[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by WandaJ

It's now been 10 days. I brought Zeus home on Dec. 11th, and things are starting to settle down.. a bit. They are both neutered. Sam will be 2 Jan. 20th and Zeus turned 3 this past Oct. 24th. Zeus is still growling and snapping if you try to take toys away from him; however, using a water bottle, he will eventually, very reluctantly, let go. I make sure to pet him and sometimes treat, afterwards. As for Sammy, he's accepted Zeus, but only to a point. He still gets upset if Zeus tries to get in my lap first, so I have to hold Zeus back and let Sam up first, then invite Zeus up and he seems to accept that. Sammy has started to refuse to get in the bed if Zeus is there and last night, slept in his plush bed instead, even when I tried to put him in bed first, he insisted on leaving so I let him. They have started chasing each other around the house but it seems to be more play and they don't seem to be trying to hurt each other. The only things that really concern me is the toy thing and possibly making Sam feel left out with the new dog. (in the pic, Sam is on the left, Zeus is on the right)

Don’t use punishment like the water bottle for the toy guarding it could make it worse. You need to try trading him either a different toy or a really good special treat. Make sure you are also taking time to spend alone time with each of them.