[Jinga]

I've been seeing a great guy who happens to also have a great dog. I have two dogs of my own and we have recently been trying to get the critters associated with each other. The dogs love all the humans involved, but are unsure of each other. His dog is very timid and mine can smell its fear from a mile away. They've become determined to dominate the poor thing and she's becoming peeved and scared. I'm afraid the growling and snapping could turn in to a real dog fight. We did manage to successfully take all three dogs for a walk. In that situation, they seemed to accept each other as part of the combined pack, so hope is not lost. Has anyone been through this? I could use some expert doggy advise.

 

[Jessica Alana]

My ex boyfriend had a 3-year old 105 lb rott (with a full tail-aka Weapon of Mass Destruction,) and I have a now-11-year-old jealous 40 lb springer/black lab mix that is my baby. His dog always wanted to play. Mine wanted to protect me from his dog. They weren't around each other too often, because I was usually at his house. When they were together, my dog did eventually learn to tolerate her.

I think it just takes time. If you're just dating this guy, I'd say you don't have to worry about it, as one of you will probably not have their dogs there most of the time. When it gets serious and the dogs may have to start living together, i'd focus more on it. When they ARE around each other, I think it's best if each owner makes sure to pay adequate attention to their own dog(s) and also coaxes them to "be nice/play nice/be gentle" whatever. Eventually it'll work out. Hopefully.

 

[kpickell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinga

We did manage to successfully take all three dogs for a walk. In that situation, they seemed to accept each other as part of the combined pack, so hope is not lost.

I think you've hit on exactly the best thing to do.... take them for lots of walks together. I'm pretty convinced that longs walks are one of the main keys to getting dogs to coexist peacefully. Don't even attempt play times together until they've been going on regular walks together for a while. Besides, walking with a significant others is a great bonding experience.

When you are ready for play time or just hanging out, go for a walk first, then when you get back keep the more dominant dogs in control and correct them at any signs of dominance (a furtive stare, a neck over the back, or all out mounting). You and Guy are the leaders of the pack, so the dog's don't need to dominate one another and should learn it's not appropriate. Eventually when all the dogs are comfortable with one another then some dominance rituals can be tolerated.

 

[Jinga]

Thanks, Kpickell. I guess we need to just keep doing what we're doing and be patient

 

[lisaanne]

On who's territory are you meeting? Maybe your dogs would be less intimidating to your boyfriend's dog at his place. I agree that walking them all together is a great idea. They will get used to each other with daily walks together and your patience! Good luck!

 

[PetSounds]

HI there, I have two doggies of my own...

Having a dog fight is not the worst thing that can happen. Dogs generally know what is going on. Perhaps after one or two fights the little dog will start to stand up for itself. Reward the good behavior and ignore or stop the bad behavior and in a while all will be well. It will TAKE TIME but don't give up.

Keep having them spend time together and soon they will all be buddies. Also see if you can spend some one-on-one time with your partners dog too, that way it will build her confidence. Anything that will build her confidence is good, as is anything that will allow your two to think that this other dog is not a big deal. Maybe also have them start spending some time around smaller dogs too.

Above all it's important that all three dogs recognize you and your partner as the leaders of the pack.

BUt yes be patient and keep going. My two still hump all the time.

 

[Jinga]

Ooo, Lisaanne, I love that movie!

Thanks for the additional advice both of yous.

We've been getting the dogs together at both his place and mine. We did agree next time will be at his place to help his doggy feel a little more comfortable. Thankfully humping is not a problem!

We got the dogs together again this weekend. First off, we took all of them for a walk. Once we determined everyone was walking nicely, we had the two 'ladies' (aka the two having the most problems getting along) walk side by side. Everyone was nice and calm for the entire walk

After that, we brought them inside the house. They were much better than last time. For a little while, the humans 'disappeared' and let the dogs be alone together seperated by a baby gate. Removing the human factor actually helped a lot. We didn't hear a single bark or growl. When the gate was removed the dogs mingled without problem and my two actually fell asleep! His dog was more relaxed, but not so much as mine

I'm happy they are making so much progress!

 

[kpickell]

I'm glad to hear that!