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Teresa Ford · 10-22-2011, 07:29 AM

How can I make us a Family?
Seems like you are instinctively are doing the right things so far. I have several suggestions.
1. Walk your dogs together. This says we are a group (pack) Do this for several days.
2. Let them potty in the same area outside, even if you have to take them out on a leash at different times. This says to the older dogs, this puppy is ours. She is allowed in this yard, house, lap etc.
3. Let the older dogs sniff, lay on, chew, and play with an old T-shirt that you wore, then let the puppy lay on for a few nights.
4. At some point you have to make the leap and let them interact. Try this in the yard first. Have a helper and be ready for a fight. All the dogs should be dragging leashes, this helps if you have to grab someone. Have a spray bottle of water that you can squirt on them to break an aggression trance. If a fight seems to be happening say 'ENOUGH' firmly and separate the dogs. If a fight happens, remember to pull the biting dog off by his back legs. This will help you avoid being bitten yourself. Sometimes it is ok to pick them up by the scruff of the neck, or pull them back by the leash on their harness. If skin is broken in a fight you must take the bitten dog to the Vet. Bites get infected very quickly.
5. Check out the threads about introducing dogs.
Hope this helps.

10-22-2011, 07:29 AM	#2
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	How can I make us a Family? Seems like you are instinctively are doing the right things so far. I have several suggestions. 1. Walk your dogs together. This says we are a group (pack) Do this for several days. 2. Let them potty in the same area outside, even if you have to take them out on a leash at different times. This says to the older dogs, this puppy is ours. She is allowed in this yard, house, lap etc. 3. Let the older dogs sniff, lay on, chew, and play with an old T-shirt that you wore, then let the puppy lay on for a few nights. 4. At some point you have to make the leap and let them interact. Try this in the yard first. Have a helper and be ready for a fight. All the dogs should be dragging leashes, this helps if you have to grab someone. Have a spray bottle of water that you can squirt on them to break an aggression trance. If a fight seems to be happening say 'ENOUGH' firmly and separate the dogs. If a fight happens, remember to pull the biting dog off by his back legs. This will help you avoid being bitten yourself. Sometimes it is ok to pick them up by the scruff of the neck, or pull them back by the leash on their harness. If skin is broken in a fight you must take the bitten dog to the Vet. Bites get infected very quickly. 5. Check out the threads about introducing dogs. Hope this helps. __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal.