Getting old dog to accept pup

Clodagh

Clodagh

Playing chess with pigeons
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A friend has a rescue terrier dog, he is nervous/aggressive with other dogs but if they boss him around he is fine. Her old bitch has been PTS, bitch was always in charge, and she wants to take on another dog but JRT is really hating the rescue they have tried him with (a young bitch) he really goes for her.
Suggestions, they really want this to work. They did wonder if he would be better with a young puppy than an older 12 month one, do you think he might?
 
Ours has taken quite a while! Pups now 16 weeks and my older terrier is 10. Today that started playing properly for the first time! :)
I've tried to make sure the older dog can always get away and is shut away to eat in peace etc. he also still has his own walk time. However they have been going out running round the fields together the past week or so as my OH is off work so takes them together which seems to have helped a lot.
I think it's mostly time and patience!
 
My bigger gsd is not a fan of other dogs. He doesn't bite, but he'll growl for a few minutes if the dog is right in his space unless the other dog is under my control and/or has walked a short distance with us. I introduced him to a friend's jrt pup, under very close supervision, and he was absolutely wonderful with the pup, I have never seen any dog so gentle especially given the size difference. In short he is amazing with puppies as he knows they are no threat. He is ridiculously patient with our junior gsd.

Word to the wise... If there is any hint of nastiness on first meeting step in quickly and firmly, so he knows it's not tolerated. I also didn't let pup sleep with big lad until he was older to be on the safe side. A bigger dog can kill a puppy in a heartbeat so supervision is essential if you're remotely worried.
 
Thank you both. It does sound like there is hope. Dog is very spoiled and it does worry me that they won't tell him off. He went for my lab pup when they first met, she was about 8 weeks, and I kicked him up the bum. I had to apologise for hours! They haven't met again.
I can lend them a cage. Will shall see.
 
Clodagh said:
Thank you both. It does sound like there is hope. Dog is very spoiled and it does worry me that they won't tell him off. He went for my lab pup when they first met, she was about 8 weeks, and I kicked him up the bum. I had to apologise for hours! They haven't met again.
I can lend them a cage. Will shall see.
Click to expand...

I don't see why you had to apologise hehe

Tbh if they aren't prepared to step in, that's their problem, not the age of the other dog. Reading this I'd say no to the pup as an older dog can defend itself, a pup can't and will end up injured or worse. Sounds like naughty Mr terrier rules the roost!
 
I would say tell them to forget getting another dog full stop and concentrate on their existing dog. If they are not capable/willing to intervene and manage the relationship 150% of the time they are asking for disaster. I also wonder at people who get a second dog when it is obviously stressing the existing incumbent. They are, IMO, thinking only of their own desires and not that of their current dog. Do the young bitch a favour and get them to return her whence she came ASAP and do NOT endorse them getting a pup.

A situation like this can be managed and made to succeed but NOT with inexperienced people who will not take advice.
 
Probably for the best. Hopefully they won't get another as they sound incapable of handling a dog. Sorry, I know they're your friends but some people have no idea and your friends sound as if they have no clue on how to raise a dog successfully.
 
They are lovely people and all their dogs and horses behave appallingly. Much loved though and want for nothing.
At least they never had children!
 
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