Should I interfere?

[Khoojy]

I have a question.

I posted yesterday about bring back a 4 mth old female yorkie and my current 2 year boy was not please with this new arrangement. He was trying to keep his distance from me and he gives me the look as tho I have abandon him. Today, in many occasion, my boy, Tezel is barking at the poor girl. Each time she whine or make any sound, he would barked at her.

I know priority should be given to Tezel at this point and I should make sure Tezel feel secure about this whole thing - making sure he gets the food first, attention and even giving him the special treatment. But, I feel bad for the girl. She is in a new environment, new people, new scent, new family, new bed and everything new. Yet, another dog is picking on her and her new parent is not doing anything to help her or defend her.

Should I stop Tezel from doing this? Or should I let it be so that they can establish the pack leader thingy?

I'm sorry, I'm really new to having more than 1 pet and I'm totally clueless in this situation. I feel that Tezel is more secure, becoming more of himself when he gets to show his authority, instead of isolating himself at a corner and look really sad. I feel really bad for the girl.

Any good advice?

[kjc]

I've heard of this being done either way. Personally, I'd interfere. My dogs have established themselves without being left to their own devices. I don't allow hurtful behavior, neither mental nor physical. Remember too, they will do whatever you allow them to do.

[Lil Sis]

I alway let my oldest dog be first in the "pecking order".. such as food, treats, putting leash on for walk ect. But... I give love, hugs and kisses to all as needed. I will not make the first dog play but I would not let her misbehave either.

Give it time. My dd brought a puppy in a while back. My three would not have anything to do with him..even growled at him. Now..they play all day, running- chasing so very cute!!!

[Khoojy]

Guess it's just the matter of time, how soon they get used to each other.

[Maximo]

I agree that they will grow accustomed to each other in time. Tezel may think it is job to bark every time your puppy cries or makes a sound. I would try redirecting his attention to something positive, like a game of fetch. You can also do things that involves both dogs, like obedience/trick training.

Training helped my boys form a bond. Short sessions of tricks for treats distracted them wrestling. We do simple things like sit, down, shake hands, and so on.

[tricia208]

I would recommend reading anything you can find on becoming the human pack leader. Animals are animals no matter how much we dress them up. It is true that with time animals work these things out and harmony ensues in the home. Sometimes it does not work out on its own and that can lead to a dog becoming injured physically or mentally. It is better to understand the 'pack' mentality of dogs and you will be guaranteed harmony in your home. I am not sure but I believe giving the female back will only teach the male to be the aggressor and he will get his way.

Ceasar Milan, "The Dog Whisperer" is the most commonly known expert on this subject but there are hundreds of articles online. A little bit of reading with a day's practice and you will be amazed with the difference in your dog's behavior with each other.

My dogs are so much happier since my husband and I finally understood the Human Pack Leader concept. I hope it helps in your situation.

Happy Dogs, Happy Life!

[Khoojy]

Thanks for the advice. Guess I have a lot of stuff to read and learn. :-)

[dawn27]

It takes time and they need to be allowed to play and eat with one another as if they are equals under you. Making sure that you establish the pack leader roll is very important. they need to understand that what you say goes no if and or buts about it. Plus that bark may be just an invitation to play. I'm sure that he's excited and curious about this new furry family member. They need to be able to sniff here and there and you know how dogs are and that mean everywhere !! I shouldn't take much time at all before they are playing and enjoying each others company. I would also make sure that you don't allow either of them to get too rough or bite, fight over toys or show aggression in any way. Those types of behavior normally create bigger issues that are harder to manage.

[MandiesMom]

Yes, I agree with the above. Definitely keep doing things first for Tezel, but let the baby in on the action next. Lovin and kisses for both. Just make sure Tezel gets it first and maybe a little extra for a bit.

I think there are things you should interfere with and others that you shouldn't. Bad behavior is a fine line here. I would tell Tezel enough if the baby starts to cry or is scared when he barks. But up until then, let Tezel step up and "tell" (bark) who is boss. It will work out as long as you watch them and make sure he doesn't physically hurt her. They will rough play...show who is who to each other, but if it gets to the point either is getting hurt, step in. You'll know.

[MikaTallulah]

I let them work it out but I give equal attention to both.

Nice things happen when the older dogs come by the puppy- They all get yummies and affection. They same true when the older treats the puppy nice more affection and food.

[Khoojy]

Today is day 3 of parenting 2 babies. Starting to feel a bit worn out.

Dawn27, I think you may be right. When he bark, I notice he was wagging his tail. His eyes were standing up and he did not fold his tail in between his legs. Guess he is not being that hostile to her. He still runs away from her tho, not too sure it's another sign of him asking her to play with him or follow him.

MandieMom, good piece of advice. I think I really need to brush up my Pack Leader skill. I have another problem is, Tezel seems to be keeping himself away from me. Not his regular self where he will come when I ask him to. He prefers to go to one corner and lie down. I'm sure he is not happy but I hope he doesn't hate me.

[dawn27]

Originally Posted by Khoojy

Today is day 3 of parenting 2 babies. Starting to feel a bit worn out.

Dawn27, I think you may be right. When he bark, I notice he was wagging his tail. His eyes were standing up and he did not fold his tail in between his legs. Guess he is not being that hostile to her. He still runs away from her tho, not too sure it's another sign of him asking her to play with him or follow him.


* Im sure that is the case. I've introduced three to our pack and each time it is usually the same routine. It is important as your role as pack leader that you make sure that the playing doesn't get out of hand.


MandieMom, good piece of advice. I think I really need to brush up my Pack Leader skill. I have another problem is, Tezel seems to be keeping himself away from me. Not his regular self where he will come when I ask him to. He prefers to go to one corner and lie down. I'm sure he is not happy but I hope he doesn't hate me.

Believe me he isn't happy but he is more unhappy with the new pup not you. Him not listening is just his way of showing his disapproval of the situation. Give it time !

[Khoojy]

Originally Posted by dawn27

Believe me he isn't happy but he is more unhappy with the new pup not you. Him not listening is just his way of showing his disapproval of the situation. Give it time !

Last night Tezel curl up next to me and sleep. He is still not looking at me directly when I hold him. Still struggling for me to let go of him so that he can go to a corner and lie down. Happy that he came to me without asking, the last time he did that was the night before I bring back the new pup. I hope he will come to term on this faster.... I miss the old Tezel....

[MandiesMom]

Hang in there. He will come around. It's only been a few days. Just think how hard it is for us humans to deal with change and we understand what's going on. He's just coping with it the best he can and he will come around in his own time. Just keep loving them both

[dawn27]

Originally Posted by Khoojy

Last night Tezel curl up next to me and sleep. He is still not looking at me directly when I hold him. Still struggling for me to let go of him so that he can go to a corner and lie down. Happy that he came to me without asking, the last time he did that was the night before I bring back the new pup. I hope he will come to term on this faster.... I miss the old Tezel....

Awe poor baby, that is so sad, and I agree with Terri, he just doesn't understand what is happening. It takes time but it will happen. Try not to force it on him. Let him deal with it in him own time frame. Give equal amount of love to both. Its still a bit soon but believe me when I say, one day you'll walk in the room and find them playing.