Re: Same sex agression

In Reply to: Same sex agression
Posted by:  Carolanne K. Hoover
Posted on:  December 29, 2001 at 19:55:19

: I just got an 11 wk old JRT female and I already have a 10 year old very laid back German Shephard. My other GSD dog passed away at 12 yrs. So I felt Missy my GSD was lonely as she has never been alone. She went from her mother at 10 mos of age to our then 3 yr old GSD. Then over the summer I got a 7 mo old Bloodhound she sure was beautiful but she litraly ate my house up.My GDS and the Bloodhound got along fine. So I know my GSD will be ok. I sent the Bloodhound to Man Trailers of Maine a search and rescue group. She is very haoppy up there I hear. So I guess my question is my puppy will grow up with this older dog
: and hopefully not become agressive. She is very good now of course I have only had her for a week.
: Is this a dumb thing to think about so soon. I keep reading things about this.
: To anyone that can shed some light or look into a crystal ball please let me know.
: Thanks we already love her so. Her name is Lucy.

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Hi Carolanne,

The first thing I would recommend is spaying this pup. Same sex aggression is well documented with this breed and it doesn't just mean within the breed itself. Spaying should help alleviate (no guarantee though) any potential problems, but I must tell you that I find personality to be key in any match.

If you have an "alpha" personality dog and bring home another "alpha" personality you are going to have trouble regardless of sex. Spaying and neutering should help a little but mostly it is all in the personality of the dogs. A perfect match is one that will readily accept that one is more dominent over them. All the trouble starts when you have two vying for the same placement in the pack.

You must also be very aware that young dogs tend to try to dominate older, sicker dogs. This is just the way of the natural world. While my two JRTs were never vicious to our old 15 year old Golden in failing health, they sure weren't sweet to him either.

The Golden didn't want much to do with either of them so he tended to go somewhere by himself. So if you think this JRT pup is going to give the old girl a new lease on life, it may not happen.

Because of the size difference in the dogs I would keep a watchful eye whenever they interact. While your GSD may appear to be laid back (and lots of large breeds seem to be), many senior dogs just can't tolerate the antics of a pup, let alone a JRT pup.

And please take your JRT to obedience school, it will really help you out in the long run. This is a high maintence breed that needs a firm (and that doesn't mean physical punishment it means consistency) and steady hand.