May 19, 2011
I currently own 2 rots. I have joined the Rot Rescue Club and will be taking in 2 new rots. Do you have any advice?
Full Question:
I have read your article about introducing new dogs into the home but I wondered if you had any comments for my particular situation. My situation is this; I live with two Rottweiler's (who are my children) and I have made the decision to join the Michigan Rottweiler Rescue Club and become a foster mom. My oldest dog is an intact bitch of 8 soon to be 9 years old. The other is her son, who is neutered, and is 5 soon to be 6 years old. I do intend to spay my bitch. I am expecting to receive 1 or 2 at the most rescue dogs in 1 to 2 weeks. Probably a male and a female, neither in tact. My intention is to use my finished basement for the rescue dogs, unless my dogs are outside. The rescue dogs will be crated while I am at work but loose in the basement or wherever my dogs are not when I am home. I will introduce my dogs to the rescue dogs using the crates. I intend to introduce one dog at a time to the rescue. But I am not sure how much I should push the issue. There is no telling how long I will have the rescue dog, so I am not sure that I need to work on the introduction outside of the crate. Could you give me some guidance on this situation. I don't want this transition to be too stressful on my personal dogs nor the rescue dog.Thank you,
Christina
Ed's Answer:
Neutering your dog will have NO EFFECT at this age.
You are going to have to be very, very careful or you will have a dogfight. At the least there is a possibility of causing your personal dogs a lot of stress.
When you allow these dogs to be free together you WILL HAVE problems. Get muzzles and use them. You should also do obedience with all the dogs (use prong collars) to re-establish your rank order in the pack. It's one thing to consider your dogs your children, I assure you they are pack-animals and you will find out quickly how deeply seated these instincts are.
Do everything I say in my article on Introducing a New Dog Into a Home With Other Dogs.
You are going to have to be very, very careful or you will have a dogfight. At the least there is a possibility of causing your personal dogs a lot of stress.
When you allow these dogs to be free together you WILL HAVE problems. Get muzzles and use them. You should also do obedience with all the dogs (use prong collars) to re-establish your rank order in the pack. It's one thing to consider your dogs your children, I assure you they are pack-animals and you will find out quickly how deeply seated these instincts are.
Do everything I say in my article on Introducing a New Dog Into a Home With Other Dogs.
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