question for those who have multiple dogs..

[acupofteha]

when you got your second dog did you find that your original dogs behavior changed?

Bailey seems like she's now a puppy again, as well as some aggression issues towards us. We had some when we first got Bailey but dealt with that, they now seem to have popped up again. Not sure if its coincidence or if its jealousy because shes not the only doggy in our life.

they both get lots of attention.. when were petting one.. were usually betting the other.. one gets a treat the other does too.. ect.. Just wondering if this type of behavior is normal.

I know Bailey is trying to be dominate because if Lelas is playing with a toy bailey is taking the toy.. ext..

[LadyDaniela]

I don't recall anything major.

[Tassle]

I cannot recall any difference really.

Sometimes youngsters need to learn manners and we tend to get in the way of that teaching.

I would not describe taking toys as dominant, possibly more possesive.

[Oenoke]

I can't remember any change.

[Mandy89]

Everything was fine, they enjoyed each others company

[Traevas]

It depends on each dog and how stable they are. Diesel was great the first 72 hours but had some "what do you mean I'm not the baby any more" moments once he realized Merlin was staying. They're still figuring some things out, but I expect that to continue until Merlin is 8-12 months old.

[Vicks]

We noticed a shift when we got our third, I can't explain it but they acted more like a pack, they stick together more I think. Apart from that though, they just seem happier together. My mum has Misty and she was an only dog for 10 years until my mum got Skye and she just blossomed.

[izzysmom]

Someone actually told me to watch for this happening prior to my getting Izzy...they said that Kaya (being a senior) might revert to acting like a puppy again. However, that never happened with her; she still acted the same, still does. The only thing I did make sure to do though, was to treat Kaya as 'top dog' so to speak. She would get her food first, when entering / leaving the house, I would go first, but always made sure Kaya was second, followed by Izzy. Don't know if it made any difference, but Kaya did accept Izzy's presence quite well, and Iz does respect Kaya.

[bluefrog2]

Oreo was more youthful but not puppy-like. She seemed more playful because she had a friend to play with. Other than that, nothing. She acted like she always does around other dogs.

The older dog might push the puppy around. This is OK because the puppy is learning boundaries.

Try feeding them high value treats when they're in the same room (warm chicken or warm beef hot dogs). It should only take a few times. Take the puppy in give treat, out no treat. and then in brief intervals.

If I gave you $1,000 every time a dog appeared you love the dog.

The aggression I'd take to a professional trainer to be safe.

[acupofteha]

The new dog is actually older then Bailey.. Bailey is 2 years and Lelas is 3. I don't know if that makes a difference to dogs or not..

when we give treats, food ect.. Bailey always gets hers first..

(09-25-2011 10:25 AM)Traevas Wrote:  It depends on each dog and how stable they are. Diesel was great the first 72 hours but had some "what do you mean I'm not the baby any more" moments once he realized Merlin was staying. They're still figuring some things out, but I expect that to continue until Merlin is 8-12 months old.

I think she is going through that now.. her attitude Bailey changed she seems to be more settled.. I guess it might just be taking her more time to adjust to having another dog in the house then it has taken us

[Tassle]

I never have an order when giving treats, allowing out of doors etc. Depends on who is where at what time.

The dogs sort themselves out, it is bad for us (IMO) to choose which one is best suited for which place, we can very quickly put unnecessary pressure on the dogs by choosing to our liking.

[only-borders]

(09-27-2011 02:14 AM)Tassle Wrote:  I never have an order when giving treats, allowing out of doors etc. Depends on who is where at what time.

The dogs sort themselves out, it is bad for us (IMO) to choose which one is best suited for which place, we can very quickly put unnecessary pressure on the dogs by choosing to our liking.

Good point Hannah, I agree. If your dog goes out the door before you that doesn't mean the dog is going to think it rules the house. The dog will not begin to challenge you for the best seat in the house or the TV remote.
As far as treating or feeding one before the other I like to switch it up, it keeps them thinking and their focus is always on me.

I think some people can over think and begin to read too much into a dogs actions/behaviors. It's not wrong to enjoy your dog for what it is, a friend and companion, why make it more complicated than it is.