how long before they become friends???

[Deleted]

We added a new dog. Our current dog is 14 months old and the new dog is about 19 months old. We had a few fights the first couple of days due to toys but since we have put ALL toys (except for a couple tennis balls), no more fighting!

It has been 6 days since she is home. I think our dog is kind of resource guarding me, he does not like it when she jumps on me too much, he tries to block her. He seems pretty calm and just kinda follows her with his gaze, in a sort of trying to make sure she does not cause any trouble. She loves me and loves being petted all the time Ive seen them give each other kisses but that's all about it. I am sure it will take some time. Is there anything I can do to speed up the process or things I should try to avoid that can make things worse for them getting along?

Thanks!!!

--pet parent who thought they'd be best friends after 10 minutes

[incognitotoday]

Mine are 5 and 6 yrs old and I have learned that they "share space." Luci doesn't want a thing to do with Linus and he'd love nothing more than to be so close to her, he'd be "on the other side of her," so-to-speak; however g-d forbid he goes to another room, she will follow him everywhere and vice versa.

And forget it, taking one to the Vet, the other HAS to go, or it becomes a complete meltdown! With howling and carrying on!

You would think she would be nicer to him, but I have learned after all these years, they "share space."

Just wanted you to not hear only puppies and rainbow type responses.

This coming from a pet mommy who still thinks one day, Luci will be nice to Linus! In fact, when she is not so nice, I will say to her (out loud - ::heads head in shame for admitting this: "Luci be nice, who will take care of you when I am gone! Linus! So be nice!!!"

[setsail1999]

When we added our second dog my older male hated her for about 3 weeks. He would constantly correct her, chase her away, teeth, snarls, growling. you name it. He basically wouldn't let her breathe without trying to correct her. We separated them when things were too bad and if my older dog guarded me I got up or made him get down from the couch. After about 3 weeks he stopped with the nasty faces and by week 4 he would occasionally play with her. Since then they have romped every single day. They aren't snuggle on the bed together kind of dogs but they are a good bonded pair.

The thing that helped the transition was giving both dogs quiet personal time. The new dog was a complete spazzy nutter and it stressed him (and me lol) out. She was techically my DH's dog so some times Dh would take her out and play with her alone while I snuggled with my boy. Or I would take jack for some alone frisbee time. If he was a jerk to her I would put him away and spend some time training her.

[Deleted]

I have heard of dogs just never really becoming best friends ever. I am trying not to think of this first but of course I know it is a possibility Since the new dog came from a multiple dog household (and her mama told me she is great with other dogs) and our dog loves daycare, I though the transition would be smooth. There is a dog at daycare that he loves the most and the workers there tell us that if they are in together they would play and make-out all day long! Maybe things are better and I am just expecting too much from them (This is what my husband thinks!).

It does not look like he hates her but he is not interested in playing with her, but then when I take the other out (I have been taking them out one at a time since it is too crazy and I already fell), the other dog gets sappy and sad for being left behind. Since she has been home, I never had problem making him go back in the house. I try to train them separately but it has been a problem when I take one to a separate room because then they all of a sudden want to be together!!! And it is freezing on our walks that usually we just walk. Once they slept close, though not touching, and occasionally drink from the tiny water bowl at the same time (so cute!!!)

[kris356]

Mine never did. Mopar was 2 when we got Murphy who was almost a year. She merely tolerated him for her 11 years with him. She freaked out if he touched her.

Sorry but they may never be friends.

[SallySparrow]

It took about four or five months for our two to decide they could tolerate each other. They're okay now. They aren't besties, but they get along. We still kennel one so they aren't alone together when we leave the house, just in case, but that's really more to make me feel better than anything.

[bullygirl979]

Introductions should be slow seeing as both dogs are stressed. However, it kind of sounds like you jumped in cannonball style. So....

Not sure if there is someone else who lives with you but take them on walks together. It helps to build a pack mentality.

[chessie]

Sometimes an animal just won't like the other one those, thats the realization. We had our older dog meet the puppy prior to make sure, but weeks later we had to work on some other issues. Sometimes it can be a never ending battle. Our last dog hated our other dog, they were never friends, respected each other.

[hz80408]

I agree with bully. Do you have a technique for introduction?

We follow a procedure for our fosters that our rescue uses for family's adopting dogs into a home that already has pets. I could forward you the doc if you like. We've had success with our 3 fosters and our dog following it.