Once you’ve acquired your first dog, developing a desire for a second (or third), one is very simple but how can Introduce a New Puppy to an Aggressive Dog?
Adding a second canine friend to your house may provide additional entertainment, provide your first dog with a playmate, and assist in filling a personality or activity gap left by the first canine companion.
But what if your first dog turns out to be a bully? Is it feasible to introduce a second dog into the house? Is it appropriate to do so? What is the best way to include them?
The majority of work, both as a behavior technician at the Denver Dumb Friends League. As a canine behavior consultant, has included working with less than socially adept dogs.
However, this experience is always fresh and challenging! I’ve learned a lot about Introduce a New Puppy to an Aggressive Dog into a group of hostile dogs.
What you should consider before bringing home dog #2. How to set your dogs up for success at their first encounter will discuss today.
? When My Dog is Aggressive, Should I Consider Adopting a Second Dog?
This is a difficult question. You’re a dog lover, and you have the room and financial resources to accommodate a second dog. Your present dog, on the other hand, is not exactly a social butterfly. What should I do?
Many questions need to be addressed in every conversation I have with prospective adopters or customers about this issue.
However, answering these questions honestly may assist you in arriving at your conclusions. There is no single correct answer.
- Do you have the money assets to employ a behavior consultant if you find yourself in this situation?
- Do you have the room to separate the dogs for a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months. If that is what is required?
- Are you able to spend enough time on your dog’s (or dog(s)) training?
- Do you have the time to exercise, walk, feed, teach, and play with the dogs. Individually over a period ranging from a few days to several weeks to months or even years?
- Is it in your power to teach your dog(s) on a psychological level?
- Is your present dog usually hostile towards other dogs, or do specific characteristics (female dogs, smaller dogs, quiet dogs, etc.) make things easier for you? — If your dog already has a few “doggie pals,” the outlook is better for them.
- Has your dog ever been involved in an incident where another dog was injured?
- Is your dog interested in having another dog around?
- What is the driving force behind your decision to have a second dog?
Some people believe that all dogs are friendly creatures that need continuous company. This is not true. While dogs are unquestionably sociable creatures. This does not imply that every single dog benefits from having a second canine companion in the house.
Many dogs are pretty happy to have just other people as members of their family!
? Which Type of Dog Are You? — Aggressive vs. Selective vs. Reactive
Because your dog does not get along with all other four-leggers does not rule out the possibility of him benefiting from having a furry buddy as a companion.
If your dog is just a little fussy about who his pals are. It is certainly feasible for you to Introduce a New Puppy to an Aggressive Dog into the house.
? Selective
Many dogs are “dog discriminating,” meaning they prefer some breeds over others. Some dogs get along with them quite well, but not all of them are compatible. My dog usually likes to be in the company of other herding dogs but does not enjoy the rough-and-tumble play style of terriers or bully breeds.
Some dogs are hostile towards other dogs, but they get along well with a small group of close pals in their pack. These dogs do not just dog choosy, but they are also very fussy about what they eat.
In the absence of a dog that you are sure would get along with your dog. I would advise not taking any chances if your dog falls into the “selective & fussy” category.
? Reactive
Many other dogs are “leash reactive,” which means they bark and lunge at other dogs while on a leash but are OK with them when they are not. Reactive dogs may get along with other dogs in the house as well as with humans.
? Aggresive
The phrase “aggressive dog” will be used throughout the rest of this article to refer to dogs that are dog-responsive or dog-picky rather than canines that are completely dog-aggressive. This is because violent dogs should not be given to Introduce a New Puppy to an Aggressive Dog roommate unless they have received significant behavioral training beforehand.
You should consider not bringing a second dog into your house. If your dog is entirely dog-aggressive and presents a danger to other dogs (or does not like the company of other dogs). It is true regardless of how much space you have in your home and heart.
? Selection of a Second Dog If You Have a Grumpy Or Picky First Dog
After determining that acquiring a second dog is a brilliant idea. The next step is to select a dog that will suit in fine with your existing household. If your previous dog was violent, don’t simply bring home another one solely on appearances.
Make use of the services of a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) to develop a strategy for adopting a second dog that is tailored to your dog’s personality, talents, and way of life.
When it comes to dogs that are selective or reactive to dogs, each dog will have a distinct view of what constitutes. A “perfect roommate.” However, in general, it is preferable to search for a second dog that meets the following criteria:
- A stable temperament
- Excellent social skills and a lack of excessive energy
- Playfulness is all characteristic of this individual.
- Approximately the same height and weight as your current dog
If you already know which canines your dog gets along with. Look for a dog at a shelter similar to them. Like I stated before, my Border Collie gets along nicely with other herding dogs, including sighthounds.
Puppies may be more challenging to prepare for. On the one hand, some dog-selective or dog-reactive dogs are willing to be patient with pups (referred to as “puppy license” by trainers). It may make the process of Introduce a New Puppy to an Aggressive Dog home a little less stressful.
However, pups are particularly susceptible to corrections. An angry dog might easily give an over-the-top reprimand to a puppy that could do them physical harm.
