Dog Agression(Introducing a new puppy into the house)

Noodlesknowles · 11-12-2009

ok so I have a 6 year old what I believe to be a thai ridgeback, who has had dog agression problems in the past with certain types of dogs.

We recently decided to attempt to add a new family member to our household, an 8wk old chihuahua. during the initial meet, the older dog snapped at the younger, something I had anticipated but was hoping wouldn't happen.

So I guess my question is can some folks recommend tips and tricks to get them used to each other gradually? what are some good methods here? thanks for any help you can provide.

Lara's mom · 11-15-2009

In all honesty, I'm not sure that bringing another dog into a situation where there is already a dog who is displaying problems with aggression is a good idea, especially one so tiny who has no way of defending itself. My worry is that the small dog will be living in a situation where she is always frightened and intimidated.

In all fairness to the new dog, the time to deal with the aggression of your existing dog was before you brought a new one into the house; especially one so small and helpless.

Noodlesknowles · 11-17-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

In all honesty, I'm not sure that bringing another dog into a situation where there is already a dog who is displaying problems with aggression is a good idea, especially one so tiny who has no way of defending itself. My worry is that the small dog will be living in a situation where she is always frightened and intimidated.

In all fairness to the new dog, the time to deal with the aggression of your existing dog was before you brought a new one into the house; especially one so small and helpless.

In all fairness, I weighed all the pros and cons of the situation and knew what I was getting into when I got the puppy, and wasn't looking for a snyde comment about my dogs aggression, I was looking for tips about the best ways to introduce the dogs.

Actually they are playing rather well right now on the floor in front of me. I gradually introduced them, removing toys and food from the equation. letting them sniff each other for small periods of time, only when both were in a calm state, and watching closely when I finally allowed them to be on their own. took them on walks together with my wife to create a pack mentality, and continuously rewarded both of them(separately of course)when they made progress. Oh and for the record, the chihuahua isn't scared at all, which surprised the heck out of me too!

I know this is only the first step and I am monitoring them constantly, butI am pleased that we've come so far in only a week!

I do have a follow up question though, the larger older female has for the past couple days constantly been sniffing the smaller male puppies lower regions, and then stretching out of the floor almost inviting the male to sniff her as well. She is fixed, he is not. She has gone to the extent of pushing him down on the floor and flipping him over herself to smell him(i stopped this behavior right away). Is this some sort of dominance thing? is she actually attempting to mate with him?(you have to imagine how comical that would be, a 3 lb dog mating with a 40 lb). I guessi'm just wondering if I should let them be or get involved and really force her to stop, the male doesn't seem to care all that much, except whem she tries to paw at him. thanks again for any input

BozzyBoo · 11-17-2009

In my experience, introducing a new puppy to a household is always stressful but if you are feeling apprehension your older dog can sense it. I would suggest while they are playing nicely together, compliment and reward them both with extra love/treats. The smelling of each other's lower regions is just dogs being dogs, its how they say hello. Where you have a female and a male at least in my experience the female is likely to "adopt" the smaller dog as her puppy and as their attachment grows, she will be his protector as well and he will adopt her protective attitude. I don't think you have made a wrong decision here, I just think it takes time. I wouldn't leave them alone for awhile but they will adjust, and you will have a happy family soon enough! Good luck and best wishes!

Noodlesknowles · 11-17-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by BozzyBoo

In my experience, introducing a new puppy to a household is always stressful but if you are feeling apprehension your older dog can sense it. I would suggest while they are playing nicely together, compliment and reward them both with extra love/treats. The smelling of each other's lower regions is just dogs being dogs, its how they say hello. Where you have a female and a male at least in my experience the female is likely to "adopt" the smaller dog as her puppy and as their attachment grows, she will be his protector as well and he will adopt her protective attitude. I don't think you have made a wrong decision here, I just think it takes time. I wouldn't leave them alone for awhile but they will adjust, and you will have a happy family soon enough! Good luck and best wishes!

I appreciate the input, thanks so much!

german sheep · 11-17-2009

Quote:

In all honesty, I'm not sure that bringing another dog into a situation where there is already a dog who is displaying problems with aggression is a good idea, especially one so tiny who has no way of defending itself. My worry is that the small dog will be living in a situation where she is always frightened and intimidated.

In all fairness to the new dog, the time to deal with the aggression of your existing dog was before you brought a new one into the house; especially one so small and helpless.

This is a very good answer, Lara's mom and you hit the nail on the head
Very, very good

@Noodlesknowles: maybe you wake up, when your thai ridgi has had the little chihuahua for breakfast :makabre:

LG
gs

Noodlesknowles · 11-18-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by german sheep

This is a very good answer, Lara's mom and you hit the nail on the head
Very, very good

@Noodlesknowles: maybe you wake up, when your thai ridgi has had the little chihuahua for breakfast :makabre:

LG
gs

Wow that is upsetting, unnecessary and rude, I guess there is a reason not many people post on these boards, sorry I asked, i'll look elsewhere.

p.s. the correct spelling is macabre, as I write this my ridgeback and the chihuahua are playing tug of war on the floor in front of me quietly and gently

german sheep · 11-18-2009

It shouldn't be rude, but you have two totally different dogs in their power and behaviour that seems to be soft for your ridgi or for you maybe will damage your puppy.
You should know that.

And thank you for the correct spelling

LG
gs

Noodlesknowles · 11-18-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by german sheep

It shouldn't be rude, but you have two totally different dogs in their power and behaviour that seems to be soft for your ridgi or for you maybe will damage your puppy.
You should know that.

And thank you for the correct spelling

LG
gs

so you wouldn't think I was rude if I made a comment about your dog being brutally murdered?

german sheep · 11-19-2009

lol oh no.... they are predators :mrgreen:
I know my two are beasts and would kill little dogs as quick as i could say dog

maybe it has something to do with my english and typicall "sayings" in german

LG
gs

Lara's mom · 11-19-2009

I understand you perfectly!