New rottie in the house

[JulieB]

Hi all, I am a new poster here and was referred to this as a great rottie site.

I am currently fostering a female rottie of unknown age (3-4?) that I fell in love with during our surgery class (I am a vet student and we spay shelter dogs and cats as part of our surgery class). I am a current rottie owner and familiar with the breed. I also have a male neutered lab age 5, male neutered rott, age 5, female spayed mutt age 6. Also a cat. I need another dog like a hole in the head ;) but this dog really struck me.

So far things are going pretty well. There are some "issues" with the new rottie girl and my female, and my rottie male is slow to come around (he "talks" to her alot), but I'm wondering if anyone can offer any tips for a smooth transition. If I don't keep her, I will be placing her in a good home. RIght now, both hubby and I are smitten. She is such a good girl. Very calm, gentle, and loving, though she has alpha tendencies (lifts her leg to pee, has marked in the house initially).

I'm looking for any tips for a smooth introduction and thoughts on what I can expect. We let the dogs mingle when supervised and things are going well. They are separted during meals and while we are away or they are unsupervised.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

JulieB

[Gretta]

Hi Julie

I don't have any tips or advice for you, but there are so many knowledgable people here I'm sure you will get some wonderful input.

Good luck!

Cori

[alexav]

Hi and welcome.
Whenever I bring a new adult dog to the house, I have them on lead and my other dogs are introduced one at a time. (My other dogs are well trained so I can count on them to behave themselves even if newbie is acting up.) The new dog will be crated in view of the others and when out of the crate, on lead with me. No roaming the house unattended and heaven forbid NO MARKING! I will feed the new dog in the crate also.

This system will go on for 2-3 weeks depending on the temperament of the newbie and in the mean time I will train alot. I want this new dog to learn her new name and learn to respond the commands I use. Most importantly, I want her to know just who in this new environment is really the boss. I do not let it be something for the dogs to work out for themselves. As the newbie earns more freedom by demonstrating good manners, the crating will decrease and the leash eventually comes off then HOPEFULLY, we're home free.

Consider the fact, however, that you may have to seperate the bitches and things may not work out in the end. Use caution especially with same sex.

BTW I have four bitches. 2 Rotties and 2 ChowChows. No I don't recommend that combo to anyone, it just happened that way. :)

Good luck with all your critters.

[JulieB]

You offer some very good advice. It also makes me feel better to hear from other people who have 4 dogs (or more) because I'm starting to feel a little insane with so many dogs. I feel more sane now!;) My 2 females are actually doing better together than I expected. The marking has stopped (thank god) as we've been correcting her when she tries. Thanks again, I'll keep you updated on the progress. If it happens that the females must be separated at all times, I will not be able to live like that. I hope that is not the case.

[alexav]

Glad to hear things are going well. We have to seperate the Rotties from the Chow Chows when we are not around to supervise and we are careful who we let outside together if we are not outside too. It's not a big deal for us or the dogs.

Also, if there are high value chew items around, supervision is an absolute must. Everyone gets thier own, in turn and they are not allowed to take from another. "If you're done, go get on your bed till everyone else is finished." If there are treats or leftover veggies to be distributed, they all must wait thier turn. If one gets piggy, they get corrected and removed from the whole situation. That includes the cat!:D