New rescue attacked my incumbent dog? What to do?

[Iottie]

Hi,

I will try and keep it brief. We got a new rescue dog 10 days ago. She is very sweet approx 2 years old, comes from a puppy farm where she was used for breeding. My incumbent dog is 4. Both spayed, both beagles.

They generally get along, like to wrestle and the new dog “mothers” her by licking her a lot which she tolerates. My incumbent dog will not share. She doesn’t let the new dog to snuggle with her, nor does she like her cuddle sessions with us to be interrupted by the new dog. New dog really wants to be close with my incumbent dog and tries to lick her and cuddle up with her a lot.

Tonight (about 50 minutes ago) there was a fight over a kong toy. I think it was started by the new dog. Incumbent dog has a small, superficial scrape/cut on paw that’s oozing blood. She is now terrified. She is cowering under my bed and shaking. Partner is yelling at me and is furious with new dog and wants to send her back to the rescue. I really don’t want to do this if it can be avoided.

A few questions:

1. Can dogs who have fought live together?
2. If yes, what is the best way to facilitate this?
3. How to I help my incumbent dog recover from the trauma? I don’t want to turn her into a scared and reactive dog.

Thank you in advance for any help!

PS we do have a trainer starting on Tuesday to train new dog.

@Iottie I am so pleased to hear this. I am dreaming of a second (senior) beagle with our lively, super friendly and placid 2 year old junior beag but would not want him distressed by a second dog.

I would not leave them alone together. You need to introduce a dog to any new dogs to the house. Don't leave the toys on the floor, unless you are there.