New Rottie puppy, First time owner a few questions

[becca143]

I have a few questions that if someone could help me answer it would be greatly appreciated. Here is some background information. I am married w/ two children, one is 1.5 years and the other one is 6.5 years. My husband is in the Navy and is currently deployed (4 more months to go). We already have one dog, a husky/pit mix (Savanah) who was born on 12/22/01. We have had her since she was about 10 weeks old. She is very very playful and is chases the baby around. So yesterday, after some research, we bought our first Rottie. Now, my parents used to have a Rottie (he was very "typical", family oriented, protective, etc..) She (Sacha) was born on 2/25/02. She only weighed 5 oz at birth. So, here are my questions: 1) In terms of my other dog, who plays a bit rough, is it okay to let them play and how far should I let it go? Sacha will bark and nip at Savanah, while in her play stance (where she hunkers down and then "pounces"). She seems to like and it seems as if they are working it out. Its just that sometimes it seems as if they are being rough. The new puppy (Sacha) will show her teeth, but her little tail (what she has of one lol) will wag. She also does the grumbling (not growling).
She has also started to nip at my feet and heels today. Is this normal? What should I do w/ this type of behavior? I try to direct it towards more appropriate things (ie chew toys)...
I have started her basic training alreay. She is picking up some stuff from the other dog. Like when I take them out to go potty, I say house, Savanah knows what this means, so she goes to the door and Sacha follows. However, I will start her "private sessions" today.
Also, how will it go to introduce my husband to her in a few more months. She will be around6 months old when he comes home. Is this a concern?
I have read many things about training Rotties, etc...I am just hoping that this might help :) I really appreciate any advice you may have.
Thanks so much
Rebecca

[Leader]

Congratulations!

Don't worry about te two dogs. They shuld be okay, just don't leave them alone together until the pup can take care of herself. You want to make it very clear that you, the children and your husband, when he comes home are top dogs. I don't think you'll have any trouble. Do a search on the forum at puppy and I'm sure you'll find a wealth of info.
As for the chasing your ankles, that's normal puppy behavior, but definitely to be discouraged. Try a welp of pain and a no and just ignore her, the way her mother would do. That too you'll find here.
Best of luck and WELCOME to the forum:D
Leader

[halliebear]

I would just always supervise the dogs when they play - step in if it looks like the either dog is being overwhelming. I have a pitmix and a rotti, they play rough. That's why I supervise and have them sit or down if it gets too rough. Then I let them go back to playing.
I don't think dogs should be left alone together without supervision, but pit bulls and pit-mixes and rotts too, can be dog aggressive and you don't want to take any chances. It sounds like you've got it under control - Enjoy your puppy!

Amy

[TrishB]

By their ages - both are still pups (not quite 5 months and 11 weeks). Honestly, I probably would have waited to add another pup to your household. Having to young pups in the house can be a real handful!

Be sure to have seperate training sessions. One puppy will typically distract another puppy while in a training session. Put one in her crate and take the other out into the yard for a training session. 15 or 20 minutes is about the longest you'll want to go. Any longer than that and you'll lose their attention. When you're done - switch dogs and let the other sit in the crate.

Your pups will teach each other quite a lot. Just be sure that you can control the tempo of the play. If you feel it's getting too rough, be sure you can enforce time outs. But typically, puppies don't hurt each other and just have a ball with each other.

Best of luck and I'm sure you won't have any problems with your new pup when your husband comes home. If you have an "Introduction" routine set before he comes home, you'll be able to introduce them when he does come home. Personally, I like to have the dog on the leash in a sit/stay. I move forward with a light tone in my voice, shake hands or a hug, then motion to the pup and say "Meet Sasha"! She'll be used to this routine and will accept people much easier.

Congratulations on your newest addition and good luck with your very busy household! :D

[Rottnlove]

Wow! You do have a handful! I can't imagine!!! :)

I have two kids the exact same ages as yours!!! :D Not to get off subject, but do you have boys, girls, or both? My 1.5 year old is a boy, and my 6.5 year old is also a boy!

I'm adding a rottie to our family this October...lots of planning and researcing first.

Good luck with your new puppy. Sounds like you're gonna be busy! ;)

Lisa

[becca143]

Hi All,
I am so pleased to have so many responses already. I can already tell that this site will become an invaluable resource for my family. :) The dogs are doing really well together. Is it okay to hold the new puppy a lot? Or will that spoil her. She doesnt seem to lick us a lot, is that normal? (Savanah, our other dog, licks A LOT). Thanks again for all of the advice. :)
To you Lisa, both of my children are boys. :)

[Rottnlove]

Originally posted by becca143

To you Lisa, both of my children are boys. :)

That's AWESOME!!! :) We definitely have something in common! HeHeHe!

Sorry if this was off subject...I didn't want to change the subject, but I couldn't resist! :p

Lisa

[becca143]

lol its okay. I dont mind. I look forward to getting to know everyone better!!! Any chance you live in Cali? hehe you never know, you may be my neighbor!!!