3 dogs, 1 inside and 2 out - would it work?

[talksensetome]

This is just putting the feelers out and not decided so just asking here how plausible it would be.

I have an American Bulldog who is very much a pet dog. He is always in the house unless he wants to go outside and he is never ever left out there.

my newish bf has two dogs, they are working dogs and he has a huge dog pen for them in his garden with igloo kennels inside and space to run about etc.

Anyway as he is spending more time at mine he is feeling guilty about leaving the care of his dogs to his dad who he lives with.

He has been mentioning that my outdoor brick double shed would make an excellent dog kennel and he could put dog beds in there, that white floor stuff and fence off part of the garden for a run. Add a thermostat heater, saw the door in half so they can come and go as they please etc.

It seems feasible in terms of practicality with a bit of effort but when I was wondering is would his dogs not be upset that mine is in the house with the humans while they are stuck outside?

Would my dog be jealous that they get to play together and he is excluded?

Basically would it work out? I don't want my pet dog being turfed out like his dogs because I don't agree that dogs live outside, I think they are part of the family. I don't even cage my dog.

[TrionicLettuce]

It means it doesn't sound like he's up to the job of handling a dog as intense as this one is likely to be.

He's already allowed it to mate with his bitch because he didn't think to keep them separate when she was in season.

Now he's putting it into positions where it feels the need to defend itself then "correcting" (presumably punishing) it when it does so.

This is quite an interesting read from a breeder of working line Mals. There's a longer article here which is also worth a read.

Working line Mals are amazing dogs but they're also pretty specialist dogs that need the right sort of training and handling to keep them out of trouble.

[tabulahrasa]

Overdogged - having a dog with too big an engine for you

Mals are driven dogs, they need a skilled owner, they're too easy to muck up if you're not as competent as they are

[talksensetome]

Sorry Tri I have no idea what over dogged is?

[TrionicLettuce]

To be honest it sounds like he's completely over-dogged with the Mal which doesn't really bode well given the dog's breeding.

[talksensetome]

Thanks Jiggly, I am getting quicker at spotting and getting rid of them but its still a learning curve!

[tabulahrasa]

"Tab my dog is more reserved, he will play but always waits for other dogs to approach him and initiate the game. He doesn't approach strange dogs or anything."

Oh - well what I meant was that a bit of a back off now, seriously... Isn't a big deal, but actually it's sounding more like his dog isn't so great with other dogs.

Though in fairness he is at the right age for being a bit of a pushing his luck stroppy teenager.

In all honesty - I'm really not liking anything I hear about how your BF is with his dogs, it's possibly a bit extreme...but it would put me right off him.

Especially because you have DC, I find there's a bit of a crossover between being a twatty dog owner and how people are with DC...

[JigglyTuff]

I'm so glad you've decided not to do it. You know what I think of your boyfriend so I won't labour the point. I will say that I also attract twats but I've learned not to go out with them

[EverythingEverywhere1234]

With the title alone, absolutely. I've a house dog, a cocker spaniel cross, and two outdoor dogs, a collie and a collie/kelpie cross. They all know where they stand.
With the rest of the info, I came on here don't be so bloody daft, but I see you've made your mind up against it now. Good for you.

[talksensetome]

Twogoats a dog troll? really? and since when do trolls listen reasonably to advice given and take it. there has been no attention seeking drama escalation or kicking off which are surely what troll threads are about? I am sure if you advance search me you will find pictures of me and my dog.

[talksensetome]

ITSME Thank you so much, that is exactly right! They can't be working dogs and pet dogs, they are either or and it is unfair and confusing for them if we try to get them to switch between the two. That is exactly what I will say.

[Twogoats]

I really hope you're a troll

[Isitjustmeorisiteveryoneelse]

I think you're right re your boys life with the other two. Nine months suggests it's not just pushing his puppy luck but more his natural character. There's nothing wrong with out door 'guard' dogs (obviously they should be very well trained etc) but I think it's unrealistic to then expect them to be able to play happy families with a pet dog. Not great for any of them, or you and your DCs. I've got quite a bit experience in mixing and introducing dogs (esp. to puppies) and I wouldn't recommend this scenario. You'd be expecting the guard dogs to be guards dogs when bf wanted them to be and then switch character when you required them to be pet dogs. Or realistic. Anyway, best wishes and hope your boy has a happy comfy couch potato life from now on!

[talksensetome]

Pup is 9 months old. my dog is definitely submissive, he is scared of little dogs and just submits to big dogs, he seems to prefer big dogs though. I was wondering if he will end up getting bullied. He really is a pampered soft dog and very much a pet. I need to stick up for him because it seems these two will just give him a dogs life! (pardon the pun).

