you've already been in touch with V! Do let us know how it all goes. :)
135
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:45
Would like to thank everyone for their advice, and especially give a BIG heartfelt thank you to Veritas!! Thank you for your patience, time, and detailed help!!!! You're wonderful for offering to do so :))
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:42
Thanks Green-ish..it calms me down to know others have succeeded :) both dogs are very territorial over me...especially the mix saluki/beagle due to his traumatic past....so its great to know others have handled this with such ease!! thank you :::::) I'm glad to have given you some reassurance. That said...the dogs I was introducing to each other were 'easy' dogs. :) Please do take V's advice below and get in touch with her. She knows what she's doing. :)
27
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 12:25
Hi PN, A couple of things in your post concern me a little and would like to talk them over with you, if you're willing, before you bring the two dogs together. Good advice below (hi both) but think you'll need a bit more than that. You can either drop me a line at cdotrosewarne1atbtinternetdotcom or give me a buzz on (landline) four three zero four eight two zero or (mob) 050 three one two four four two zero. Am in and out for most of today but maybe if you text or email me your number, I can give you a text when I'm in to see if you are free to chat. V :)
135
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 11:51
Thanks Green-ish..it calms me down to know others have succeeded :) both dogs are very territorial over me...especially the mix saluki/beagle due to his traumatic past....so its great to know others have handled this with such ease!! thank you :::::)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 09:57
Hi PN...we had a foster dog for a while and then agreed to look after another dog while the owner was away. I did something like what JS has suggested. The owner brought the new dog to our house while I was waiting outside with our foster pooch. We let them have a look at each other from a distance then went straight off for a long walk. When both dogs were in 'the zone', the other fellow brought his dog closer to mine. When they were both clearly relaxed and focussed on the walk, I took both leads and kept going. We went home and took the two dogs in together like it was what happened every day. I may have been 'lucky' because both were incredibly gentle dogs (one a wee, ugly cross bred :D and the other a massive, stunning, long-haired GSD) but after that introduction, they got on like a house on fire. I think the key was daily, long walks together. (very Cesar Milan...and it works. :) )
135
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 21:13
Thanks JShepherd! Hopefully it'll all go smoothly When i was younger we had 5 dogs in our household, and it was perfectly alright, but i was young back then, and didnt have to handle it, but this is the first time i handle this personally, so i dont want to be the reason behind any failure...i know how much of this depends on the owner
1414
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 21:02
Hi Pn, in my experience and advice given to me was that, you should have the dogs meet outside the place where they new dog is coming too, just walk them around in view of each other and gradually get closer until they are walking together. This takes time, I spent ALL morning with mine doing this but it does work, firstly my old dog want to KILL the new dog on sight after a few hours walking they walked together fine. Be firm also and if they start make it clear you are the Alpha dog and will not stand for fighting. Once this is established you can move into garden terrority and inside. I found that is was helpful for the new dog to have his own "safe area" away from your old dog and visa versa. If they fight again assert authourity. I have 3 dogs and now they are all fine together althou I still would NEVER leavce them all together when I go out! they have seperate areas so nothing can kick off. You could always contact a trainer to help if you are worried. Good luck <em>edited by JShepherd on 24/08/2011</em>
 
 

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