Just re-homed a dog and she has gone for my dog - am I over reacting??

[abb123]

I re-homed a 7 month old welsh collie bitch last night. I went and spent some time with her and whilst a little timid she was very loving and cuddly once she opened up. We had a careful introduction to my 6 year old golden retriever bitch with no issues and took them for a walk together with no issues.

I took her home last night and whilst a little unsettled at first she very quickly settled in and seemed to adore my older dog. They stayed in same room with me with no issues. We had a lovely day today with a little walk in the morning and then a slightly longer walk in the afternoon. Again no issues with the new dog adoring the oder dog and nothing to indicate any issues.

Walked to my house and she got a little scared by a lorry going past and after we went through the front door and I was shutting it she went for my older dog. It wasn't serious and it was all noise and it was over very quickly. I would have just put it down as a settling in thing and just been extra careful however she did it again twice. Nothing scaring her it just seemed ike she had twigged that she could dominate the older dog and so that was what she was going to do.

I have sent my older dog to my mums for now as I was getting very anxious so that issue is sorted in the short term.

In my experience this is not the sort of thing that is easily fixed and I don't think I could ever relax with them together. Am I over reacting? I am a bit over protective of my older dog!

I have emailed the old owners and asked if they will take her back. I don't think I will hear back from them though. I don't think she is really suitable to be in a home with another dog but she is a lovely lovely sweet little girl who seems to have really taken to me. I really think she would be lovely for in a single dog home. If I don't hear back from her owners then I will try to re-home her, I don't want to see her in kennels as I don't think she will be happy so I am not keen on giving her to a rescue.

Does anyone know any good collie dog rescues that might be able to help?

 

[{97702}]

You have had the dog less than 24 hours. She is a nervy collie type anyway who has had her whole world turned upside down by being given away to a total stranger from her familiar environment and surroundings. Of course she is going to be nervous, snappy and unsettled -her behaviour does NOT mean she has to be an only dog, she just needs a bit of time, space and understanding?

 

[gallopingby]

If she’s only 7 months old she’s probably not been socialised and sadly this is going to take a lot of work/time. I volunteer for a rescue, not collie, and we’ve had lots of young dogs in and are looking for foster homes so we can carry out the socialisation work which should have been done. You might be able to find someone to help but it could mean keeping the dogs apart and then slowly reintroducing them, it depends how old your retriever is. I’m very protective of my oldest dog so understand your thinking. Maybe try an agility club if there’s one local to you. The people involved are usually very experienced in dog handling and seven months although still too young to do very much could be of interest to someone wanting to work with a young dog but not a puppy, otherwise all the breed societies have rescue sections but they’re all probably feeling a bit overwhelmed at he moment. Hope you can get something sorted soon.

 

[abb123]

You have had the dog less than 24 hours. She is a nervy collie type anyway who has had her whole world turned upside down by being given away to a total stranger from her familiar environment and surroundings. Of course she is going to be nervous, snappy and unsettled -her behaviour does NOT mean she has to be an only dog, she just needs a bit of time, space and understanding?

Yeah, I get what you are saying.

It is the two other times that were unprovoked and out of the blue that worried me. They were not just nervy little snaps, they were the sort of going for the dog that would turn into a full on fight.

Do you think she just needs a bit of time to settle in with me and then try reintroducing my older dog?

I feel sick at the thought of rehoming her as we have a lovely little bond already but then I have to think about the safety of my other dog too

Would it be worth getting a trainer/behaviourist in to get their opinion?

 

[teddypops]

Give her some time. I rescued a jack Russell and he went for my collie a few times, nothing serious, but it was very stressful at the time. I didn’t leave them alone together but it didn’t take long for them to become best friends.

