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Adding A Puppy To The Pack

2K views 19 replies 8 participants last post by  BoxerFamily 
#1 ·
We currently have Max who is 15 months now. Back in June I had gone ahead and bought a pup out of a litter to be born in July. Accually just happened over the weekend the litter was born.

So 8 weeks from now we will be puppy parents again. Unfortunatly I didn't go with another boxer this time, although this one will be a female.

How did you guys and gals who have brought puppies into the home with exsisting dogs do? Was there issues?

Just want to make the addition go as smooth as possible.
 
#2 ·
What breed of pup?

I've added puppies to established dogs and it all depends on the resident dog and their temperament. If you can, it would be helpful to get a towel or blanket with the puppies scent on it (before bringing home of course), so that your resident dog can get used to their scent.

When bringing the pup home, make sure you introduce both of them outside (away from your house), as this should avoid any guarding instinct your resident dog may have of "their home." Then, once they've become acclimated to each other, maybe bring them into your backyard to become even more acclimated.

Depending on your resident dog, this could all happen within minutes or as long as a couple of days. I actually had a resident dog that was very territorial, but she warmed up to the new pup after a few days and they were best of buds.

Hope this helps.
 
#3 ·
Every dog is different, and every puppy is different. We brought home a puppy five weeks ago. She has "met" everyone through a gate or kennel, but she has only been introduced off leash to about half of our pack, and then only one-on-one. Some of our dogs are old and intolerant and she is too nippy and too small. For safety reasons, we are taking things very, very slowly. Too many people rush things and get frustrated when dogs don't become best friends right away.
 
#4 ·
We currently have Max who is 15 months now. Back in June I had gone ahead and bought a pup out of a litter to be born in July. Accually just happened over the weekend the litter was born.

So 8 weeks from now we will be puppy parents again. Unfortunatly I didn't go with another boxer this time, although this one will be a female.

How did you guys and gals who have brought puppies into the home with existing dogs do? Was there issues?

Just want to make the addition go as smooth as possible.
So we have to guess what the other breed is???

Generally speaking the rule is have your first dog well trained before adding a second. My first dog luv'd puppies so I never did the constant supervision thing but that is good advise! With a GSD in the house this time, I doubt I'll be as relaxed about supervision as I was in the past!

One on one "training" and "walks" will be required! If you train both together all the time, you will "think" your new dog knows more than he does! New dogs take "cue's" from the first dog, that was an "oops" moment for me!

Struddel jumped out of the cars as soon as the door was opened! My dogs don't do that but on this one occasion..her buddy was not with her! Lesson learned!:)
 
#5 ·
To answer the new breed will be a female rotweiler I have had 2 in the past before switching off to the Boxer.
Max isn't the most well behaved dog but has made some good strides recently and is always a work in progress. Once he calms down abit more he will be a companion to his new friend.

Max is not territorial when it comes other dogs in the yard unless you are a squirrel, rabbit or bird, but think he only wants to play with them.

We had brought my older sons dogs over who he had never met and let them in the yard with him and he had a blast. One was an american bullly male and a female rotweiler.

When we have her she will be home for awhile and possibly off to training for 6 weeks at my friends k9 school.
 
#7 ·
Congrats on your new puppy. I'm a Rottie fan, also. When we introduced Jake to our 6 yo resident dog we made sure they met on neutral territory. Take it slow and it will be fine. Congrats again and have fun!

I'm excited also to have both of my favorite breeds at the same time is going to be a blast. Hoping for the best and will use the advice from all.

With Max's age thought this would be the best time to add before he gets old.
 
#8 ·
I've know many Rotties growing up and have found them to be great dogs. They never worked for me personally because I find the lack of color in the breed kinda boring! :)

American Bull Dogs however I luv the Johnson American Bull Dogs!!! I think I have seen more of them than I realized?? I used to think they were Boxer/Pitt mixes!! They look like giant Boxers!! Kinda cool! :)
 
#9 ·
I've know many Rotties growing up and have found them to be great dogs. They never worked for me personally because I find the lack of color in the breed kinda boring! :)

American Bull Dogs however I luv the Johnson American Bull Dogs!!! I think I have seen more of them than I realized?? I used to think they were Boxer/Pitt mixes!! They look like giant Boxers!! Kinda cool! :)
as we already have Max who matches the dark colored furniture we bought. So another dark color dog works. LOL

I agree on the Bull dogs they are massive.
 
#11 ·
Congratulations on your soon to be puppy. I love rotties and have had two myself. I lost my last rotate about 8 years ago and until Kai came along had smaller dogs. I always missed having a big dog so when my daughter wanted a boxer I said sure (also figuring at the time, that soon she will be on her own) however career didn't develop and back to college she goes again...but now I love this boxer so I'm good, she can stay. LOL
I have a territorial cairn terrier, we met a block away did the sniff thing, and then walked side by side. Of course the pup had to be crate trained and potty trained so he didn't have run of the house. Now they are friends and will sometimes play together but mostly the terrier wants to steal whatever toy he has, even when I buy her the same one...and take off with it. Can't wait to see pictures.
 
