My boyfriend and I are looking to buy a house together in the near future. However, my dog, Bandit, does not get along with his dog, Murphy. Murphy is a small, unneutered pix-mix, he is also extremely submisive to people and other dogs!!!!! Bandit is a very large, neutured male and is usually a happy-go-lucky dog, but we can't even walk them together without my dog growling or going after Murphy if he gets too close.
Now, before we move in, Murphy will definately be neutured. However, I was possibly thinking of bringing Murphy into the house first, while Bandit stays with my mom for a week or so, before I bring Bandit into the house. I was thinking that may make Bandit less territorial. I printed out and read multiple articles on this website. I plan to follow the steps on the Introducing New Dogs article, but I was wondering if bringing Murphy in first would help with any possible territorial issues? When the time comes, I definately want to be prepared and do it right.
I'd leave poor Murphy alone! Separate them. They will learn to deal with eachother or they won't. It's up to YOU to see that nothing happens. I separate dogs; it's not so bad. Neutering Murphy is not going to change how Bandit sees him, probably, and plus, it will not change any behaviors that are already established.
Richard Pryor Webboard User Reg: 01-14-2007
Posts: 264
Loc: Puerto Rico
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Is there something that triggers your dog's aggression? Is he like this with other dogs or only with Murphy? Does your dog sees you as his pack leader? Do you crate your dog? Have you ever used a prong collar with him? What about a dominant dog collar?
If you could answer those questions, I (and others) would be in a better position to help you with your issue. Nevertheless, I think you need to deal with this NOW instead of waiting until you guys move in together. I also agree with Jenni, neutering Murphy won't solve anything. From what you're describing, your dog is the one with issues.
To answer your question, no I don't think bringing Murphy in first would help with any territorial issues.
I know you said you've printed multiple articles from the website, but just in case, these will be very useful:
Reg: 08-17-2007
Posts: 528
Loc: La Habra, California
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The only time my dogs are off leash together is when they're in the backyard playing chase (if they start to wrestle it's totally over, and they know it).
And the ONLY reason I allow even THIS behavior is because I'm lazy. I really shouldn't let them, but they both love it so much, and 5 minutes of running really takes the edge off for our walks.
Any time they're in the house together and both out of their crates simultaneously they are both on leash. They both want to play chase in the house (and know they aren't allowed to) But I'm sure if unrestrained their desires would get the better of them. Living with and loving two dogs does not mean that I have to find a way to make them get along. It means I have to find a way to satisfy their needs and to satisfy my needs. One of my needs is not having crazy dogs running around my house. Their freedom comes when one or the other are in crates, because they are both too young and playful to be responsible.
Aggression can (and should) be handled the same way. I hope I don't misrepresent her, but I love Jenni's attitude about dogs: "I don't care if they get along with each other. They just need to get along with me." It's not about your dogs and each other, but about your dogs and you. If that means they can't be out of their crates at the same time, that's fine! If the goal is "No fighting" and you accomplish that this way, you've accomplished it. You need to realize that you're responsible for their success.
Edit: So, basically, Exactly what Jenni said, but less concise and more confusing than how she said it. I really don't bring clarity to these forums, at all.
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