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When we introduce a second dog into our home, sometimes things
don't go the way we plan in our friendly abode. We hope our dog
will happily welcome the new dog. Our primary dog always looks so
lonely as we rush out the door to make our 9 AM appointment. Those
sad eyes seem to cry out for companionship. But, to our surprise,
something has gone wrong with our good intentions. Instead, growls
and frozen stares now dominate what once used to be a peaceful existence.
A telltale sign that trouble is brewing can be something as obvious
as a growl. You may not want to trust what you are hearing. You
may think you are only imagining trouble. You start to wonder if
they are just playing and maybe the new dog is being vocal. Or you
may believe that the primary dog is just establishing itself as
leader, and because of his seniority, should be allowed to dominate
food and toys. After all, it was his house first. They will learn
to get along in time, right?
Is play growling wrong? Only if the other dog does not agree and
decides to challenge the disapproving dog. Be aware that if you
cannot control this type of growling, it will only be a matter of
time before you have a full-scale war on your hands. All growls
should be stopped ASAP. Closely supervise their interaction for
at least the first few months of living together. Preventing growling
from escalating into a full-blown attack is imperative to the successful
integration of the second dog. A quick but firm "Quiet"
is necessary to help teach the dogs to have a longer fuse. Separate
the dogs briefly, even if it's a matter of a few feet. Continue
with strict supervision until everyone has settled down. Teach certain
lessons separately with each dog. Specifically, teach a strong "Leave
It" command. Practice with toys, food and other favorites for
five minutes. Two dogs need to learn that nothing in the house is
solely theirs and that an object given to them from you is a gift.
There is no need to fight over things because everything is not
theirs. When toys or rawhides are given, always give one extra item
than there are dogs. That way they can't fixate on only one toy.
Teach the dogs the "Find it" game. Be sure to use many
objects spread far enough apart so everyone ends up with a prize.
Reward the dogs after they return to you and sit. You control the
feel of the house. They must learn to wait their turn before they
are rewarded with a treat.
Aggression is driven by fear. Become familiar with physical telltale
signs that depict aggression, such as raised hackles. Raised hackles
are shown as a ridge that runs along the spine of the dog's back.
Observe the ears. Are they plastered back against the skull? The
tail carriage is important to note. Is it held high or tucked under
low? If a bite is landed, severe damage can result because the action
is fueled by an enormous amount of adrenaline. Stay calm and be
sure that the shy dog is never forced into a corner or feels trapped.
This will help avoid triggering the fight or flight syndrome. Control
the aggressive dog by not allowing it to monopolize the space. Practice
commands that bring a dog to you or that send him willingly to another
area.
Observing temperament and body language will give you the upper
hand in identifying and preventing potential problems. Understanding
how they think and what they think about each other will help to
create a happy living environment. Also, understanding the influence
you have on the relationship will control the peaceful existence.
Let's hope it ranks above the doorman.
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