Getting Along with My Hubby's Boy.

We just adopted Ducky this past Valentine's Day. She's a wonderful gift. Just one problem: she doesn't get along with my husband's dog. He's basically a mutt with all sorts of dogs molded into one and is neutered.

She snarls at him when he comes near her or her and myself. They've gotten into a few tiffs, but we thought that would solve the problem with dominance in the house. We've seen a small progress in her with not snarling at him, but once in a while sparks up. She also avoids him at all costs when he gets on the bed, when he walks by her, etc.

My husband and I both think that the people that had her for her first 2 years didn't socialize her with other dogs and never introduced her to squeak toys or any other toy. Also that she possibly was the only dog in the house or was the top dog in the household with other dogs.

If anyone has any solutions, that would be great.

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Permalink Reply by Lou Ann Lemaster on February 17, 2009 at 7:22pm

You just got her and she is probably confused about where she stands. Just keep a close eye on both the dogs, and don't leave them alone together until you are quite certain they are getting along better. You said you are seeing some acceptance, so that is a good sign.

Is she spayed? If not, I would get that done. She may not have been socialized with other dogs, like you said, hence her behavior. My chogi (chow/corgi) was around other dogs, but they were mainly her mate and one of her offsprings. She does not tolerate other dogs at all, and is very aggressive towards them. She does settle down when I speak in a stern voice to her when she gets growling at them, but I wouldn't trust her off leash around another dog. Which is funny, cause she paid no attention to Duncan when I brought them together to meet. She sniffed him and walked away. She isn't cozy with him, but will frap around the house and play a little. Sometimes, she'll get him a little lick on the nose.

She also hardly play with toys, it's like she has no idea what they are for. In the pass year, we have seen her pick up a toy and toss it once or twice. She also will try and grab a toy out of Duncan's mouth when he runs by with one, when she is feeling frisky.

So, just give her time. They say it can take up to 2 years for a rescue to feel at home in a new place. Just give her consistant correction and love, and she'll come around.

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Permalink Reply by Megan on February 18, 2009 at 1:42pm

Thank you for the advice. They seem to do well when we take them for walks together, and when I'm at work, my husband has told me that they'll fight for like a second, but our other dog will put her in her place. And no, we were told that she's not, and we are waiting for a number to call a good vet that will do it from a co-worker of my husband. Also, our other dog was a rescue dog [if I didn't say that in my post already, hehe.] It did take him some time to get used to everything when my sister-in-law adopted him about 4 years ago.

Once again, thank you. My husband has told me many times she's very wary and is still getting used to things. I know it'll work out. She already started loving us the moment we drove her home, hehe.