Buddy seems to be testing Siren

[Soapie&Buddy'sMom]

I recently added a new member to the family, a ten year old Rottie mix: Siren. I thought the biggest challenge would be with Soapie, my ten year old chow mix. But it seems to be more Buddy, my three year old Rottie mix.
tonight Buddy walked too close to Siren's crate and she went after him. I intervened, and then let them both outside. Buddy came back in first, and snatched a bone that Siren had in her crate. I believe that Siren knows this and is now lying in wait for Buddy. I think Buddy thinks so too - he is SLEEPING OUTSIDE - he normally NEVER *sleeps* outside, he will go out there and sit in the daylight, but will come inside and sleep on a couch in the basement. Plus the two are just acting very weird now. Siren is NOT in her crate, but lying at the very top of the stairs, where Buddy would have to come if he wanted to leave the basement. And, earlier, Siren started to go up the cellar stairs into the dog run, but she turned around and came back when she saw Buddy standing at the top of the cellar stairs.

Am I overreacting? Will they just work it out? should I block off Siren from Buddy tomorrow when I'm at work?

Siren moved in Thursday night, I worked all day Friday and things were fine, but I've been home Sat/Sun. Monday, tomorrow, will be the first day I leave them home alone since they've really started to settle in.

I just don't want a big fight, particularly if I'm not here to stop it.

[Soapie&Buddy'sMom]

well I read all my books, etc and they all say the same thing - to let the dogs work it out. here is one quote:

"Left on their own, dogs living within the same household will arrive at a balance of power. Trouble starts when an owner tries to impose 'democracy.' For instance, an owner might take a toy from a dominant dog and give it to an 'underdog.' But if the subordinate dog is emboldened enough to challenge the dominant dog, the likely result is a fight."

I'm trying not to intervene. But I don't know that pretending to be oblivious to the situation is good either.

I hate this stage of "new dog"!!!!

[rottnkidd]

If you're at all uncertain about the safety of either dog, I'd keep them separated in your absence. It'll give you peace of mind.
I'd allow them some more time to get used to each other before leaving them alone. JMO
Best wishes with your new "kid"!
kathy

[shybird]

I always keep the three seperate when I go to work. I feel, better safe than sorry. If something should happen when I am not here, someone could bleed to death.....

[Judi W]

Well, although it might hurt her feelings, I would not give her additional reasons for guarding her crate area. (no bones or toys in her crate) and I would correct her for acting aggressive about the crate and its area as well. Tell her to knock it off and mean it. Too often we want to pamper the new rescue and allow behavior we would never allow with the home dogs. You might consider no chewies, toys, etc. just lying around until she gets the house rules under her belt. No one will die without a chew and at 10, she certainly is not teething. Get the toys down when you want to supervise, and then put them back up. When you get them out, close the crate door so she can't take her's in there and establish a posession area.

It is not attractive to have a dog mouthing off and talking trash from the crate whether at home or at a show.

[Soapie&Buddy'sMom]

Yikes, I didn't separate them and I'm already at work. I think I will go home at lunchtime and do so. I will also pick up all the toys and bones.

I just wasn't sure about the crate possessiveness, particularly when the "books" say to let the dogs work it out....that didn't SEEM right but I just didn't know.

Thanks for the suggestions!!!!

another quick question - should I shut Siren in her crate this afternoon when I'm gone?

[Judi W]

Yes, I would crate her when you are not there. She is a newcomer remember and you don't know her all that well nor have the dogs worked out their relationships yet. The not interfer doesn't mean that you allow a free for all. It means that the natural leader will become evident and it is not static either. Status is fluid. However............ don't give them reasons for fighting to find out who is on top. (toys, bones) At this point, she is still a guest in the home and should behave as one. Guests don't walk in and start beating up and threatening the hosts. The home dogs shouldn't have to take a bunch of crap just for walking across the room. Good manners apply whether at home or abroad.

[Soapie&Buddy'sMom]

Well I did correct her when I caught her barking/snapping, but I will need to be more vigilant until she gets the message.

I realize now I made a big mistake giving out marrow bones this weekend. :( Time enough for that later after everyone is settled in.

Thanks again Judi W, shybird and rottnkid. I am so grateful for these forums!

[rottlove]

I too was thinking about your problem, and thought maybe feeding Siren away from her crate might help. You might have tried that already and I just didn't read carefully enough. Maybe all the dogs want their own crate! :)

Good luck!