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2 dogs - what have I done!!

6 replies

yummumto3girls · 10/06/2015 10:08

I have a two year old female who is slightly fear aggressive with other dogs, but ok once she gets to know them. She just wants to play but just doesn't know how. I am a SAHM and for various other reasons decided we would like another dog, we tried a rescue but she was wary and the rescue were not willing to let her get use to the other dog over several visits. So we decided to get a puppy, were offered a rescue puppy at short notice and it all happened very quickly. We managed the introductions carefully and they get on like a house on fire, older dog has been very accepting and tolerant, pup is almost terrorising her, she is covered in scabs where pup is biting her and she is putting up with it. My problem is its bedlam, they are always playing (which is what I originally wanted!)but it's so boisterous and I am constantly having to separate them. Will this get easier? I really didn't realise how hard work this was going to be, the only peace we get is if put the pup in his crate, which is obviously not something I want to do all of the time. Those who have had a puppy with another dog, please tell me they will calm down soon?

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GobblersKnob · 10/06/2015 10:17

It will get easier eventually, but is very dependent on the temperaments of the dogs and your household. Mine are 2 and 5 and mostly okay but still have mental bits pretty much every day, it's natural dog behaviour, dogs just don't get to exhibit in in the house in single dog households.

How old is your puppy?

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yummumto3girls · 10/06/2015 11:14

Puppy is 12 weeks, bitch 2.5 yrs, so still a puppy at heart!

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yummumto3girls · 10/06/2015 11:17

I suppose I am also feeling guilty that older dog is not getting as much attention, although we make sure she gets everything first, say hello to her first etc but puppy is so jealous that he is there immediately getting in the middle!!

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GemmaTeller · 10/06/2015 11:20

We've always had two boxers, at least once a day we had to tell them to calm down!

Yours will calm down (eventually) then it'll be all playing nicely and snuggling up together with the occasional mad moment thrown in.

Our female, when being giddy, used to try and pull male boxers legs from under him till she had him on the floor they they'd 'play bite' each other.

I stopped buying them bandanas to wear when they started dragging each round the floor with them.

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Cheerfulmarybrown · 10/06/2015 11:22

It will get easier but I would be limiting the interactions between the two dogs.

You do not want the puppy to get all its fun and pleasure from your other dog (and make training with you harder) and your other dog also deserves some time without the puppy.

Walk the oldest dog separately and have short training sessions with the puppy without the older dog being there. Lots of socialisation should be taking place with the puppy out and about but leave the older dog at home for this.

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yummumto3girls · 10/06/2015 12:02

Thanks guys, so perhaps it's not so bad separating them then! I am sure it will calm down, the situation you describe GemmaTeller sounds great. The kids walk the pup as he is more responsive and eager to please whereas older dog is too challenging if she decides to go the wrong direction! Perhaps I will take pup out more alone and not feel so guilty putting him in his playpen more often to give everyone a break!