Just got a new pup from the rescue centre . . . .

[shivvy]

We are now in possession of a wee waif that we got from the pound to be a pal to our other rescue mutt.
We have a female terrier cross approx 3.5 years and wanted to get her a pal. So we researched a lot and knew that it would be more likely to have a compatible match if we looked for a male. We looked at quite a few and then settled on an approx 1 year old male schnauzer cross.
Long story short, but when my other half went to pick him up today he realised that the dog was actually a bitch. The dog warden that picked him/her up had recorded her as a male and nobody questioned it.
Anyhoo, we knew to take them for a walk in neutral territory for their first meeting and then we brought them home. My problem is that I'm not sure whether I'm reading dog language well enough to know whether they are playing or fighting.

My terrier keeps 'dunting' the wee one on the back of her neck which starts a 'conversation' and dance between them.

Sorry about the rant but my question is - why is she dunting the dog in the back of her neck?
I know that 2 females can live together perfectly well so is it just a testing thing? Is she sussing the new girl out?
Or is it just a settling down process which they will overcome when they decide who is boss?

[supersuezy24]

I know this is not answering your question but can you post a pic of them? Would love to see them x :)

[Ratty2E]

Sound like they are just playing and sussing each other out. There is no reason why 2 females can't live together, I have 2 dogs now but used to have 3 bitches and they were fine.
They need to make friends and sort out a pecking order, they will do this in their own way and in their own time. Keep a discreet watchful eye just in case in gets a bit niggly
but it'll get sorted out quicker if you let them get on with it.

[shivvy]

I haven't got a photo of them together yet suezy but I'll post one when I take a snap (just have to remember how to add a pic to the site though!)

It is hard to watch rattygirl but i will leave them to it.

[RATTER15]

I think you would know if it was aggression, I think they are trying to establish dominance, of course you are dominant not either of them, they need to know this, immediately stop any show of dominance. They will live perfectly well together I'm sure.

[daffy654]

I have no answer for your problem.... can I ask what 'dunting' is though? It is a word i'm not familiar with.

[shivvy]

oops - maybe 'dunting' is a local term! I mean that she is bumping the younger one with her nose.

[daffy654]

Thanks for clearing that up shivvy. I always like to add to my vocabulary :)

[abstibus]

Hi, Shivvy
I love the word 'dunting' It reminds me of an anecdote by John Pepper about an overseas doctor in A&E who was not familiar with Norn Irn lingo. When he asked the patient what was wrong, she replied, 'I fell in a sheugh and dunted ma hinch'. SandyRoe would know what it means.
A-M

[dancingqueen31]

the dogs are just not shore about each other and the older dog just probbably thinks all of a sudden she isnt centre of attention.but it all will b ok cos they will get along and never leave each other alon.BFF's for life!!!