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Hi, am hoping someone can help me. We have taken a 7 or 8 month old female collie pup in since Saturday(we’re calling her Ruby). She was found wandering in the middle of the North ciruclar by my friend and was terrified. She seems fine now tho. We already have a 5 year old terrier in the house called Fibi. We introduced them which went well. A few growls from Fibi at first but this is normal for her(we mind other dogs regularly and after the intial meeting they all get on well). The problem is Ruby is obessed with Fibi! She wants to play constantly but when she’s not playing, she’s just staring at her. Fibi keeps snapping at her and yesterday went for her a few times when Ruby was trying to play. We have separated them(Fibi keeps running up to our spare room to get away from her anyway after incidents) but am wondering if we should get a big crate for her9Ruby)? Fibi won’t come into the living room when she’s there now. Is she too old for a crate? All advice gratefully received! We have left them sleeping in same room at night and they’re fine.
Hi Zara,
Dog Training Ireland gave me some advice about a similar situation. In my case the new younger dog was aggressive towards the older resident dog. They are in Blanchardstown. You call ring them and they can give you their advice, they are qualified behaviourists. There are definite techniques like rewarding them for being together and teaching "too bad" while removing the grumpy one from the situation. They are able to advise on spotting the early signs that something might be brewing, like licking of the nose. I found it useful.
Brilliant thanks a mil will call them tomorrow. Have started crate training but Ruby doesn’t seem to want to go into it on her own. I just need to give it time I suppose.
Spot on advice from Dogs Rule. Although most of us here have been through similar situations, you really need advice from the experts on some matters and its important to catch this early on before it gets out of control as you want to keep both dogs. Its possible of course that your resident dog is jealous and feeling somewhat unsettled by the new arrival, not to mention irritated by the constant (unwanted) attentions of puppy, and she is really still a puppy. Crates are very useful but its important to remember they have their place. What is your reason for wanting to crate train Ruby? The crate should only be used as a den or safe haven for your dog and NEVER for punishment. You cant expect Ruby to take to it immediately. Its very important to desensitise her to its use, for example introduce it gradually. Leave it lying about with the gate open and put a few nice bits in there for her, for example a warm blanket, a favourite toy and it must be big enough for her water bowl, and room for her to freely move about. Many dogs come to love their crate and see it as a safe place. If you dont already have baskets / sleeping beds in place for your existing dog and Ruby, its important that you do now. Each dog needs a place to be able to retreat to, to feel safe and get some space. We have three rescues and took in a then eight month old pup with our two dogs, who were both approximately ten years old at the time. After an initial settling in period and a few snarls here and there, they are the best of friends now. Its important to let your existing dog remain in place as "top dog" – a dog that knows its place in the pack is not only a happy dog, but it ceases aggressive behaviour as each one struggles to become the top or alpha dog. Also, keep your existing dogs routine in place insofar as you can – dogs are like kids and crave routine for security. Hope this bit of advice helps but I would consider seeking expert advice. This settling in period is VITAL to both dogs future development and its important to get it all sorted so that you can have a happy home for both dogs. Whilst its also important that your existing dog has someplace safe to retreat to, I personally would not like to encourage separation – I feel you are fuelling a chasm between both dogs and possibly inadvertently causing some resentment with your existing dog, who will feel excluded from its family pack, whilst the "newcomer" remains in place with "her" family. I would let each have their own space, defined corner or defined basket for example but try to keep them together unless there is a possibility of any aggression. Its important that you leave a door in the room open at all times so that neither dog feels trapped if threatened, their is an immediate escape route visible, which will cut any aggression issues with them. Best of luck! And btw, thank you so much for taking in this poor wee girl – lets hope she gets the life she so deserves! Oh and keep us posted on your progress!
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