The Puppy Nanny Answers Your Question
Posted on Tue, September 28, 2010
The Puppy Nanny answers your question. Sue Conklin, the puppy nanny, answers questions about dogs and their behavior. She tackles everything from dogs who bite, to dogs that always beg. For more information on your pets visit http://www.thepuppynanny.net.
We are trying to merge our dog family.
I have two dogs:
Katie, a female lab mix I’ve had since she was 6 weeks old. got her from the Humane society. She’s now around 5 years old.
Jack, A male boxer/pit about 4 years old. My kids found him chained and starving. I’ve had him for 2 years next month.
My boyfriend and his dog will be moving into my home.
his dog Frisco is a husky mix about 4 years old. Also a dog rescued from abuse.
I initially thought that Jack would be the issue. He’s not aggressive but is territorial. But it appears that it’s Katie.
She seems to have a talent for getting the two males arguing.
We introduced them slowly by putting Frisco on a chain for a few hours outside my dogs pen. And then walking them together in twos. Eventually bringing them all in the house at the same time except we have always had Jack with a muzzle on. If Katie gets snippy with Frisco, usually because Frisco is so playful, Jack will attack.
Frisco gets along with both dogs Seperatly.
For the first time last night we had Jack and Frisco in the main part of the house together, no muzzle. Katie was in the Dog suite, which is simply a room with a gate.
The males did great together, not one problem.
What can I do to help my female to be less dominate?
And when will we know it’s safe to bring them all in the house together, no muzzle’s?
Thx for your input,
teresa