 

[abb123]

If she’s only 7 months old she’s probably not been socialised and sadly this is going to take a lot of work/time. I volunteer for a rescue, not collie, and we’ve had lots of young dogs in and are looking for foster homes so we can carry out the socialisation work which should have been done. You might be able to find someone to help but it could mean keeping the dogs apart and then slowly reintroducing them, it depends how old your retriever is. I’m very protective of my oldest dog so understand your thinking. Maybe try an agility club if there’s one local to you. The people involved are usually very experienced in dog handling and seven months although still too young to do very much could be of interest to someone wanting to work with a young dog but not a puppy, otherwise all the breed societies have rescue sections but they’re all probably feeling a bit overwhelmed at he moment. Hope you can get something sorted soon.

I don't think the old owners did any socialisation with her!

My retriever is 6 and she is very sensible, confident, and non-confrontational but also happy to tell baby dogs off if they are being annoying. She was scared by the new dog going for her.

I will see if I can contact our local agility club. She is super smart and has already picked up some things (e.g. not jumping up) since I have had her.

 

[abb123]

Give her some time. I rescued a jack Russell and he went for my collie a few times, nothing serious, but it was very stressful at the time. I didn’t leave them alone together but it didn’t take long for them to become best friends.

Oh that gives me some hope!! thank you!

 

[CorvusCorax]

Doors/doorways/openings/narrow spaces are mega flashpoints for lots of dogs also.

 

[gallopingby]

Abb 6 isn’t very old, l thought you meant over 10! We‘ve recently rehomed a dog who was initially reactive to other dogs with a family who already had a dog. The pair of them are getting on really well now. The trick is to be even handed with both dogs which may be hard initially. Maybe see if you can spend some time letting them both meet and play together in a safe enclosed area free of other distractions. The younger dog should know her position in the pack, she’s at the bottom as the junior member. I’ve messaged you.

 

[abb123]

Doors/doorways/openings/narrow spaces are mega flashpoints for lots of dogs also.

Yes, I can understand from her point of view that it was a confined space and she was scared. I could totally have forgiven that and just been more careful.

She is flat out snuggled up next to me on the bed looking like butter wouldn't melt

 

[abb123]

Abb 6 isn’t very old, l thought you meant over 10! We‘ve recently rehomed a dog who was initially reactive to other dogs with a family who already had a dog. The pair of them are getting on really well now. The trick is to be even handed with both dogs which may be hard initially. Maybe see if you can spend some time letting them both meet and play together in a safe enclosed area free of other distractions. The younger dog should know her position in the pack, she’s at the bottom as the junior member. I’ve messaged you.

I did say older not old

I have been making sure she gets fed second and trying to ensure that she is at the bottom. I'm not sure we have had enough time to impose it though!

 

[CorvusCorax]

Ok sorry to be Debbie Downer and some may disagree but if you want her to stay and want rules in place, a dog that attacks in a doorway shouldn't be elevated position on a bed as it will only cause problems when the older dog returns.

Basically there will ideally be a few weeks where she doesn't fart unless you tell her it's ok to do so. I can go through this all with you but it won't work unless you stick to it for a good while.

 

[{97702}]

My most recent rescue was number 17 in my succession of rescues, that most certainly doesn’t make me any sort of expert as they are different breeds to yours and every rescue dog has had different experiences in life, but it does mean I’m used to settling new ones in ?

Give her time.... relax.... the more stressed you are, the worse she will be. How does your retriever react? I’d be very surprised if it did turn into a proper fight, I’ve seen an awful lot of ‘jockeying for positron’ when new dogs come into a home, which usually isn’t as bad as it sounds to us humans!

Having said that, it is your responsibility to give them the opportunity to get to know each other in a peaceful way. If your retriever was inclined to go back at the collie, then I would be keeping them apart more and allowing them together when there are other things to distract them (like walks!)

Absolutely no toys out at any time. Never feed them together, always in separate rooms. As CC has rightly said, flash points are doorways and the like where they are squashed together - also occasions like getting ready for a walk where they might both get excited in anticipation.

Allow the collie to settle down and relax in her new environment- don’t (metaphorically) chase her around to give her fuss, let her come to you and give her fuss when the opportunity presents itself. Rescues are so rewarding, but they do need time

 

[abb123]

Ok sorry to be Debbie Downer and some may disagree but if you want her to stay and want rules in place, a dog that attacks in a doorway shouldn't be elevated position on a bed as it will only cause problems when the older dog returns.

