Tried to bring a new dog in, it went well.........NOT

[AngieGA]

Just to bring you up to speed:

We have Tye who just turned 4 in December and our beloved Dexter died in July at 11 due to a illness.

I have wanted a new family member but have not found anything that was "meant to be". I found a lady on Craigslist that had a pom-a-poo that she was having to give away. I contacted her, she sent pictures and we went today to pick him up. He had a face like Dexter and was a beautiful, sweet dog. Our son was with me since we homeschool and despite the fact that I wanted to the dog to be MINE, follow me, sleep in my bed (because I miss Dexter so) they took to each other first thing.

We get the dog come home and Blake is holding him when we enter the house. Tye comes UNGLUED like I have never seen before - I pick him up and all 2.5 lbs of him is trying to get away from me to "get" that dog. Well, needless to say the new dog doesn't care to be "talked" to like that by another dog and all 10 lbs of him is trying to get to Tye.

We kept our friends 2 dachsunds while they were on vacation and had NO trouble - when they came in Tye was fine - he did the sniff thing and then paid them no mind. I can only guess that since we came home with the new dog or whatever that it made a difference.

I do know that Tye is a pretty good judge of character though - Blake has twin friends and Tye barks none stop and the one that is not trustworthy. So maybe he knew something we didn't. All I know is the dog road like a champ in Blake's lap and kissed him many times just for the heck of it. They bonded quick.

Didn't take me long to realize that this wasn't going to work and I couldn't chance a "get aquainted period" because of the difference in size. I contacted the lady and told her I was bringing him back.

So 96 miles, $16.00 (stopped at Petco and got collar and name tag) and 1/4 tank of gas later all I have to show for that adventure is a crying 12 year old. He of course understood but it still broke his heart.

So I don't know how, if or what I will ever have another dog. I didn't plan on this one taking Dexters place - NOTHING ever could.

Any suggestions on how to make it better if there is a next time? I don't think I could handle a situation like today again so I am not even looking for another one right now.

I am feeling very blue sitting here missing my Dex. I have said over and over something that a toddler would say "I want my dog back" - I know it won't happen here on earth and that he is free from pain, old age, etc and I will hold him again but I want him NOW.

Thanks for listening !!

[purpledaffodil]

dogs should ALWAYS MEET on neutral grounds. Otherwise your dog will see any other dog as a threat. Next time try and meet somewhere that does not "belong" to either dog

[AngieGA]

Thanks for your reply. If we try again I will keep that in mind.

It was just so odd because Tye is not like that, he has no problem with my parent's dogs, our oldest son's dogs or our friend's dogs. Maybe he knows they are just visiting.

Thanks again !!

[Annuta]

I think that the fact that your son was holding him made the difference here. Maybe walking him in on a leash would have been a better idea. But, I agree with what the other poster said - next time, let them meet on neutral grounds and play together for a bit. Will make the transition into the household much easier.

[Lopsi]

Originally Posted by purpledaffodil

dogs should ALWAYS MEET on neutral grounds. Otherwise your dog will see any other dog as a threat. Next time try and meet somewhere that does not "belong" to either dog

I totally agree with this. I just got a 2nd dog (a few days ago), and I had read up on how to help their introductions and first few days. I took her WITH me to get him - and she did not see where he had been staying either. They met and played for a while in the living room of the breeder's house (where neither had been). She liked him and had fun there, but when she realized he was coming home with us, she got pissed. And she stayed mad until the next day, but then she realized Mommie still loved her and remembered how much fun he was, and they've been playing great together ever since. I could only imagine had I just walked in the door holding him - she felt betrayed as it was....

I'm so sorry this didn't work out for you - how heartbreaking. I wanted my 2nd yorkie so bad I could hardly stand it. I'm not sure I could handle having to take him back, but I'm glad you did the right thing to protect your little angel.

[yorkiegirl83]

Were the two dogs actually fighting or just attempting to get to each other to sniff and explore?

Anyhow, I'm sorry you had to take the new pup back, I'm sure it was heartbreaking.

[AngieGA]

Thanks for all the replies - I know now what NOT to do in the future.

