I'm getting a second dog and need advice!

[malachibk]

So we've had our dog for almost 2 years. She's sweet and playful and loving and fun and when she's alone she SCREAMS like someone is peeling her skin off. Not every time, but let's say 60% of the time.

Since she's so unhappy the, oh, 3 hours a day no one is home with her, we thought we should either (a) find her a new home where she can get 100% attention or (b) do what everyone (our vet, friends, the breeder, etc.) told us to do from the get-go and get her a friend.

So dog #2 is coming on Saturday. Here are my questions:

1. What's the best way to introduce them?
2. Both dogs are crate trained -- should we put the crates next to each other?
3. Will our "old" dog teach the "new" dog how to scream??!?! Can this in any way be avoided?

Any general advice will be much appreciated.

[lil-petunia]

1. my first puppy

was very unhappy when he saw #2 coming in with us. After all, he had been the sole king of dogdom for 5 yrs.

the little guy was a rescue from anti-cruelty - which leads to my little advice.

get a mixed breed, preferably one from your local anticruelty society. They all have great personalities and should get along with others, being kept in a kennel. Take your first out for long walks alone. then start taking them both out.

giving each a small treat will prevent fighting. scold them if they argue.

mine argue as a form of excercise, stealing each others' toys, but then they sleep together, too.

[malachibk]

10. Thanks petunia

We wish we could get dogs from an anticruelty society or save on from the pound, but I have pretty bad allergies so we found a "specialty" breed that are 100% totally bald. I still react, but about 1/100 as much.

Thanks for your advice.

[Maddy McCall]

17. Is it a hairless rat terrier?

Is the breeder named Robert?

[malachibk]

18. American Hairless Terrier

Maybe they're the same breed? But not Robert, though.

[Kolesar]

2. I would think there would be some training/psychology to deal w/ screaming

There may be a way to get her through this departure anxiety. What breed is she? You may need to study this for your challenge of acquainting the two.

[malachibk]

5. She's a rat terrier

We've tried EVERYTHING. Seriously. Leaving for 5 seconds, building up to 10 minutes in 30 second increments. Over and over. Sometimes she's silent. Mostly she's not. She's great in every other regard.

Our vet has 2 rat terriers and told us that there's something about this breed that makes them need constant pack-like companionship.

[Marnieworld]

3. I have two dogs and it's a GOOD thing

Our first dog was a chihuahua. He would lose his mind when we were gone, pee-ing on pillows and shredding any paper in sight. We got him (and us of course) a pug friend. Now he doesn't ever have the kind of separation anxiety that he used to because he's never alone. They are the best of friends. Regardless of anxiety dogs are social and they need the company that only another dog could provide.

I don't know about crate placement since only our puppy had one. We put the food dishes apart so its clears who eats what (pug would eat everything if possible and then ask for seconds). There might be some sibling rivalry for your affection but it all works out. ]
Introduce them in a neutral place like a park so the first doggie doesn't feel as if they are guarding their territory.

It will be fun watching two dogs play and play fight together. The pug does think he's a chihuahua though. He burrows under blankets and barks occassionally when we've never met another pug who does. I doubt the screaming will be taught though because the anxiety that causes it will be much less.

Enjoy!

[juslikagrzly]

4. We've found

that making sure one is a neutered male and the other a neutered female cuts down on territory fights. As long-time animal lovers, we would not have just one dog ever again. They are pack animals and really need a buddy.

Good luck with the new pooch.

[malachibk]

7. Thanks for the hope!

It breaks my heart to know she's unhappy (and drived the neighboring apartment dwellers -- and us - batty.) Positive stories make me more relaxed! Thanks

[MuseRider]

6. Is new dog

big enough to take care of itself if they fight? We have always found that it simply takes time when introducing new dogs. It had always been successful as long as we watch them closely during the first few days or weeks, depending. Sometimes you must protect the new one, sometimes the older one but you also will have to let them work it out at some point. Also don't punish to old one to harshly or it will get worse. Gee, that is not much help. I would doubt the new one will learn to scream but who knows? Good luck. I would guess there is a lot of help on the net too or call your vet for some information. Good luck, your old dog should be really happy about this at some point.

[malachibk]

8. Old = 2 year old female, New = 1 year old male

We've been told the male is pretty submissive -- which is hysterical since the female is too. They'll just stare at each other trembling waiting for some command from the other!
Thanks for the advice.

[MuseRider]

15. Good luck.

You will not be sorry.

[libertad]

9. I don't know if this always works, but I babysat my sister's dog and

I had heard somewhere that the dogs should meet on neutral ground (not at your home) and then enter the home at the same time after becoming acquainted. We tried it and the dogs got along well for the time they were together.

[jukes]

11. malachibk

pretty sure you've solved your problem. your present dog is young enough the intro shd be easy. just make sure to give her extra attention, honey voice, maybe a shared treat. mine love frozen hotdogs.

[malachibk]

12. Good to hear

Thanks.

[LWolf]

13. How territorial is "old dog?"

My dog is highly territorial, but not aggressive in a hostile way; if a new dog is introduced to the setting, she undergoes a confusing set of reactions; the conflict between them causes her a little stress:

1. Oh, boy! Another dog! Let's play!

2. Hey, get away from my mom; she's my mom. Nobody is allowed to touch my mom but me! Get over here and play...with me, not my mom!

3. Oh, boy, a dog. Let's play.

4. I'm tired. Let's kick back. No, you over there. Me next to mom. She's my mom.

The new dog, being the new dog, is likely to defer to the old dog while they establish their ranking. As long as your old dog isn't likely to get aggressively hostile, it will be ok.

I have another dog here at the homeplace; he's a semi-permanent visitor. One thing I've done to relieve my dog's anxiety and make the newer dog feel welcomed and cared for: I sit on the floor between the two. That way my dog gets to curl up in contact with me; I keep one hand on her while I pet the other dog. She's more willing to "share" me that way.

[malachibk]

19. First dog never had another dog in her home before!

So it's all kinds of 'firsts'. She loves to see other dogs when we're walking and will try to run to them even if their baring their fangs.

She's DEFINITELY not aggressive, though.

I'll definitely follow your advice about contact with both at once -- first dog is very much attached to her dads.

[janx]

14. Try to introduce them in neutral territory.

At a park or something. Sometimes dogs are territorial and object when another dog just waltzes in.

But if they enter the house together, it'll be fun.

[Reality Not Tin Foil]

16. no shared treats!

First off, they need to be introduced on neutral territory. (not at home). Second, shared treats is BEGGING for a fight. Dog number one should have all toys put away for now to avoid jealousy issues for awhile. I wouldnt feed them together. I would feed both of them in seperate crates, avoiding food aggression. When you see their are no problems, you can relax, or eliminate some of the rules. I LOVE rat terriers. They are the sweetest little lap-dogs, but also very very social and being alone is rough on them. Hopefully a friend will solve the problem. Good luck.

[malachibk]

20. Thanks

DUers give such good advice.