I've hesitated a week before posting this information since if some of you recall, my husband and I are really new to dog training and have had several issues with the pup that we got back in November at 8 weeks old (Nickie). He is now nearly 10 months old and 72 1/2 pounds (bullmastiff/pitfull mix.)

A week ago, our next door neighbor asked us if we would just take a look at a spayed female pitbull mix that belongs to her grown son's girlfriend. She was looking to re-home Roxie who she has had for one year, having adopted her from the local shelter. Since she already had two small dogs, the third dog was "not working out" and she was having to keep Roxie outside all day while she slept (works night shift). Keep in mind that the temps here in Las Vegas are in the low 100's.

My husband and I said that we would just take a look at Roxie but would not commit to anything. A week ago, we met Roxie and it was love at first sight! She is a beautiful girl - already knows sit, down, stay, wait, come, heel, etc. She is two years old and has been spayed (our other dog Nickie has not yet been neutered - am planning to do it at one year if not sooner!).

I read all of the information on introducing a dog into a household that already has a dog but did not adhere to all of the advice in the article - just trying to go with my gut instincts. We introduced Nickie and Roxie on "neutral" territory at our next door neighbor's house in the front yard. Then we took both dogs (on leash) through our side gate into our back yard. Of course Nickie tried to "T-off" on Roxie and also tried the "humping" behavior. She quickly told him in doggie language to "knock it off!"

The first day we bought her a wire crate and their crates are in the same room (across from each other). I cannot believe the difference it has made in Nickie - he is like a different dog! Our stress level is from about 90% down to less than 10% in just a week.

I have taken 3 short movies of them this weekend - each one is less than 2 minutes in length. It's like Nickie is learning from Roxie how a dog is supposed to behave! Not once has Nickie jumped on either one of us when he is playing! Also they chase each other around our backyard and absolutely wear each other out! This additional exercise is exactly what Nickie needed!

I only allow them out with each other for short time periods of about 10 minutes each. Each dog wears a dominant dog collar 24/7 - we have the "Dominant Dog Video" because of issues with Nickie.

We are so happy that this was a good result - Roxie's owner was going to "turn her back into the shelter" if she couldn't find a good home for her. What a shame that would have been! I'm not sure what Roxie is "mixed" with - her coat is kind of a sable and her eyes are a beautiful yellow color. One ear is always up and one ear is always down! She also has a scar on her nose and a little chunk missing from her tongue - like she had been in a fight.

So, we are now a two-dog home and things right now are looking up! If you want to see the 3 little movies, just click on the link below!

Diane, what a wonderful story! Nickie must be in love!! And I'm sure you're right about him really needing that extra little bit of play time with another dog to take the edge off his crazy teenage energy - how lucky that you found a mature and well behaved young lady to fit the bill!! Good on her for rubbing off such good behavior on your boy as well - they really do learn from each other.

I know you've had a lot of ups and downs with Nickie - and I know what a challenge a bold young dog can be. Each post of yours has made me continually impressed with your determination and good will. The last thing I could have imagined would be you bringing on a SECOND dog... and yet - it sounds like it couldn't have been a better decision for you! Big congrats to you for fascilitating the happy rehoming of what sounds like a really great little girl, and kudos in the highest for doing it in such an educated and responsible way, so that all went as smoothly as possible. You short yourself sometimes when describing your ability, but you're becoming a much better dog trainer and owner than you realize.

Continued good luck, and have fun with them both

~Natalya

*Just watched your videos - she's ADORABLE! And I'd be worn out too with all those laps around the pool!!

Natalya,
Thanks so much for all your kind words - it looks like all of my hard work and dedication (and stubborness) has paid off!

We are practicing "nothing in life is free" with Roxie as well as Nickie even though she has very good manners. Wish we knew a little more of her background but I guess it really doesn't matter - dogs live in the here and now and so should we with her! I can just imagine that she must think that she has died and gone to heaven to be able to stay in the air-conditioning all the time now!

One of my co-workers who has been to our home several times since we first got Nickie just complimented me last week on the progress that I have made with him. She has another friend who has a Rottweiler who is the same age as Nickie and even though he has been through "training" at PetsMart, is apparently not nearly as far along in his training as Nickie is. I know that every dog and every situation is different, but it really made me feel good to finally hear it from someone who has been with us from the beginning.

Natalya, please check your personal messages also.

Hello Diane
They look great together and i hope you all enjoy each other for many years and the two dogs have a swimming pool as well Lucky them

Thanks Steve,
Guess they just like to look at the pool because neither one of them seems at all interested in getting into it!