Question: We recently rescued a 2-year-old Parson/Jack Russell, but our 7-year-old Rottweiller, Vegas, won?t take to her at all. He won?t let her get near him without growling. He?s always been my husband?s dog, and got up with my husband in the mornings. Now he stays under the bed all day. It?s noon now and he has not come out since 8 last night. Under the bed is his safe place. My husband wants to close up the bed area so he can?t hide there anymore. I?m so worried. I wish we?d never have gotten another dog. Can you help? ? Kathy
Answer: Your situation is really heartbreaking. Unfortunately, it is fairly common. The best way to help your dog like your other dog, is to control the Jack Russell and give Vegas some personal space. They may never be best friends, but they can learn to live together happily.
Give Vegas some family time without the Jack Russell present each day. Let him do the things he used to love to do with you before your new dog was adopted. Take both dogs out together for walks. This is a great way to get dogs used to each other.
Keep the Jack Russell in check by teaching her to ?go to her bed? and ?leave it.? These cues can be used to control her when she goes near him. In other words, when she approaches him, send her to her bed and reward her. This will assure Vegas that you will take care of the situation and he will be able to relax a little. He won’t feel such a need to escape her or growl at her.
When he hides, let him do so. Taking away his hiding space will only make him look for another. If he can’t get away, he will become more aggressive toward her. Make sure that he is receiving his privileges without the interference of the new dog. He should be petted first and receive other privileges like couch and bed honors, while the new dog does not. This will give him places where he can get away from her and not feel so stressed. Finally, enrich your environment with lots of toys and chewies. It is really important that he not have to argue with your other dog for his resources. Feed them separately as well, so he doesn’t have to worry about her near his food.
By bringing a little order and structure to the house, you can help Vegas feel more secure and relaxed, which will help him be more accepting of your new dog.
Dr. Radosta
Lisa Radosta DVM, Diplomate ACVB
Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
PO Box 210636
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421-0636
561-795-9398
www.flvetbehavior.com
Read more articles by Dr. Radosta | Ask her a question
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2011/11/14/new-rescue-dog-causing-chaos-with-current-rottie/
No comments:
Post a Comment