Is it normal for a dog not to like another dog in its house?

[goaskmum]

Hi all,

So today my sister brought her dog round to my house for the very first time (she got him as a pup during lockdown so he hasn’t been round to my house before today meaning that today was the first day my dog met him)

My dog is a 9 y/o cocker spaniel, today he growled at my sister’s dog, showed his teeth and stayed at the other side of the room and anytime her dog walked towards mine, he walked away from him and pretty much avoided him the entire time my sister’s dog was here!

Is this normal? Why would my dog be behaving like this? Is it a territorial thing?

Have you ever had other dogs visit before?

Usual advice is introduce them outside, preferably on neutral territory, so take them on a walk together.

My dog tolerates most dogs in her space, but she’d rather they weren’t there if she had a choice! If they behave themselves and she gets extra treats it’s fine. If they bother her and don’t take a hint she’ll warn them.

You know your dog’s temperament- is he usually standoffish or grumpy? He was giving clear signals so don’t put him in that position again if you can help it.

@NoSquirrels

Have you ever had other dogs visit before?

Usual advice is introduce them outside, preferably on neutral territory, so take them on a walk together.

My dog tolerates most dogs in her space, but she’d rather they weren’t there if she had a choice! If they behave themselves and she gets extra treats it’s fine. If they bother her and don’t take a hint she’ll warn them.

You know your dog’s temperament- is he usually standoffish or grumpy? He was giving clear signals so don’t put him in that position again if you can help it.

Hi, my sister’s previous dog visited a few years ago on a few occasions, unfortunately he passed away about 3 years ago now and I think they got on ok together.

Apart from that, no other dog has been in our house before

I'd say your ddog is telling the dog that's visiting this is my space and you will be well to remember that. When I got my very first dog when my 2nd came along he was very much you are coming into my house and they soon settled into their now shared home

Very normal.

You should always introduce dogs on neutral ground before bringing them into the others' territory.

This is pretty normal. Dogs will view such a situation as being somewhere between "burglar" and "uninvited unwanted house guests" but without the need to keep the peace, or the ability to use language to make them leave pronto.

Mine is great with other dogs in the park but hates my neighbours dog solely because he comes straight past the front door and winds him up on purpose

Reminds me of when my brother brought his "fresh off her first season" bitch to my house for the first time. He only told me that nugget of info after our dogs had met outside. It took about a week for my wee dog to settle after that. He's neutered BTW but was still highly aroused.

Very normal. Your dog is showing his anxiety and stress but is making the correct decisions to walk away from the other dog.

Do not force any interactions as it is obvious your dog is feeling uncomfortable and give your dog a quiet space to go to where the other dog can not follow

My dog will tolerate my brothers dogs in our house but when my cousin brought theirs she attacked it. I think she is fine with digs she’s known since small but as she’s got older she is less tolerant

Normal

Mine isn’t keen, even with dogs he knows well
He can be a bit tense but then does settle as long as they dont touch his stuff!

Completely normal dogs are territorial and your house is her territory, my dogs are happy to play with others in the garden and certain dogs are allowed in the house but my male dog will growl and warn off any dog that tries to enter the bedroom he has his bed in there and he sees it as his safe place to retreat to if he wants to.

I’m presuming your sister’s dog is still intact which may be the reason. My dog isn’t great with intact dogs.