Sibling Rivalry About a month ago I adopted a 2 year old special needs (although he doesn't know it) Shih-Tzu. London, my yorkie, turned 5 the day before she became a big sister. I have tried so hard to get them to get along. They don't fight but they are VERY jealous of each other getting attention. Rufus tries SOOOOO hard to get her to play but she wants NOTHING to do with him. They don't snuggle, play or sit with me at the same time unless I make them and they growl at eat other. No biting or anything. once in a blue moon they play tug for about 2 seconds. He'll slam her out of the way to get attention or toys. They're good with food because they know London gets everything first. I walk them together and I will walk them on a coupler so they can fall into a pack formation, i take them to the dog park, i tried using treats as bribery to play. I have tried everything I've read to do with them. Aside from hiring a trainer for $150 per hour. Most of the day they just ignore each other, and they're both VERY GOOD DOGS, but I want them to have fun together. What can I do? Any ideas? It's almost like London doesn't know how to be a dog.:confused::aimeeyork:animal36 |
Some dogs are instant buddies, others are not. A month is a very short time for those who are not. There is no guarantee that they will ever entertain each other the way we would all love to see dogs get along, but I think even when they appear to ignore each other, they appreciate having another dog around. When I brought my second dog home, the boys got along but we had jealousy issues to work through. Some of the problems were solved within a couple days, others took a couple weeks, and the last ones took a couple of months. My boys still compete for attention and have little jealous moments. It's a bit of a balancing act making sure each one gets what he needs. Be patient and consistent and let the dogs grow together on their own terms. Walking together and encouraging playing together is great. My boys play together, but they want me involved. They don't self entertain. :rolleyes::) Little stinkers. |
Agree with Maximo. Allow them all the time they need and allow them to work out the natural hierarchy of their little pack and who is going to be leader, etc. Don't worry about a bit of warning growls or bared teeth as they settle some things once they have decided to bond but stop any fights. Always go yourself with which one is the pack leader in how you handle the two of them as they will be happier together if you do. |
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Ok, I just had to share. I adopted Charlee (my yorkie) just over 2 years ago. Now, she and my Schnauzer have accepted each other, and I would say both recognize and look for each other...but have not really achieved a "buddy" relationship. Today, however; for the first time since I've brought Charlee home...they have had a real play interaction with chase, growl and play bow all in a row...lasted all of 5 minutes, but for me was the most amazing 5 minutes ever! I wanted to share for three reasons: 1. although I told myself I was bringing Charlee to be Georgie's companion, the truth is I wanted another dog...and Charlee was really for me. 2. as much as I wanted Charlee and Georgie to be best buddies...what is more important is that they live in harmony together...I can't dictate their relationship any more than they can mine with my friends :) Some dogs hit it off, some tolerate each other, some would rather live alone (usually a socialization issue in my opinion)...But living together in harmony is all you can expect, everything beyond that is simply icing on the cake!! 3. never give up...sometimes simply tolerating each other can grow into a better relationship (love if you will). |
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Thanks for this! We are 4 days into a transition from one pup to two, and I hope each day that the boys find harmony together. |
When I first got Mikki the first week was HECK!! Mikki was not spayed at the time. She was being very aggressive and Rosie was having no part of it. I continued to break them up when they fought. Finally, my groomer told me to stop. She said let them figure out who is who. I did this. Rosie pinned Mikki and showed her who was the queen of this household. :D:D We still have spats but not the true fights like we had at first. Plus Mikki was spayed. That helps a lot!! They do still fight for our attention. I try to give attention equally to them. Or if I have one, I have DH play with the other one. They don't act like they like each other much when we are home. But my son has caught them sleeping on the bed together curled up next to each other when we were gone. So, I think they like each other more than we know!! Everyone told me to do for Rosie first and Mikki second when I first got Mikki. Rosie was 4 years old and Mikki was 1 year old. To this day, Rosie still gets her food first, gets picked up first when I come home, gets treats first, etc. I hope more members that helped me can come on here and give you the same advice. |
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