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HELP -- new dog not being nice to old dog

Last post 09-09-2008, 10:34 AM by Misa212. 1 replies.
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HELP -- new dog not being nice to old dog
09-04-2008, 9:38 PM 2497

Here is out story I hope someone has some suggestions for us.

My dog is 9 yrs olf (Fox Terrior) Bandit - and very healthy and happy.  3 weeks ago I rescued a dog from the groomer (unplanned)  Someone dropped her off there and never came back for her left a boggus name and phone number.  She is a Lhasa Aspso we named her Bella.

She was underweight and matted to the point that she needed to be shave.  I took her home and to the vet they guess she about 5 years old.  She is loveable and friendly was good with other animals and my kids until this week.  It seems as though when my dog Bandit comes near me she attackes him goes right for his face.  and also when I am preparing food for us (not the dogs) she goes after him.  Last night he was so scared that whenever he heard her feet walking on the floor he ran and hid behind the couch.

My husband is getting upset and looking to find her a new home. I have 2 small kids and I am afraid that she is getting to over protective and it is not fair to Bandit but I dont want to get rid of her. 

Is this a normal adjustment period?

How do I repremand her?

How to I help the dogs work it out?

She is just finishing up being in heat could this matter?

And every so often she has accidents in my house (pee)  how do I fix that with an older dog.  I have had bandit since he was a pup and he was my first dog as an adult.

Please if anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you -Debbie

Re: HELP -- new dog not being nice to old dog
09-09-2008, 10:34 AM 2502 in reply to 2497

By Misa212 Top 50 Contributor Brooklyn

Hi there.  The #1 way to stop any bloodshed from happening is to manage the home situation you have very carefully.  This means that you do not ever allow situations such as the ones you've described to happen. A crate, or another type of barrier, is essential in preventing fights and bites to you and your family.  There need to be 2 barriers between the dogs - always - whenever there is a potential for them to fight.  Also, it will benefit them greatly if there is a visual barrier.  Hard eyeball stares are challenging to dogs and you may not be seeing all that's going on between them, so giving them a visual break from each other is important.

Trying to "reprimand" her is, IMHO, a dangerous road to go down.  You aren't sure what her history is, and as she  is a rescue dog, the safest way to prevent this is through management as described above.  Since her old home didn't care enough to get her from the groomer's, chances are good that they didn't bother to train the dog, to teach bite inhibition, or to teach good manners in the home.  Trying to slap, smack, hit, tap, or otherwise get physical with this dog could open up a huge can of worms, considering that history.

A positive trainer will show you how to teach your dog these things.  Using positive methods will teach your new dog that you are trustworthy.  Reprimanding her will teach her that you are dangerous and unpredictable.  There are numerous online guides such as clickertraining.com and the articles on this site, but real live help in your case would be the best route to go.  Thak you for rescuing her and good luck!


"Your dog is a reflection of your abilities as a trainer." - Susan Garrett
1-800-PetMeds