I feel I have made the right choice too Itsme I was quite worried about it but thought I was just over reacting because I am not familiar with several dogs together or working dogs or pups actually for that matter! I am relieved that the decision is made and I can say no way without feeling guilty.

[Isitjustmeorisiteveryoneelse]

Ok, that's a bit more info. But how old is the 'pup'? Some dogs are more dominant and some more submissive, that's normal, but it does sound like your dog is quite submissive and if the pup is a naturally more dominant dog your boy could end up not having a particularly happy life with the other two dogs around. If the pup is anything up to six months I would have expected your dog to let it get away with this 'rude' behaviour but when the pup started to growl then your dog should have been allowed to do the correction himself. Your BF correcting the pup himself is understandable but ultimately the wrong thing to do. The two dogs would never develop a normal relationship if he kept doing that. Anyway, sounds like you've made up your mind. I think you've made the right decision.

[talksensetome]

Thanks DaftJelly I am trying my best with my dog, I never intended to get a dog, I rescued him when he was going to be sold on facebook to the highest bidder so I know I don't know everything and am muddling through as best I can but if there is anything I am not sure of I ask for advice.

I have a habit of attracting twats to be honest so you are probably right. he is indeed young. Twats with dogs seems to be my thing lately.My dog belonged to another twat I was seeing!

[DaftJelly]

You sound like a level headed, responsible parent and dog owner.

Your boyfriend sounds like a bit of a twat if I'm honest. Am I right in remembering he's very young? I think it might be time to move on.

[talksensetome]

Please that is what I said to him. Those exact words. He said he didn't correct the dog for growling but for being aggressive to my dog, he was snarling and snapping at him and trying to bite him.

[talksensetome]

Well Kinky that is your opinion. I don't see what is so wrong with asking advice from knowledgeable people as to whether a situation is feasible and then taking the advice offered. I have already said I will be saying No to his idea and not going ahead so there is no need for you to be so rude.

I asked the question because I wasn't sure it was a good idea but realised I could have been over reacting. Everyone here has said its not a good idea and I have accepted that. To say I shouldn't be allowed kids is ridiculous! Its not like I was suggesting my kids share their room with the dogs! They would have been separated. but as I said it won't be happening.

[PleaseNotTrump]

Your boyfriend is correcting the dog for growling? I thought that was considered to be a bad thing as the dog will go straight to a bite without warning. No, not near your children.

[KinkyAfro]

Neither of you should have dogs...or kids for that matter if you are considering this. Absolutely fucking stupid

[talksensetome]

I agree that the dogs won't be staying over, I thought it could work with his two outside but thankfully you lot have spelled out it wouldn't be a good idea. I am glad I asked.

Tab my dog is more reserved, he will play but always waits for other dogs to approach him and initiate the game. He doesn't approach strange dogs or anything.

Jiggly there aren't going to be any pups, she is booked in on Monday for the first injection and will be getting spayed after her next season. I can understand your point of view and I do appreciate your concern, I can see the red flags you can see and I will head over to relationships if I feel the need but I can deal with him if he gets too pushy.

The pup is definitely the more dominant one, he was getting my dog to lie down and be submissive to him. my dog happily did it with tail wagging and would have a roll around then get back up. No snarling or growling at this point. the bitch is dominant over my dog too though, he is just a big soft dog that goes along with anything for an easy life. I thought the pup was dominant because he is bigger and intact where as mine is neutered?

[DaftJelly]

I wouldn't have 'security' dogs within fifty feet of my kids. Particularly not ones owned by someone as irresponsible as your bf.

Please don't.

[Isitjustmeorisiteveryoneelse]

Sorry didn't word that very well. What I meant was if his dog is a puppy I wouldn't expect the puppy to be the one showing the 'corrective' behaviour towards the older dog. I'd feel uncomfortable about how that would develop in future.

[Isitjustmeorisiteveryoneelse]

tabulah I think op means the 'pup' was the one snarling and growling. Is that right op? If so, no that's not ok. How old is the 'pup' if a few months old, then it sounds like your dog is letting the pup have its puppy passport on bad behaviour but if he's being a bit too submissive and the pup is getting growly/snappy then as the pup gets older your dog may no longer put up with that behaviour. Doesn't sound like a safe or predictable scenario for the future. I certainly wouldn't be agreeing to it.

[JigglyTuff]

How long have you actually been with this bloke? I really don't like the sound of him. He 'accidentally' let his dog's mate, you ended up sorting out the termination. And now he's moving in.
With his two aggressive dogs and your 3 kids. Oh I know he's not actually moving in at the moment but his dogs and he'll move soon after.

Sorry, I know you didn't ask about your relationship but there are big red flags. And it is your user name. He's really landed on his feet with you hasn't he? You know he's bloody irresponsible and he wants to mate his rottie. Wonder who'll end up looking after the pups