Establishing 2-dog-pack

Similar post in general dog chat, but more specific here:

Have had 3.5-year-old, spayed Irish terrier bitch since tiny puppy. She is carefully socialised and loves other dogs. She has a forceful terrier personality, and doesn't take any cr4p from any dog, although she certainly doesn't start trouble. She has always been treated very much as a dog among humans: doesn't get on seats unless invited; not fed human food or rewarded for begging; sleeps in her own bed downstairs etc...

Have just (yesterday) introduced a 9-month-old patterdale terrier. He has not been castrated, but will be at a time agreed with our vet. He's a good natured little dog: keen to meet and play with other dogs, and really sweet with people. Also forceful terrier personality, and can totally hold his own with Bongo, who is probably twice his weight. I suspect he has been treated as one of the human pack: fed from people's dinner; given free range of the house and furniture; "babied" a bit

Neither dog is used to sharing ANYTHING (food, toys, beds or people), and while we can simplify the first three fairly simply, I'd appreciate some guidance on resigning them both to having to share me and my husband. We will be using a tag-team strategy to deal with walks/puppy training: Bongo will get her second daily walk alone with one of us, while the other treats Roland to some much needed basic training, so each gets some quality one-on-one time.

I'd just appreciate some tips on how to prevent something that's supposed to be good for Bongo from turning into a detriment to her. And how to form a bond with this new pup without exacerbating the problem.

ive repied abit in your other topic.

You sound FINE , dont panic , just relax & enjoy & they should sort themselves out.

if he is abit bratish, be quite firm but fair with him & make him earn his stuff.

the fact that you are posting this proves to me that youll be ok.

Just step back, be fair & go with the flow!!!!!! & just ENJOY!!!!!

i agree with mish(good advise as per )
i would try not to have one rule for one,and one for another,same rules all around and you should be fine,sometimes the temptation is to feel 'sorry' for the original dog and be more lenient towards them,this will upset the balance,being a bitch she wll prob be boss in the end,let them sort it out with your guidence,in time she will not mind sharing you,and imo all dogs are happier with fellow canine company,she just doesnt know it.......yet!

I too replied in the other thread and still agree with Mish.
Having lived through the last three recruits to our household having issues, the easiest thing to do is decide on the rules, stick to them and expect the dogs to comply. My lot learnt quickly enough what will and wll not be tolerated. Let them find their feet while observing your rules. As long as they obey the rules they can sort out the order for themselves, they just need to learn to give and take, so if they take they have to give. I found sharing people the easiest to resolve, food and prized possesions are usually a tad more tricky.

I have replied in the other thread as well----jut to add--9mths is not a pup. He will have very strong ideas of his own and he won't get any puppy licence.

rune

I think in general dogs will push their luck abit at first , but also really want to fit in! I always try to manipluate the "fitting in" bit to my advantage so the dog is thinking "oh oh oh i want to do that so i can be a good boy & fit in /get what shes getting", rather than having to battle & tell them off. So i ignore any of the "pushing luck behaviour" unless its extremelyOTT & against house rules & try to push the 2nd case senerio,

Just start as you mean to go on. & you cant go far wrong!

Dont tolerate now anything that you wont two months down the line , be fair, firm & fun!!!!!

Great posty!!!! I think we could "dog swap" without too much trouble!!!!

I agree (as per ) good post!

Too true, & he will have a short "honeymoon" period while hes finding his feet which is why even though he is being good youve just got to be just consistant & normal & just as you mean to go on!!!!


Now then, do we have piccys?

I know when I added a 2nd dog I thought I was spoiling Bens life
But he now loves having an extra dog in the house

and I have been dogsitting my friends dog for 2 weeks now as well

Its pretty important to not bother about what happend to the new dog before now, dogs are adaptable and if you are far and consistant they will easily figure out 'I did that there but this is how things are done here'

My friends dog just fitted right into the routine

But
Dont feel bad about giving the dogs times out - seperating the dogs from each other and you
With the issues Mia had I found for the first few weeks she did much better with lots of time out in her safe place getting use to the new place, people and dogs, and with my friends dog I am doing the same thing

I seperated them all when playing gets too noisey (as I dont want it to escalate - and my neighbours phone the police for ANY dog nooise) and they have learnt to play quietly together without getting too crazy