Posted: 4/24/2006 10:48:08 PM EDT
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Brought home a second German Sheppard from the pound; this one's a pure bred one; unfortunately, our current dog, a German Shep/Rottie mix that we've had since 1999, is having dominance issues with the new dog. While the new dog is resting/lying on the floor in my room, Fritz (The older one) came up, sniffed, pawed, and then barked at the new dog; in fact, Fritz has been barking almost continiuously since the new dog came home, which is something new; he's never barked this much; he's always been a quiet dog. Suggestions? 
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Just keep them apart until the first one accepts the interloper into the "pack." They will have to decide who's dominant between themselves--which can get expensive. I would let it be sooner, rather than later, if the new one is a pup. If not, hang on, as the ride will be bumpy. 
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Surgical voice box removal? |
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They're going to settle who's the dominant, hopefully they aren't too evenly matched, that's when things can get out of control. The barking may be a different issue though, Fritz may still consider the new dog a trespasser, which is different than daminance issues, or just be PO'd you brought a new dog home, or that it's in his spot or whatever. You didn't mention how long it's been, give both dogs lots of attention, but give Fritz more, and it should settle itself within a few days |
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Here are some tips from animal behaviorist Warren Eckstein: warreneckstein.com/tips/secondpet.htm |
| I've got no actual experience but recently I've been studying up in preparation for getting a "dominant" dog (Akita). I found the material at www.leerburg.com to be very helpful. Just make sure you remain the pack leader! |
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That dominance thing is funny. When my sister lived with me, her VERY mean 90lb 1/2 dog 1/2 grizzle bear was put in his place on a regular basis by my 3.5 lb chihuahua. When dinner time begging started he wouldnt DARE go on the little guys (more profitable) side of the table! Go figure. |
Best advice so far |
| Rub down the new dog with a towel to get it's scent on the towel. Make the old dog sleep on the towel. His barking is anxiety barking. Get the two dogs together and pet them at the same time. BTW, leaning over a dog or patting on the head or neck area is dominance to a dog. When you pet them at the same time do it on their back or loins. Dog prefer to be stroked rather than actual patting. Don't yell at the old dog when he's barking. Just stroke him and tell him it's okay. If you want to be the alpha, never let the dog go in or out a door before you. Also, walk him on a very short lead so he is either right next to you or slightly behind. Never let him lead or he will be the alpha. It it becomes necessary to strike a dog, and sometimes it is, always use you hand, never use an object. Good luck. I have GSDs and it works for me. |
+1 dropping a deuce on the pup wouldn't hurt either. Big dog sees hows the master feels about the pup and will no longer care. |
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After doing some research on GSDs (my personal favorite) I came to one big conclusion... Only a fool would pair 2 medium/large dogs of the same sex... particularly males as "house dogs" (seperately kenneled is a dif story and supervised together). I know "Fritz" is male and you never stipulated #2's sex, but I have a feeling it's male. That being the case you have a potential powderkeg on your hands. What might likely develop is that #2 will cower for a while and eventually as he gets more comfortable and confident he is going to reassess the situation and that very well might get ugly between the two dogs. One of them is going to lose. if it's the old, the young will regroup another day. If it's the young (which it will be eventually) Fritz's twilight years aren't going to be so rosy. |
Not to be argumentative, and I have no doubt the research you did lead you to this conclusion, but I disagree. BTW, GSDs are my favorite. I have German bred GSDs. Yes there is the pack mentality. but as long as the trainer/owner is the alpha, there should not be a problem. BTW I have seen a female alpha GSD female kick a male GSD's ass. I've raised large breeds for forty years and have never had males fighting. I train the hell out of them. I am Alpha. They know i won't put up with any fighting. |