New rescue bitch trying to dominate resident terrier

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Am hoping someone here can offer some ideas.

We've just adopted a bitch from a rescue. Before we took her on we saw her in her foster home and she was also brought out to our place so she and our existing dog could get to know each other. Based on how well things were going, we decided to go ahead.

We already have a little terrier who lost his old pair-bond at the end of January; hence us getting a bitch from a rescue. George is quite untypical of a terrier in that he is quite wussy to be honest and doesn't really assert himself very much.

We don't know exactly what breed the rescue dog is: the foster-home thought she was a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever - we've done some research and there is a lot about her which does figure with this breed specification. She came from a rehoming charity which rehomes dogs from Cyprus.

Everything is going fine, Sally has got used to the cats, the horses, the chooks and the guinea fowl, she's done very well. She's a very curious dog and would love to dash off after every scent - for this reason we've kept her on the lead until we're a little more sure whether she'll come back.

But in the last couple of days we've let her off the lead in an enclosed space - and have encountered a problem. All she wants to do is play; and play rough, and our little terrier is getting roughed up by her. She bowled him over twice yesterday and he just didn't know what had hit him. Our old dog didn't play with him, she was too old, and didn't want to.

The other thing that's happening is that Sally is humping George; apparently this is a sign of dominance???

But how to deal with it??

We don't want George to be beaten up like this on a daily basis. He's a lovely little man and is visibly struggling to keep his end up. Sending Sally back is not an option; we've come too far for that, and we'd only have to go through everything with another dog anyway if we did.

Suggestions anyone??

 

[planete]

Humping is mostly a sign of an insecure or overstimulated dog. Most dogs fresh out of rescue kennels are just bonkers for a bit. They usually calm down as they settle into a routine. In the meantime, you may want to just walk your two dogs together on leads and supervise them closely when they are together so your little dog does not feel overwhelmed.

You have to help your new dog become a well-integrated member of your family. Reward- based training, socialisation, stimulation are all up to you with the help of a good trainer if you do not have enough experience. And a good dose of patience as it can take a little bit of time but well done for taking on a rescue dog. I hope a few more people will be along with more ideas.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Thank you "planete". Yes she is a lovely little dog in all other respects; has done so well in a very short time, i.e. copes with the cats, think we've nearly cracked the "loo" training etc. This is the third rescue dog we've had, and they've all had different issues to deal with.

The next step will be to ask someone for their advice in this......... my obvious choice being my loan mare's owner who has a way with both horses and dogs!! There has to be a solution to this, or at least a way of managing it.

 

[california dreaming]

The Rescue Kennels that you got her from should be able to help you. I would ask for their advice first.

 

[ester]

If that was the first time off lead to play properly it might have been better to keep your older chap out of the way while she released some energy? As he is smaller can you create some 'safe' space for him? Or wear her out with another playmate first?

 

[Dobiegirl]

It just sounds like a young dog who likes to play exuberantly, obviously this is too much for your old dog so I would give her some one to one exercise and training, in the mean time when they are allowed to run about together keep her on the long line.

 

[aintgotnohay]

has she been spayed

 

[Possum]

I think it's sort of inevitable if you have a young, bouncy dog who wants to play and an older dog who just isn't interested, but agree that she may calm down quite quickly once the excitement of being in a new home with a new friend has worn off.

I'm no expert, but I'd do lots of training/mentally stimulating games and see if you can make friends in the park with a dog with a similar temperament so she can have some play. In the meantime, it's not fair to expect your terrier to put up with being knocked over (not saying that this is your attitude ), and all you can do is either physically separate them or use a long line.

I'd also not leave them unsupervised together at the moment, the worry being that she would cross a line, he'd give a growl to try and get some space and you don't really know how she'd react.