In the past we have had a Great Pyrenne, a Border Collie, and a miniture Dashhound. We are no longer in the sheep business and lost the last Great Pyrenne last year. I chose to replace the large dog with a Malinois. He was born 11-29-10. I have had him about 10 days. He is doing great 90% of the time. The female 9 lb. Dashhound plays with him but she can put him in his place when she has had enought. Is it okay to let that behavior go on is my first question? Then 2 times we have had this happen. When we have given him a very special treat, such as a pig ear (which my husband did once) and then I tried to take it away from him he growled at me. Then tonight my husband set a bowl on the floor to let the pup lick after he had finished his stew and the Dashhound came over. He jumped at the Dashhound when she tried to join in. Then my husband tried to take it from him and he jumped at my husband. We have never had this kind of a problem with our dogs eating together or us taking something from them. We fear if we do not do things correctly that when he gets bigger he will hurt her. She is one of those that knows no fear. She is the dog that kills my snakes and will go after any wild animal. Then there is the Border Collie. He wants nothing to do with the new pup. Any time he sees me take him outside the Border Collie heads for the barn. This Border is a 6 yr. old male, very smart,very reserved, only sometimes aggressive about food, but seldom at that. Our son has a dog that is part Malinios and these dogs except her just fine when she comes to visit. The Dashhound eats with her and the Border loves to play with her. What do I need to do?

" Is it okay to let that behavior go on is my first question? "

No.

Ensure that each dog can eat in absolute peace, with zero interference from the other ever. No treats/chewies left with dogs together.

10 days and all three are allowed free access to each other? Have you read Ed's article about introducing a new dog to a home with existing dogs?

PS WELCOME!

PS
"Then tonight my husband set a bowl on the floor to let the pup lick after he had finished his stew and the Dashhound came over. He jumped at the Dashhound when she tried to join in. Then my husband tried to take it from him and he jumped at my husband. We have never had this kind of a problem with our dogs eating together or us taking something from them. "

Don't worry -- this was 100% owner-caused. The problem has nothing to do with the new pup.

This should be (is) good news to you.



PS You might want to do a short intro here: http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/postlist/Board/146/page/1

Maybe post a picture or link us to more pictures.

Hi Kathy,

Welcome to the forum. I have found that allowing my two dogs to be together with toys, bones or food is simply asking for trouble. One of them is fine; the other, no way. They are fed separately and are not given bones when in the same room; one goes in the garage - always.

What are your plans for your new mal pup? Sports?

Zero tolerance policy. In your house, you set the rules. And rule number one (in my house, at least) is that dogs don't get to decide whether or not or who to "get along" with. Letting dogs "work things out themsleves" is never a good idea. IMO, happy dogs don't do much decision-making.

It takes a bit of vigilance--every agressive look, posture, or growl has to be firmly corrected. It may be cute that the daschund can put a larger dog in its place, but that's your job.

But it also has to start with common sense things like not requiring dogs to ever share a food bowl or high-value treat.

One place to start Kathy is to rethink about how the pup is reacting. It's aggression rooted in insecurity.
The point of view of your new 8 week old pup at this point is insecure. And so far you haven't done anything to relieve that for him. Think about it, his(?) world has been turned upside down. Give the pup a leg up in his new world, make him his own space.