new dog added

[animalhouse]

Hi

I have a 21 month old male rottie. I just brought home a 10 month old female rottie last night. They have met before and have been in playgroup together over the past 4 weeks and have gotten along great. When I brought her home though my male was not pleased at all about having another dog in our house. He has always been very territorial and we are working on that with him. He barked and growled at her last night but was calm as soon as she was in her crate. He sniffed her through the crate and layed down next to the crate and was fine but as soon as she was out of the crate he would bark. Any tips on how to help him deal with the addition? She has no reaction to him when he is barking.

Thanks

[TrishB]

It is always best to introduce a new dog on neutral ground. Take them to a park a neighbours yard where neither has been before, something along those lines. Then you don't have to deal with the territorial problems, and just let them adjust to each other.

It is good that you have a crate for her. It's promising that he went over and sniffed her while she was in it. You can also try feeding (putting his food down first) them together. Place his bowl just outside of her crate. Then feed her inside of the crate. This will force them to eat together and to acknowledge one another. This will also help him to realise that she won't take his food - which is a major concern.

There will be an adjustment period - he's the alpha dog in your house and he likes it that way. Be sure that you also recognise him as the alpha by feeding him first, patting him first, letting him get the choice sleeping places, etc. Dogs need to know that everyone in the household (their pack) are well aware of everyone's roles within it. If you attempt to be neutral - that will cause them to work it out on their own - which isn't very plesant.

Here's a great article that goes into much more detail:

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/intro.htm

Congrats on your new addition and best of luck! :)

[animalhouse]

Thanks Trish

The weird thing is that they have known each other for over a month. I took them for a couple of walks together and everything was fine. He even let her lick a treat out of his mouth. They have been in the car together also and had no problem. I just think he's used to being the only dog in the house. I'm sure he'll adjust in time. She is such a sweet dog it's hard to beleive that someone gave her up!

[TrishB]

You're Welcome! :D

His nose is just a little out of joint. Take them to the park - preferrably one where he doesn't go to all the time and let them play. Then bring her home with you. This will serve as an introduction and let him have some time to lower his guard.

The article has some great points, I hope they help! :)

[mook]

I'm not trying to put this the offend you but, has your pup ever been attack before? Because even though Boss, my big 18 month old, was attacked by a pitbull from behind when he was 6 months old while we were walking him on lead down the road. About 3 months or so ago I brought home Rock and he was about 1 year old. All they did was mount each to see who more dominant. Rock wasn't the dominant one and he can live with it for right now. They are now a tandem to deal with. They even mess with Jojo my 8 month old, but not for long. Boss and Rock had never even met. That is why it shocked me about him being that way with a female.:)

[animalhouse]

no offense taken. My dog actually was attacked several times by a pitbull across the street which is one of the reasons he doesn't like other dogs near our house. He does very well with this dog away from our house. What I'm going to do is to take them for a walk after daycare today then put them in the car. This way they will have spent the whole day together then be going home together and it won't be such a big deal to him (hopefully). He's just going to have to get used to sharing us!