Most dogs enjoy the companionship of their own
species. Naturally, there will be some jostling for
attention when a new dog appears on the scene. But
in a few weeks you will all settle into one happy
family.
It is important that your existing dog be
well-trained and not have any annoying behavioral
problems before you introduce another dog into your
home. The reason for this is that dogs mimic. For
example, if your dog is an excessive barker or
digger the new dog may mimic this habit. If you have
firmly established your leadership, then your
existing dog will be a model of good behavior for
your new one, and behavior problems will be kept to
minimum.
You also need to make sure your new 4 legged
freind is compatible in size, temperament and energy
requirements with your existing dog.
A dog of the
opposite sex is always best. This will reduce
same-sex rivalry and make the new dog less
threatening to the existing one.
Introduce the dogs outside. NOTE: Always when
possible introduce them on NEUTRAL TERRITORY off
your premises so the existing dog does not feel like
it has to Defend it's territory. They should be
walked together in this neutral territory until they
relax around each other. Sometimes two or three days
in a row before entering the existing dogs
territory.
IMPORTANT: Never force them to stand face to
face when introducing them. You are just asking for
a fight. They need to sniff each others sides and
butts to get to know each other when they are ready
to do so.
Also, if you can leave them together outside for
a good portion of a day before bringing them into
the house, this will reduce their tendency to mark
in the house. However, if one dog (both males and
females Mark Territory) does mark in the house, say
nothing, wash the spot and spray it with white
vinegar and water solution. As soon as the dogs have
worked out their dominant-submissive roles, urine
marking or what appears to be house training
accidents will diminish.
If the dogs get into a scuffle, growling,
snarling, and fighting, let them be as long as they
are not really hurting each other. Your tendency may
be to rescue the underdog. It is important
for you, however, to go to the dog that comes out on
top in this scuffle, probably your existing dog.
This recognition will help it establish Dominance.
One of these dogs will have to be Dominant, the
other Submissive. IT IS THE LAW OF A DOG'S PACK, IT
IS HEREDITARY.............
After you have reinforced the dominant dog, go to
the dog who comes out worse in the scuffle to
help it understand and accept submission. Once they
feel secure in these roles, the fighting will cease.
Do not forget to give the existing dog the
same amount of attention as before.
The best I can tell you again is: THIS IS NORMAL
CANINE BEHAVIOR, let the dogs sort it out them
selves with little interference from you. One has
to be BOSS dog and one has to be happy about being
second in command. AND: YOU may not realize it,
but the UNDER DOG is also happy in
"Dog World".
They know the Laws Of The Pack instinctively.