Basically there will ideally be a few weeks where she doesn't fart unless you tell her it's ok to do so. I can go through this all with you but it won't work unless you stick to it for a good while.

Ha! Its OK, I did wonder if I needed to do that. She has just been so placid and happy that I didn't think it was an issue, until it was an issue... I'm happy to do that if you think it will work

 

[honetpot]

I think you have to be very clear from the very start where they are in the pecking order, and sending the other dog away just gives it time to get its feet under the table, and it will be harder.
I had a lurcher, which weighed 17kg, and got a 10month old rottiX that weighed 35kg, I made sure she knew he was boss, and I was big boss. He could even take her food. He slept on the sofa, she was on the floor, he was always first to be fed. Collies are smart, security and order will give it confidence.

 

[abb123]

My most recent rescue was number 17 in my succession of rescues, that most certainly doesn’t make me any sort of expert as they are different breeds to yours and every rescue dog has had different experiences in life, but it does mean I’m used to settling new ones in ?

Give her time.... relax.... the more stressed you are, the worse she will be. How does your retriever react? I’d be very surprised if it did turn into a proper fight, I’ve seen an awful lot of ‘jockeying for positron’ when new dogs come into a home, which usually isn’t as bad as it sounds to us humans!

Having said that, it is your responsibility to give them the opportunity to get to know each other in a peaceful way. If your retriever was inclined to go back at the collie, then I would be keeping them apart more and allowing them together when there are other things to distract them (like walks!)

Absolutely no toys out at any time. Never feed them together, always in separate rooms. As CC has rightly said, flash points are doorways and the like where they are squashed together - also occasions like getting ready for a walk where they might both get excited in anticipation.

Allow the collie to settle down and relax in her new environment- don’t (metaphorically) chase her around to give her fuss, let her come to you and give her fuss when the opportunity presents itself. Rescues are so rewarding, but they do need time

My retriever doesn't react but I am super protective over her and she looks so sad I am not sure I can cope with it!

She is like a limpet already, she doesn't leave my side and wants to be in me if you know what I mean.

Ok, so I have chucked her off the bed. Taken the toys away and will do some more training with her and try and speak to a behaviourist tomorrow.

 

[{97702}]

Totally agree Honetpot about it being a bad idea to send the retriever away... collie is now thinking ‘ha ha, I’ve won!’

Not going to comment on 3kg JRT pup taking on 38kg greyhound.... Ace is very patient ?

 

[abb123]

I think you have to be very clear from the very start where they are in the pecking order, and sending the other dog away just gives it time to get its feet under the table, and it will be harder.
I had a lurcher, which weighed 17kg, and got a 10month old rottiX that weighed 35kg, I made sure she knew he was boss, and I was big boss. He could even take her food. He slept on the sofa, she was on the floor, he was always first to be fed. Collies are smart, security and order will give it confidence.

Thats what I was worrying about. I just couldn't cope with a night of worrying about them and was in a bit of a panic. Should I get my mum to bring her back?

Leave the new one in the front room on her own?

 

[L&M]

I had the same when I took on a friends collie x after she sadly died - the day I bought the collie x home she went for my beloved lab, and like you I hade a major panic and didn't know what to do.

In hindsight the poor love was probably traumatised - she had been left on her own as her owner had to go back and forth for hospital treatment, and when I picked her up after my friend passed away, the son had left her outside, tied to a tree, in the pouring rain.

It just took time - I kept them apart, bar 'on lead' exercise initially, and made sure they had their own space - I put the my labs bed in the kitchen and the collie x's in the porch with a stable door between them. This progressed to me having them in the lounge together, with me to supervise. They gradually adjusted too each other and kept them peacefully together for over 6 yrs with no other spats.

 

[abb123]

Totally agree Honetpot about it being a bad idea to send the retriever away... collie is now thinking ‘ha ha, I’ve won!’