#15 ·
Hmm forgot to do my usual "just so you know bit." Two dogs are a pair three dogs are a pack! That means a lot in doggy world. This site is gone??? But I manged to save the info:

How to Avoid Fights in Multi-Dog Households
suite101.comView OriginalDecember 29th, 2009dominance aggressionnew dog
Dog owners interested in owning a multi-dog household must be aware of pack hierarchy and pack dynamics. Being educated about such dynamics is a must for owners wanting a pack of dogs that is able of living together peacefully. However, one thing to be considered is that, at times, even with the best efforts, some dogs may not be capable of getting along well, and in order to avoid the potential for serious injuries, some dogs must be continuously monitored, separated or re-homed.

A Little Notion About Pack Drive

Dogs are pack animals which means they have a social rank. Such rank has helped dogs survive throughout the years, and it is thanks to such drive that dogs make it into our homes today. The pack leader, the most important figure, is often referred to as the 'alpha dog'. This member carries the most important tasks such as leading the pack, choosing mates, selecting hunting grounds etc. This role is not an easy one and requires some special qualities that often go beyond appearance and physical strength.

In a domestic setting, modern day, pampered pets still carry such pack drive. At times, it may be difficult for dog owners to accept that a dog will be dominant over the other dogs. Some owners turn overprotective of the subordinate dogs and may feel the need to discipline the alpha, with the end result of only exacerbating the pack drive of the alpha.

There are different scenarios where inter-dog dominance altercations may take place. Such fights are often a result of the dog owner's intervention, or simply a change in the pack structure which causes a disruption in harmony. Following are some common scenarios that may lead to inter-dog dominance aggression.

Causes of Dominance Aggression between dogs

Old Age
Often dog owners claim that their older dog is victim of serious aggression from a dog that was once subordinate. What happens in this case is that when an alpha dog turns old, the remaining pack may feel that this dog is no longer capable of carrying out his pack leadership as before. A subordinate dog, therefore, may decide that he or she must take over. Serious or even deadly fights may disrupt during this process. In nature, if the old dog does not surrender, it may even be killed.
Sickness or Weakness
Just as a senior dog may not be capable of carrying out its leader duties anymore, a sick alpha dog weakened by an illness may be forced to surrender to a subordinate role soon. In nature, a pack leader must be strong in order to allow the pack to survive. Most likely a sick dog will give up its alpha status, but if the dog is stubborn, it may be faced with aggression from other better alpha candidates.
Social Maturity
When a dog reaches social maturity which generally takes place between 18 months and three years of age, it may decide to challenge the alpha dog. There may be disputes at this point between the two, however, sooner than later, they should reach a mutual agreement.
Absences
When an alpha dog is removed from the pack for some time, such as in case of an illness, or when it dies, the pack will need another dog to take over. There may therefore be fights among the potential candidates looking to become the new leader.
Same Sex Aggression
Often females do not tend to get along well, especially if they are close in age. Males as well, may not get along with other males even though, the bloodiest fights are generally among female dogs. Many times, two dogs of the same sex may need to be kept separated all the time, especially when not supervised. Neutering and spaying may help prevent hormonally based fights.
A New Addition
The introduction of a new dog to the pack may create altercations over rank. This is often quite visible when owners add a third dog to their pack. The fights may be due to the dog being dominant in nature and therefore, challenging the authority of the current alpha member, or the dog may be corrected by other intermediate pack members so to let him know his place in the pack.
Owner Intervention
One major problem derives from the owner when he or she intervenes to 'save the insubordinate pack member'. For instance, the owner may feel sorry for the submissive dog and may feel the need to punish the alpha for acting dominant. This creates further rank issues and confusion over pack dynamics, further exacerbating the problems and creating the ideal grounds for fights.
.Lack of Leadership
Owners who care for a pack must establish a strong leadership role. Failure to do so, will cause fights among the other pack leaders over rank. An owner with strong leadership skills has the power to control his dogs and avoid fights among pack members.
Genetic Predisposition
Some dog breeds may tend to be dominant and may simply not do well in a multi-dog environment, especially when exposed to same sex dogs. Good research is important before selecting a specific dog breed.
Adding a new dog to a home may be an exciting adventure, however, it needs careful planning and strong leadership. Good research on breed, sex, age and temperament should be conducted. Owning a multi -dog pack is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners because it requires a good understanding of pack drive and strong leaderships skills.

Reference:
 
#19 · (Edited)
just to update: all is going well so far Max is adjusting to the new one although she is seeing what he tastes like legs, ears, jowels, etc. He seems to like it laying down with her to allow it. then he will lay his head on her to have her stop or leave. We just have to be careful he doesn't crush her as she is slighly bigger than his head.
 

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