Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2011 12:37 pm Post subject: Some reassurance please!! Or not...
Ok, yesterday and today we are being allowed to 'borrow' the pup potentially-to-be-Stella, to see how things go with Eddie.
Yesterday, he snapped at her shortly after she arrived, then to all intents and purposes, ignored and avoided her all day.
Today, he's growled quietly (if you know what I mean) several times and snapped at her once. After snapping, he then walked next to her growling for a moment (almost herding her).
He's hasn't bothered when she has sat on his bed or drank from his bowl, but he's stayed a few feet away. He's let her take his toys out of his toybox, but then quickly reclaimed them.
Ed has snarled at her when she tried to get on the sofa - I'd sat down, he came and lay next to me. When 'potentially-Stella' jumped up (& managed to leap straight onto my knee!), Ed jumped onto the back of the sofa, round my neck, and snarled at pup. I chucked them both off.
She is now fast asleep, against me on the sofa, whilst Ed was snoozing on the rug. He has just got onto the sofa with us - they are kinda touching slightly but are both asleep.
We have to make a decision tonight - I just need reassurance that this is normal. Or not.
Sorry for the long post, and for being such a drip, but this is a massive decision! Thank you xx
Eddie has been an "only dog" for 3 years of his life and suddenly this pesky little girl arrives from nowhere and muscles in on his terriotry.
I think its a normal reaction, he`s just telling her that he`s the one who was there first and therefore he`s the boss, this may well change as she gets older because in my experience with bitches, they want to be in charge and the boys are usually happy to let them
I have been lucky in that all my dogs have just accepted new ones coming in whether for a few hours, a few days, a few weeks or forever.
He has just given her warnings so I would suggest if (or should that be when!!) she moves in you treat it the same way you would a child - he is allowed his quiet place where she does not follow etc.... he is used to being an only dog and if you show him there are places she is going to be around but that he can also get away from her if she initiates play and he really does not want to join in... gradually the areas will combine until you find them cuddled up together.
Very normal, though I remember being in your position when deciding to take on a second dog. It wasn't such an easy decision, though I am glad we did it.
I've just started walking a 17 week old pup and every single one of the other dogs has treated her the same way. Obviously it's a slightly different situation as we're outside but she's not been at all bothered and it's taught her to keep her distance slightly. They all want my attention and it sounds like Eddie wants yours.
I'm absolutely no expert but it sounds normal to me.I'm sure there will be lots more people who are much more informed than I am. I hope Potentially-Stella becomes Forever-Stella very soon
He has just given her warnings so I would suggest if (or should that be when!!) she moves in you treat it the same way you would a child - he is allowed his quiet place where she does not follow etc.... he is used to being an only dog and if you show him there are places she is going to be around but that he can also get away from her if she initiates play and he really does not want to join in... gradually the areas will combine until you find them cuddled up together.
I was going to say much the same.
The only thing which would result in a bit of a telling off from me, would be if he was grumpy when the pup was near me. My older dogs know they have their Alone Space if they want to be undisturbed, but they also know that space isn't next to me. I am to be shared by all. If they want to be grumpy, they have to be grumpy on their own but if they share me nicely, then we can all be mates together.
Wasn't sure if it was normal or not, but our two took a good month before I felt safe to leave them together without fighting.
Not unlike kids I suppose, my nephew used to slap his sister at every opportunity when she was a little baby. It was totally "heart-in-mouth" time, but children (and dogs) soon settle into a new routine.
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Mooz, Ivan & Milly xxx
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