Well I have nothing to offer regarding advice. Having read through all the posts I think you've had the best already.
Would just like to say though I am in tears- thinking of the life this poor boy had and now here he is, being loved, getting treats and cuddles and is now actually sitting on your lap - that I would have loved to have seen
How great that you have not only rescued him but are doing so much to help him. He is one lucky old bear and I'm sure he knows it. Well done you.x

That's something great about this forum. We all share the desire to always do what's best for our dogs - I live for my guys, and I haven't even been on holiday (and probably won't if the dogs can't go) because I can't bear the thought of leaving them in kennels.

I hope Bear feels happy here, he seems to be happier every day. The way he is must be testament to his strong character because he's so gentle considering the life he must have had.

P.S. There are photos of Bear on my lap in the Doggy Pictures forum - and yes, he is bigger than me

We had a bit of an episode this evening. Our dogs have chew toys and filled bones dotted around to direct their chewing energy away from our belongings, and Bear had decided one of them was 'his'.

Skye then decided she wanted it and had a bit of a growl and snap, and Bear did not take kindly to that at all.
It all blew up and in seconds Skye was pinned on her back squealing and terrified.

I got to them and got Bear away, he hadn't caused any serious damage - just a few patches where his teeth scraped and a bit of fur had been pulled out.
I didn't really know what then to do with Bear, so we put him outside for a few minutes while we checked Skye.

She was pretty shaken up, but she's got over it enough to be in the same room with him again now, a few hours later.

Needless to say, I have removed all bones from the house and they're away in the treat box. Peace has returned and Bear isn't causing any trouble.

I think bones are for a treat only and under strict supervision!

Is it common that people cannot leave particularly desirable toys/chew treats out with multiple dogs?

Its normal for my dogs to have all their treats, toys, bones etc.. here all the time, for each to have when they please. Thing is you have a new, adult animal in your home who has not recieved the same socialising nor management as your own, its probably going to be a bit difficult to reach a trustworthy between them all stage very quickly.

Id not have "special" toys/treats about until you feel Bear is at the stage where you feel you can trust him.

I just love the way that you find a solution to each problem that crops up. Because of this I just know that you will end up with complete harmony one day.

I have not had experience of multiple dogs, but I am sure that others will be able to help with this. All I can say is that some of my friends have had this problem and it was solved by understanding which dog was the dominant (for want of a better word) one, and always making sure that they were fed first; given tit bits first; and were generally allowed to be the dog that they perceive themselves to be. Bones and special toys are only given under strict supervision........which is what you have already worked out for yourself. The underdogs understand this system.

Depends on the dogs. I tend to make sure one of mine is in a safe area with a new bone, once they become less interesting it isn't a problem.

I would imagine Skye has now learnt that Bear is not to be challenged for anything. That isn't a bad thing although it isn't recommended!

If she wasn't hurt he was playing fair, it looks and sounds bad but no real harm done and you now know to either remove desirable things or put him somewhere safe with his. Dog gates are good.

It is all a big learning curve.

rune

Thanks for the replies guys. It's nice to think that it's not unrealistic to expect one day they can be trusted together with nice things.

I think it's about time Skye learnt not to be so horrible to the other dogs - she's been allowed to get away with murder as she's my OH's 'baby' ... and she's my baby too but I treat her the same as my other dogs and she's not allowed special priveliges as she gets a bit big for her boots. Oh and I have had another talk, and for Skye's own good, he's going to back me up in not allowing her to get overmuch with the other dogs.

New bones are always under strict supervision but this was an old, supposedly less interesting bone. I think Bear hasn't had nice things before because the other dogs are fairly casual about their old bones in the main.

Bear was a good boy and let me take his bone afterwards and for that he got a dental treat in return. He will learn that there's always something better waiting if he gives things up :P

I had a similar experience with bones when I got my 2nd dog. She was a rescue, a bit underweight & when I first brought her home, I was juicing up veggies & she hung around & ended up eating a whole bowl of raw juiced up veggies. Then when I gave both dogs bones in the garden that evening, Wilma decided they were a hugely important treat, so she decided to bury them, then sit & guard them! Whilst OH & I were allowed to go near the bones, my other dog & the cats were clearly out to steal them & Wilma told them, in no uncertain terms, that they were hers!

This only happened a few times & she quickly learned that bones are for eating, that they come very regularly, that there's plenty to go around & no, the cats aren't trying to steal them

She's a different dog now, she sometimes waits to eat her bones, has no issues with other dogs around her food & even when I've been on holiday with friends & their dogs, Wilma doesn't worry so we can all feed bones with all the dogs together.

It does get better ~ & Bear will probably realise that he doesn't need to worry about getting enough food or treats etc. Just be vigilant, don't leave them alone with highly valued treats etc ~ common sense really, so i'm sure you'll be fine

Just an update on the big Bear.

He's getting better with treats and he's quite funny with being stubborn - if he refuses to sit on command, all my other dogs sit around only too willing to do as they are asked, he patiently (with a happy face) watches them all do as they are asked and get a treat in return and by the time we get back to Bear he's decided that there's a good enough incentive to sit on command and can't get his bum down quick enough

He's gone backwards on dog-aggression out on walks, and because he's now up to weight and feeling much better, he's that much harder to handle as he's so incredibly strong.

He's booked in for his castration on 21st September but honestly, I'm dreading having to sit in a waiting room in full view of other dogs and try to control him. I think he will have to wait outside until he is called in

He lunged at a dog today, no damage as he's muzzled but he nearly pulled me over. I'm going to enquire about some of the classes at nearby training centres and see if we can get on the right road with this.

I have emailed krusewalker too to ask for some hands on help, but waiting on a reply.

Fingers crossed we can get this sorted. Bear is a strong young man now he's in better condition and he knows it!

He still has no idea of his size though, woke up this morning, wondered where Bear was and found he'd shuffled his way under our bed during the night! Complete loon then couldn't get out at all, he tried to shuffle back out for a few seconds and then gave up with a big huff
So we had to lift the bed so he could get up and come down for breakfast
He's such a silly boy.

Hello Vicki just seen this and just replied to your email.