Advice on a new dog

jackieglasgow

Hello!

I have been tempting myself with dog !!!!!! again

And have now fallen in love with Cookie she is almost identical to our dog Coco, who was also a rescue, although not in the traditional sense. I have a strong sense that she was "meant" to come to us, and that there is a good chance they are related, and will more than likely be going to visit her today, because I can't stop myself.

Herein lies the potential problem. Coco is (some) dog aggressive. It comes from fear though, and I am working hard to help her overcome it, and have actually managed to have a couple of off-lead walk with her, with other dogs, with no incidence. How do I broach the subject with them when I am asking about rehoming? Will they give me a flat out and out no, or will they give us some chance to introduce the dogs and see how they are with one another? Obviously my first concern is Coco then Cookie, not what I or my family wants, I don't want either dog to be unhappy, and I wouldn't want to give Cookie a second chance of a family to only have to give up on her at a later date if it doesn't work out.

Does anyone have any experience of introducing nervous dogs to one another in a home environment, and have any practical suggestions of what to do? I would like to go and ask about her armed with all my facts and with a plan already in place for what I could do, if I fall as madly in love with her in the flesh as I have from the photo.

Thanks! x

getthemax

If the SPCA are like the RSPCA then it should be no problem taking your dog along to the kennels and introducing them to each other on neutral ground in a safe enclosed environment.

Given them a ring and check that out. You owe it to both of the dogs to make sure that they accept each other.

Well done on wanting to take on a rescue. :T

EmptyPockets

It is perfectly possible to do this in a home environment and be successful - we've done it ourselves within the last two months.

We recently took on a rescue Border Collie, who is very nervous aggressive with other dogs. Like Coco, with our Collie her aggression is through fear and nervousness.

We already had a Patterdale Terrier, and the first time the two dogs met, Bonnie (the Collie) reacted very aggressively. She barked, snarled, growled and snapped at him, her hackles were raised, and it was not a nice sight! Both dogs were introduced on neutral territory, on leads, but that didn't make any difference to Bonnie's reaction.

We took them both home and she was no better towards him in the house (still on leads).

We had two large dog crates already set up and waiting, one for each dog, and an extra-tall safety gate separating the lounge and kitchen. We used a combination of the crates and the safety gate to keep the dogs separated at all times - they were separated, but still able to see, hear and smell each other. It was generally one dog crated for an hour, then that dog came out and the other went in for their hour. They had Kongs and toys, chewy bones etc, so were not bored whilst crated. If seperated by the safety gate they would sit and watch each other through the bars, occasionally 'kissing' each other (licking and mouthing playfully through the bars)... just generally getting used to the presence of the other dog in the house. We did this continuous for about three weeks until we could see a marked improvement in Bonnie's reactions to Bruce (the terrier).

We then progressed to short sessions of putting each dog on a lead and having them in the same room together, allowed to play-fight, wrestle and generally get to know each other the way dogs do. Again, we did this slowly, supervising them for twenty minutes to an hour each evening.

Then after a week or so of this we allowed them off the leads for these sessions... basically we didn't rush the introductions and didn't let the dogs dictate how fast things progressed.

We are now at the point, two months later, where the two dogs are the best of friends and are only ever separated if we leave the room. They spend their entire days together and, as I type, are curled up fast asleep next to each other.

Hope our 'success' story gives you some ideas on how to go about it..? It can be done if done carefully and properly without time-limit.

jackieglasgow

Brilliant EmptyPockets thank you, that's very helpful, I have my coat on I will update later.

EmptyPockets

You're welcome.

Obviously, this method only worked well for us and our two dogs because I am at home practically 24/7 (yes, literally!!) so I was able to put in all the hours with the dogs. Constantly rotating them between crates - one in, one out - or changing who has an hour in the kitchen and who has the run of the house... it was all very time-consuming, stressful at times for me, and it felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. But there was, it just took time and all the patience I had!

dragonmonkey

Agree, its all about Confidence Building.

Recently introduced my two too my sisters new puppy, wasnt too sure how it would go as one of mine is fear agressive and tends to get jealous. But took things slow and give him time to think and adjust to the situation and everything went ok :j

jackieglasgow

Well I am back. Sadly for us, but happily for Cookie, she has already been reserved. But I have decided its definitely the right time to get another dog, as I am off work sick just now, and employing EP's methods would be much easier if I can do it "intensively". I'll kepp you updated on the search.

dragonmonkey

two dogs is great :j:j loads of fun:):)

EmptyPockets

Aww, I'm sorry to hear Cookie is reserved (fantastic for her, of course )

Keep us updated with your search, and if you have any questions feel free to PM me anytime. I am FAR from an expert lol! but can only tell you our experience and the things we did. Having the dogs separated for the first few weeks also gave us plenty of bonding time, one-on-one sessions with the new dog, as well as the resident dog, for things like training, grooming, playtime and cuddles. It has worked tremendously for us so, if I can help at any time let me know xx

Caroline_a

Different spin here, not meant to upset anyone though A dog with 'some dog aggression' problems may prove to be a huge mistake if you are going to walk off-lead a lot. We all know that, no matter how soft and dopey our dogs are, they can NEVER ben 100% trusted, as illness, fatigue, and just dog logic can sometimes make a gentle dog turn.

You might have spent hours and hours socialising your existing dog with the new one... only to end up with a 'pack' that need constant vigilance when you're out. I think we often forget that one dog is a pet, 2 are a pack, and in many ways a very different thing to deal with.

I don't mean to put you off, I've had 2 dogs together for many years, but as this is now resolved anyway I would look for a younger dog that your existing dog can train for you!

jackieglasgow

I appreciate what you are trying to say, but my dog is only one year old herself Caroline. Unfortunately where I live there isn't much opportunity for off lead walking on a daily basis, I need to go elsewhere in the car, I was just using this as an illustration of how much her issue / behaviour has improved.