To make it worse, pups are typically socially awkward, which further complicates matters. They harass adult dogs, and even the most socially adept adult dogs may find it challenging to keep their cool.
In general, if your first dog is aggressive, I’d suggest searching for a more mature canine companion. An adult dog will have a predetermined personality and social abilities, while a puppy would be considerably more unpredictable.
? Collaborating with a dog adoption organization or breeder
When adopting a new dog, the essential thing to remember is to communicate openly and honestly with the rescue, shelter, or breeder with whom you are dealing.
Inform them about your dog’s personality, what works for your dog, and what you’re looking for in a new dog in general.
Good adoption agencies and trustworthy dog breeders can assist you in developing an action design and seek a new dog that is likely to be successful for you.
Do not miss out on reading the first portion of our three-part guide to adopting a dog, which covers how to build a dog scorecard and what characteristics to look for in your ideal dog.
If you cannot get assistance from the adoption agency or breeder, you may wish to consider adopting from a different source.
Whether you have a particular dog in mind or are still on the hunt, be careful to inquire about the prospective dog’s past in great detail.
? How to Introduce a New Puppy to an Aggressive Dog?
Present an energetic dog to a new dog is usually always a gradual and systematic one.
You may need several visits before determining whether or not a dog is appropriate for you. Thus, it is crucial to keep regular communication with the breeder or adoption agency.
In general, the parallel walk technique is the most effective way of introducing an aggressive dog to a new dog.
? This technique uses mobility and distance to enable the dogs to meet each other peacefully and assist the aggressive adult dog in socializing safely with other dogs.
? Keep both dogs on leashes and in harnesses with their backs fastened. Comfortable harnesses or collars are essential for this introduction; we do not want the dogs wearing prong collars, e-collars, or choke chains at this time.
? Take both dogs on a walk in the same direction but different sides of a large road. You’ll need more room for dogs that are reactive to other dogs than you would for dogs who are selective to other dogs. Keeping the dog reactive to other dogs in the rear is often preferable to keep eyes on the new dog.
? Reward the dogs with goodies anytime they seem to be looking at each other with calm eyes. Getting too near to a reactive dog may result in it barking or lunging, signaling that you need to take a break.
? Use parked vehicles, hedges, and other natural obstacles to provide the reactive dog with a break from the other dogs in the vicinity.
? While keeping the dogs going in the same direction, gradually close the space between them. By using narrower routes (single lane as opposed to double) or driving towards a park, the dogs will get closer and closer to the driver.
? Allow the aggressive/reactive/selective dog to approach and smell the new and socially aware dog after a period of training. Maintain a slack grip on the leashes and call the dogs apart for a short rest after a few seconds of play.
? Repeat the process as necessary.
While the introductions are taking place, the dogs must remain calm and have enough room to move about. Whenever possible, avoid bringing new dogs into the territory of an aggressive, reactive, or selective dog.
Of course, things aren’t always as easy as they seem following a successful introduction. Some reactive dogs may be utterly OK after meeting another dog, but many selective, aggressive, and sensitive dogs will need additional care for many weeks or months after completing the other dog.
? How to Coexist Peacefully with an Aggressive Dog in Your Home
Another instance in which seeking the assistance of a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) would ensure that everyone’s safety is guaranteed. Get help from the CDBC before you adopt a new dog, rather than after things have begun to go wrong!
When it comes to getting the dogs to get along, management is essential.
The following are examples of methods for assisting the aggressive dog and the new dog is getting along:
- Feeding the dogs in different areas separated by doors, dog gates, or cages
- Having calm places where the dogs can get away from each other is a good idea.
- Understanding body language so that humans can intervene if the dogs become agitated before a fight breaks out is an integral part of this research.
- Keeping a careful eye on the dogs while they are playing with toys or relaxing.
- Maintaining a cautious look on the dogs while they are engaged in play
- Providing the dogs with plenty of exercises.
- In addition to covering windows with a transparent film and giving the dog’s puzzle toys, we are limiting trigger exposure to reduce the stress levels of both dogs.
- It is important to teach both dogs hand targets and “go to mat” behaviors so that you may use them to help decrease stress.
- Avoid using punishment, corrections, and alpha rolls since they may cause stress and tension in the dogs by teaching them that pain or fear are connected with specific interactions with people.
They usually advise dog owners to prioritize the needs of their existing dogs first and foremost.
If you consider acquiring a second dog “as a buddy” for your first dog. Since your first dog does not seem fond of other dogs, think again. Neither your existing dog nor the new puppy should be subjected to this.
Equally important, integrating an aggressive dog with another dog is often a tough and time-consuming process that takes many months. Make sure that you have the resources (time, money, space, emotional energy, and abilities) to deal with a potentially hazardous scenario daily before you begin.
You must be completely honest about your dog’s requirements, skills, and potential risks to the new dog.
Adopting a second dog if your first dog is aggressive is. The most excellent choice for you, your existing canine companion, and the new dog.
Dealing with dog-dog aggressiveness in your own house is one of the most challenging behavior issues you may encounter, and if at all possible, you should avoid it at all costs.
