Advice Needed for Positive Bonding for My Yorkies
 

Hi All
I've never had 2 dogs at the same time so I really don't know what's "normal behavior". Kermit is 4 and is a perfect dog. So perfect I thought he would want a companion. Chula is now 7 months old and has been in our family since late June. She is very much a hyper yorkie pup as he was. I think this gets on his nerves. What I thought would be a close relationship doesn't seem to be happening. Kermit at this point is not mean, he just tolerates her.Their first meeting wasn't in a neutral place. (read that after I got her) but I did bring her in and let him sniff her behind and belly hoping that he would sense submissive behavior from her. Chula (all 2.6lbs of her) has now become alpha dog to Kermit(12lbs.) If he is playing with toy she will take it and he just walks away. I feed them in two different places in kitchen so he's not annoyed but she will walk right up while he's eating to his bowl and he walks away, Chula sniffs his rear and he allows, etc. I put him in my lap on couch and love on him while she is to my side to teach Kermit good things happen while she is nearby to train him to see her in a positive light. He now doesn't seem to mind sitting on couch while she is there but that's about it but he does not look at her.When they play he growls like he doesn't want to be bothered.
Questions: Is it too late to try to make him alpha dog or is he ok as is?And are there any other things I can do to bond them? Will their relationship get better once she is out of hyper puppy stage?Sorry for this being so long.Thanks for any input.;)

I don't really have an answer for you - mine developed a really close relationship quickly - but I wanted to bump this up for you so maybe someone will have a suggestion.

I think it's best to let the dogs decide who's the alpha, but you can't tell just by simple observation. I mean just because he allows her to take the toy, doesn't mean she's the alpha, he may just not want to make a fuss about it. Puppies tend to take toys from other dogs, they want the dogs to run and chase them, and older dogs can think this is annoying. His growling is showing her to back off. I think it's important to teach both dogs to sit before you place food down, and place the alpha or oldest member of the family's, bowl down slightly first, and next the younger dog's food bowl down. Then give the release command. You keep picking up the bowls, until they stay and wait for the release command. I think this is important because it eliminates food fighting. It may takes some time for them to become best of friends, but as long as they tolerate each other, you've won the battle. It really sounds like you are doing a great job!

You might want to read some of the threads in the training and or obedience forum. One way to create pack mentality is to walk the two of them together. Separate leads, one on the right, one on the left. Puppies can be aggravating to mature dogs, so also provide some just you and Kermit time. Play alone with kermit while Chula is in her expen or crate.

Alpha dog or female, basically I let them work it out (safely).

Ringo is the alpha dog in our house and he will let Lucy have the toys too. That way, she will leave him alone AND he might get some extra petting and attention while she is busy with the toy.

Sometimes, it's hard to tell who is alpha. Lucy leads on a walk and Ringo allows her to go inside first . . . but, I'm not sure. I think he just wants to be outside.

He can still take anything from her like a bone or food and she allows it.

I second the walking them together; that will help them bond a lot. You can sometimes facilitate their playing together a little; take turns throwing a toy for one then the other. When my older dog runs, my younger one will join in and soon they will be playing. Ringo was 4 when we brought Lucy home, too.

Your older dog might be feeling a little jealousy and this will hamper their relationship. I would be giving him a little extra attention. Feed him first; greet him first; treat him first . . . let him know he has not lost his 'status' in your house. He might lighten up a bit and relax and have some fun!

Thanks a bunch for the feedback!! I had been walking them on two leads and now I can walk them on a "Y" lead(the one with one lead and two clips. They are okay with that. Should I go back to 2 leads? Also I feed Kermit first and try to give him extra attention:)They are really like children. I remember when my mom had my sis.I was 4 also and non too thrilled by the new family addition. haha. Anyway...I just bathed Kerm with Yorkie splash and shine shampoo and I can't stop rubbing on him. He is such a great dog and I want both of them to be happy. I think they will bond eventually. After all, I did get used to my sis and we're fine:D

I haven't done the sit and release with the both of them. Kermit knows this but still working with Chula on down command. She knows sit command.I'll start the sit and release with them both tomorrow. Thanks:D

Male/female is supposed to be the best combination for jealous dogs so you've got that going for you too. I don't think it matters which lead you use; if they are equally happy with the Y lead; I've never tried one.

Hopefully, it will just take some time. I feed Lucy in her crate; otherwise, Ringo would have eaten all the food. Your oldest probably does not like it when she bothers him while eating; try and put a stop to that if you can. Give your first dog his own space too; a place he can go to get away from all the puppy shenanigans when he is tired. He is not in non-stop play mode like your baby.

Tonight, I had 3-4 toys on the flloor and just started throwing one for Lucy and one for Ringo; it usually gets them started to play together.

Good Luck and I hope they learn to really enjoy each other.

My sons both have dogs I baby-sit for, and before I did this there was lots of confusion during mealtime; I even had to put them in separate rooms. However, when I start doing this it ended all problems no more trying to get the other dog's food or worried about your food. I guess they feel like the human is in charge of food when you do this, and they don't have to worry about being the alpha, the human is the alpha. The good news is they learn to do this so quickly, even if they've never "stayed" before. I only had to pick up the bowl about three times before the newbie got it.

How long have you had Chula?

When I brought Lexi into our home, Lucy didn't bond with her right away but in about 4 months they were the best of friends. Now that Lexi is almost 3, the cat even enjoys her presence.

Give it some more time, I'm sure Kermit will open up to Chula calms down a little. :)

We've had Chula about 5 months now. I so appreciate all the advice on YT!! I'm very hopeful that Kermit and Chula will have a long and loving relationship. He actually came up to her on his own yesterday. Didn't stay long but it's a start:)

Dexie and Jamesy
 

I have sort of the same problem.
my older yorkie is almost 2 and spoilt rotten, now the new baby is 8 weeks old and wants to play with him, but dexie will have none of it. he runs away when jamesy get near. He also growls at him when jamesy chases him?????? :( how do I get dexie to accept Jamesy?????? losing my mind and love them both sooooooooooooooooo much.:confused::confused::confused::confused:

Please assist as I know your yorkies is just as loved as mine.:aimeeyork

This is going to sound strange and since you have had both in your home for some time I do not know if it will work, but this is waht was sugested to me to get a new dog "accepted". I was told to put a couple pf drops of vanilla extract on the back of the necks of both dogs, apparently then they recognize they both have the ame scent. It worked for us when we got our youngest.

The bonding takes time.. sometimes 6 months or more.. as long as they don\'t fight to eachothers they will be fine.. soon they will be friends..

Bonding time
 

Hey guys.

Will definitely try all the help.
They seem to bond over the weekend.
Slept on the same bed but not too close to each other.

Still running and growling though.

Will keep you updated on the vanilla essence!


HOpefull:rolleyes: