my dogs

[tracy millin]

i have got a 2 yr olg german sheperd i got the other day and shes not getting on well with my other 2 dogs i have a male husky and a 4 month old female husky and shes not really getting on with any of them but shes better with the older male than the puppy what can i do to make them all good friends?

[FP]

You will have to be very, very patient as this may take time.  Make sure that when they are together you supervise all the time.  Give them all equal attention and make sure that your older husky does not feel that his place has been taken by the new dog.  You will have to let them all know that you are the one in charge!  The puppy is probably more lively and the new dog will be wary of her.  Make sure the pup is not allowed to pester the newcomer.  Give them plenty of time together away from the house, i.e. lots of nice walks where they can all get used to each other on neutral territory.  Your male husky might feel a bit protective of his home at the moment. 

I hope you are successful.  My partner and I have managed to introduce new adult dogs into our home on several occasions and we have a house with dogs and cats.  Persevere and I am sure you will succeed.

[Jan B]

For Tracy Millin

 

RE your 2 yr old GSD. It could be that there is a heirachy problem with the bitches.The 4 month old female thinks she is higher in the pecking order and may be confused/cross that another bitch has come onto the scene, especially when there is a male dog around.

I would make sure that the 4 month old bitch is seen to be more superior than the GSD. Make sure she is fed first, let out into the garden before the GSD, put into the car first and let out first. This will set the boundaries for the GSD and he may be more submissive. The other alternative is to have the GSD neutered which may calm him down. Even so he is in the 'terrible twos' stage and may just need more dominating from you as well. Dogs often test the boundaries at this age which is when you need to be really firm and consistent in your training. He needs to know who is ultimately top dog and that is you. GSD's need continual training as they are very intelligent and need to be mentally stimulated. You could try taking him outside on his own training him with heel work and recall work or take him to agility classes, anything to stretch him a bit.

Hope this helps a bit.

Jan.