They weren't just trying to sniff and be alpha dogs they were pissed - I have never seen Tye like that - for 2.5 lbs he sure acts big. I am afraid that the new dog would have hurt him it I had let them try to get down together. They were both making major MAD sounds and I wasn't about to chance it.

She was getting rid of him because her father in law moved in with them and brought his dog and they didn't get along - we could never do that to Tye.
As heart breaking as it was, we did the right thing. If and when it is time for a new family member, I am better advised and it will work out.

Our son is ok now - he has a HUGE heart and was worried but now knows that she already found him a home with no other animals.

Thanks again for the replies

[MyTrixie143]

I don't think you gave the new dog enough time. When I introduce a new dog into the house, it usually takes a few weeks for them to get along and accept each other. One day is not enough time for them to settle down and get use to the idea of another dog.
Keep this in mind next time.
Meeting on neutral ground is a good idea. Another idea is to get a blanket or towel, rub it on your dog and have a seperate towel/blanket and do the same with the soon to be new dog. Then switch the towels and leave the towel where your dog sleeps or eats. This will get them familar with the new scent and they will be more accepting of each other when they do meet.

[FirstYorkie]

You have been given very good advice above:
Let your dog get used to the scent of the dog you are about to introduce.
Introduce them on neutral ground.
Do not hold either dog.
Also, when the new dog does come to your house, have someone from outside the family bring him in.

[Patti]

Sorry it didn't work out. I brough a new 13 month old yorkie 10 days ago and made the mistake of not letting them meet on neutral territory as it was a last minute decsion to take her and it was late evening when I brought Pixie home and cold so I don't know if it would have helped but Cali has been mopey ever since. They do lay close to each other but they have their little fights. I am hoping it works out I feel like a traitor to Cali. My pom could care less as long as no one touches her food. So I do know how hard it is to bring in a new dog. Maybe the timimg wasn't right or the dog wasn't the one.

[psvidesigner]

I agree, bringing the new baby to the house can be a 50/50 chance you will take. I did this on several occasions. Our first experience was good. The second time it was quite the opposite. This time I went when I went to the breeder and had her mix the dog with other dogs to see how she socialized. When we adopted our second yorkie I took Mimi along to the rescue to see how they would react to each other. They did great and get along well. Sounds like you had a lot of good advice here. Good luck in the future.

[MsCheryle478]

I continue to add to my zoo all the time. It seems that whenever I bring a newcomer in no one likes them, growls at them, won't share with them, quite standoffish. LOL. Yet, within one week, I guess the others realize that this is a new member of the family and they aren't going away, might as well make the best of it. Within a few more weeks, they are completely welcomed in, sharing beds, foods, toys, etc. The more the other animals realize that I (the owner/Mommy) haven't changed, everyone's routine is the still the same, same love and snuggle time, same play time, they all come around. I think next time to just give it more time. My dogs have gotten into fights before, but little fights, nothing to ever worry me. I guess the same as my children, they fight to. I always stop it, but I am never worried someone is going to get hurt.

[yorkiepip]

im sorry this hasnt worked out for you, i took a rescue a month back while he was on route to another home and we had the other problem my Pippa was ok (kinda) but the other dog (yorkie cross) went for her on several occasions and then attacked my cats too. Well we luckily only had to have him for 5 hours, before he went to his real home.

[Patti]

Originally Posted by MsCheryle478

I continue to add to my zoo all the time. It seems that whenever I bring a newcomer in no one likes them, growls at them, won't share with them, quite standoffish. LOL. Yet, within one week, I guess the others realize that this is a new member of the family and they aren't going away, might as well make the best of it. Within a few more weeks, they are completely welcomed in, sharing beds, foods, toys, etc. The more the other animals realize that I (the owner/Mommy) haven't changed, everyone's routine is the still the same, same love and snuggle time, same play time, they all come around. I think next time to just give it more time. My dogs have gotten into fights before, but little fights, nothing to ever worry me. I guess the same as my children, they fight to. I always stop it, but I am never worried someone is going to get hurt.

This is good to hear for me and gives me hope for a harmonius future for Pixie and Cali. Thanks