I was in a bit of a panic

 

[Equi]

Agree that she needs to know from the off that this is not the house to be doing anything without being told. No on the bed, no on the couch, no moving to within 6ft of the other dog without being told etc but all in an entirely cheery positive way as she will be even more nervy if you are too harsh on her. Youll have to literally be on her 24/7 and whilst collies are beyond intelligent i often found in kennels (yes stressful situation so not the best judge) they were incredibly unsure of the rules the first few days and default mode in some was to just go a little feral. They greatly appreciated the strict routine and consistency though and by the end most were if not fine and happy at least biddable enough to do the routine without snapping.

 

[FinnishLapphund]

Maybe you're overreacting, but maybe you're not. The only way to know as I see it, is to bring home your Golden again, but use for example puppy pen net to split a room into two, to keep them separated. This would give her a chance to settle, without being able to have a go at your Golden again.

If it has only happened indoors, you can still walk them together. Then after some days, when you feel it is safe to try again, let them be in the same room with you without anything separating them. Do it for a little while, and even if nothing happens, separate them with the puppy pen net again, and then slowly increase the amount of time they're allowed to spend together indoors.
If you see any hint of her trying to go for your Golden, stop her by for example telling her to go to her bed.

Time will tell if it is something you can solve or not, and it should be possible to do, without risks for your Golden, but it will take quite some work from you.

 

[abb123]

Maybe you're overreacting, but maybe you're not. The only way to know as I see it, is to bring home your Golden again, but use for example puppy pen net to split a room into two, to keep them separated. This would give her a chance to settle, without being able to have a go at your Golden again.

If it has only happened indoors, you can still walk them together. Then after some days, when you feel it is safe to try again, let them be in the same room with you without anything separating them. Do it for a little while, and even if nothing happens, separate them with the puppy pen net again, and then slowly increase the amount of time they're allowed to spend together indoors.
If you see any hint of her trying to go for your Golden, stop her by for example telling her to go to her bed.

Time will tell if it is something you can solve or not, and it should be possible to do, without risks for your Golden, but it will take quite some work from you.

Thanks FL, that sounds like a good plan to take forward for both of them

 

[CorvusCorax]

Some good advice already and I'm knackered, I'll PM you a couple of old threads but the bottom line is, everything has to be clear and black and white and you decide what happens when and who sits where and who goes through doorways first, you control all interactions. Use stair gates/crates/pens/doors/house lines.
No emotion, no feeling sorry for anyone, no giving anyone the benefit of the doubt. Short term pain for long term gain.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Agree with CC and get the retriever back ASAP, not ideal send her away.

 

[Mynstrel]

Don't ever leave them alone together, this happened in our house with our old girl and the young pretender. In our case it was a changing of the guard and when the younger one wasn't challenged she very quickly turned into the older one's protector from the hooligan boys, but for the sake of our sanity and conscience they were always separated when we left them to protect the both of them.

 

[abb123]

Just an update: Had a long conversation with a recommended dog trainer. He has given me a good understanding of what has happened and a really good plan for going forward safely. He is coming out on Friday afternoon to meet us all and give some more guidance.

In case anyone finds it helpful, he echoed entirely what others have said and the plan is that she has to stay tied up on her lead while the older dog is allowed to do what she wants. No freedom and very strict rules. She will sleep in the downstairs bedroom on her own.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Sounds like progress!
The only thing I would say is that a crate or stair gate would be better than a backtie if you need to control her movements.
A lot of collies do not like being restricted by a leash/it might create barrier frustration and you don't want leash walking issues down the line.

 

[abb123]

Sounds like progress!
The only thing I would say is that a crate or stair gate would be better than a backtie if you need to control her movements.
A lot of collies do not like being restricted by a leash/it might create barrier frustration and you don't want leash walking issues down the line.

Yep. Going to get her a crate today. She is ok being tied up for now and doesn't seem bothered but I agree that not best in the long run!

 

[CorvusCorax]

Cool. I would do all her feeding in there so she thinks it is a great place to be!