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Permalink Reply by Cindi on July 18, 2009 at 4:19pm

Okay. First you will probably have some peeing. That's pretty normal-the marking territory thing. And if you handle the introduction well, you will avoid some of the aggression pitfalls. When bringing a dog into another dog's home, here's how I handle it (and how I teach it in training class):

You bring Dax and your friend bring the poodle to a neutral area. This can be a park (or something similar) where neither dog has claimed space. (A dog park is not the best choice here.) Let them do the circle sniff with each other. Do not be tense as it will translate down the leash to the dogs! If there's any elvis lip (snarling), snap leash correction and bring them together. Once they get the circle sniff, start walking the area. Your dog on one side. The poodle on the opposite side of your friend (in other words, not side by side). After walking a bit and the dogs are comfortable, switch one dog to the inside and continue walking. After that is comfortable, switch the other dog to the inside and continue on. This will take a little time and that's what you want. You want them to walk together as a pack. Once they are comfortable and have walked together, let them play some. After play, walk just a bit to get them back into pack mode and take them home. Walk both dogs into the house together.

This should set you up for a balanced household. Mind you, the dogs will still establish a pecking order and that's to be expected. But no fights should be allowed. If they do, don't yell or holler, that will incite them further. Just separate them. Give me an email if you have issues, I'll be glad to help.

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Permalink Reply by Amanda on July 19, 2009 at 8:43am

Yeah, I figured he was just marking his territory. As I said, Dax has been to her house before and played with all her other dogs, they've just never been here to our house. I know he likes playing with other dogs, I just don't know how he'll like another dog living here. Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely contact you if there's a problem.

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Permalink Reply by Jenn on July 18, 2009 at 9:04pm

Great post... I will be bringing one more Corgi into my household soon (perhaps one other one as well- we'll see) and I appreciate any info on bringing them together. We did the park thing with Dakota and my new boy before he came to spend the night, though he still marked everywhere when he got here. They will not be officially living together until I move into my new house in a few weeks, but it is good to have info on how to help them get along.

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Permalink Reply by Sam on July 18, 2009 at 10:02pm

I would think a better choice is plan a few walks together before the dog enters your home. This would give Dax a chance to get to know the poodle on neutral territory. If you have access to a confined area other than your home it may be well to plan a visit there as well. When the poodle enters your home Dax will have a far greater comfort level. Not quite sure how old Dax is but if he is over six months of age and still intact you can pretty well count on marking. An easy fix is a belly band. This will prohibit getting urine on anything. I would certainly attempt to correct the behavior if you witness it. Chances are they will do fine together.

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Permalink Reply by Cindi on July 18, 2009 at 10:29pm

Good point, Sam. A belly-band (diaper for male dogs) would be a good choice at first.

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Permalink Reply by Amanda on July 19, 2009 at 8:41am

Dax is a little over a year old and is already neutered. The other dog is older than Dax, not quite sure how old, but he is still intact. I've brought Dax to her house before and they played, she has two other dogs though, so her dogs are used to being in a pack, whereas Dax is used to being an only dog, at least in his own house anyway...

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