Looking for some advice.

Yesterday I brought home an almost 2 yr. old dog from the Humane Society. DD and I met him there on Monday, we adored him right away, and we took Max(our 4 yr old Bichon) to meet him on Monday as well(this is required by the HS before adopting). Max was really a big wuss and was afraid of the little guy. So, we went back yesterday and got him, hoping that he and Max will grow to love one another. Max has barked at him a few times but most of the time has been trying to avoid Simon(the new guy).

Is this normal and how long does it take typically for these dogs to adjust? I know it will take some time, but I really feel bad for Max, he seems kind of sad.

Jill

Thanks-I will definitely be checking out the Cesar book!

Ok, I am little freaked out. The HS, and the literature they send home, mentions possible parasites-which apparently is quite common in kennel dogs. He has an appt w/the vet Monday so i will find out then if he has any parasites but I am freaked out because I have read that they can be transferred to not only other pets but to humans. Our house is very dog friendly-they are allowed on the furniture, sleep in my bed, etc. Does anyone know-will these parasites, if there are any, get into my furniture or bedding? And is this pretty easily treated? I am thinking about things like fleas and lice that if not eliminated from your house can keep reinfesting.
Jill

quote:

Originally posted by cobismom:
Get a book or video (DVD) of dog behaviors, they will explain "alpha-ness" to you much better.

That's a great idea, Cathy! I just last week purchase Cesar Milan's new book for my best friend for his birthday!

Jill, Cesar is THE MAN of dog trainers. If you're interested in checking out his new book, here's the link to it on amazon.com.

Cesar Milan's new dog behavior book

Jill, I have two beagles...one is 8 and the other is 5. We have been playing who is the alpha dog for three years. It's rather interesting to watch because on any given day, the older one will roll the younger one and visa versa. Normally the older one "puts up" with the younger ones ambitions and sometimes they get along. Your Max will assert his alphaness when the younger one is old enough or "experienced" enough to have to do it...don't get in the middle of this unless it looks like death is the only outcome. Dogs in the wild do this all the time. Get a book or video (DVD) of
dog behaviors, they will explain "alpha-ness" to you much better.

You brought a new baby into the house. Max was "the big and only" guy until then...he will get used to it. You introduced them that was good, and if they weren't going to get along, you would have seen something then. Give Max an extra walk or playtime...don't scold him for not accepting the new guy, but do watch to make sure that that is all he is doing to the new pup.

They will make it, they have you two for adoptive "parents". And two is a pack, dogs run in packs...they will form their own pack and sometimes you will think that they are out to get you --- together! Then you know you're in trouble.

I think things are looking up. Max is exhibiting some of his regular behaviors(barking at the mailman, pawing at me for food, playing). I have been giving him extra love and attention. Simon is doing well, they are both on the couch(one at each end) napping right now.

I forgot to mention before: Simon and his two sisters were abandoned and left in a yard. We don't know if he ever had a home or someone to love him. One of his sisters was adopted Monday and the other was going home with her new family soon. He is doing pretty well with going outside and has only had two accidents since yesterday afternoon. He had to be cut pretty short, his hair was matted from being out in the elements. His 1st vet visit is on Monday, I hope he doesn't have any parasites(apparently this is VERY common w/kennel dogs but not anything fatal) because then he and Max will need meds.

Thanks for all the advice, they did tell me at the HS to expect some issues w/the two dogs but over all I think they are doing really well.

Jill

I agree with the others who have responded. I also think you need to be sure that Max is still getting plenty of attention while you are all adjusting to the new pup. Max has been King of the Hill, lone dog on campus, for all this time and has had you all to himself, so he's going to feel a little blue at first about having some competition for your attention and affection. If you make sure to love on him extra while paying attention to the new pup, I think he'll see that he's not being kicked to the curb and is still a full member of the family.

Congrats on the new "baby"!

I agree with what Gail said. They sort out things on their own.

Also, they'll figure out which one of them is alpha of the two (you of course, are alpha of the pack), and when that happens, just go along with it.

With two males, there probably won't be many issues, if any. They usually end up being buddies.

Just give it time!

Congrats on your new addition Jill *S*

There will be a few times when they'll sound like they're going to kill each other but they're just finding their boundries and this is normal. Once they get it straight they should be just fine *S*

You might want to give Max some special time while adjusting so he doesn't feel left out. We try to take turns with our 2 dogs so no one feels left out. Plus I think they like the extra attention.

My friend went from having one cat, to two cats, to two cats, two dogs when she got married. The first night the four of them were together she gave me a call. Her house sounded like Wild Kingdom. One cat was howling, one hissing, one dog barking and one crying. Within a couple of days they each claimed there own "territories" and got into a routine. Now the cat who was hissing usually sleeps on the St Bernard's head, while the other cat curls up with the Chow. Given a couple of days they should adjust.