Re: A New Addition

In Reply to: A New Addition
Category:   Other
Posted by:  Amanda Sands
Posted on:  May 15, 2003 at 11:00:00

: My 20 month old JR Rudy, whom has my baby for 1 year was rejected from Dog Day Care. He was very agressive with the other dogs. He lives with a 14 year old Toy Fox, Toby, and has weekly visits with my parent's 2 Goldens and 1 Husky mix, all large dogs. He does well with them, and it took almost no time. I don't understand the aggression with other dogs when he adapted so well to these. I am bringing a new JR home in August, and want to make sure she is in Rudy's "In Crowd." What is the best way to make sure this happens?

Response:

Dear Amanda,

I suggest that you need to talk to the folks at the Day Care center to find out exactly what Rudy was doing and when. For example, if he became aggressive around toys or treats, this is something you're definitely going to need to address before you bring another dog into the house. I doubt Toby puts up much of a fight when Rudy wants all of the toys or your attention...yes? :-)

Get Rudy enrolled in a group training class so that he can learn how to appropriately interact with other dogs. If he has any dominance issues (pushy, demands attention, etc) then some basic obedience will refresh his memory as to "who" is in charge of the household. If he thinks he can run roughshod over Toby and you, he is going to assume the same with the new JRT. And if she doesn't like it, you're going to have a real problem on your hands.