So, new dog. New obstacles....

[Kellys Heroes]

As you know, we picked up our new dog yesterday a young GSD bitch who was a rescue case.

We have just lost our 12 year old GSD (about a month ago) and we still have our 9 year old Golden Retriever.
When they met the first time we made sure it was in a neutral environment out on a walk - New Dog barked at Misty, I don't think she's ever seen a Goldie before! As time went on however they both settled walked beside each other and ND was very careful about how close she got etc.
They went back into NDs foster house, both fine, a few grumps from our Goldie nothing major.

Brought them both home - no MAJOR problems, BUT Misty (who has always had a grumpy streak) will growl at ND if she comes near us or near her.
There's no hounding, severe aggression, territorial problems (except for her people and her bed - bowls, toys, treats etc she isn't fussed about).

We're at the moment just leaving them to it to an extent...we've had one or two altercations where Mistys gone for ND for getting too close and at that point, we've said No and its stopped. They walk together fine, ND on two leads (no recall as of yet) and Misty off lead by the side of her.

Are we doing the right thing and is there anything else we can do? My dad is hopeful it will get easier and Misty will accept ND in time, obviously it is a big big change for both of them.
Fingers crossed, any experiences, or advice will be appreciated!!
K x

 

[Dobiegirl]

If it was me I would not interfere unless your Goldie stepped up the pressure, at the moment they are sussing each other out and should be allowed to test each other out. Try to make as many positive associations as possible walking which you are doing and trying to make sure flashpoints such as food,treats,beds & toys are monitored. Dont make too much fuss over the new dog and dont scold your Goldie if she growls at her just try to distract her.

Im sure with time they will both settle down ,they might not be best friends but will learn to co-exist.

 

[CorvusCorax]

It's very early days, I would let them sort it out between themselves and not let the shep throw her weight around (younguns can be very pushy).
Make sure there is somewhere the oldie can escape too when it gets too much and don't be afraid to segregate the shep if she is pushing her luck.
Be especially careful around doorways entry/exit points as that is where a lot of conflict can occur, try not to let the young dog go in and out of the room at speed (good control training - if the pup wants to enter or leave the room I ask him to sit, look at me, and then walk through when I say so, not come charging in and out as he pleases like a lunatic )
Your older dog is very much established and has had her routine thrown out of kilter by the loss of her friend and the introduction of a lively new dog - be patient with her.

Don't force them to be in each other's company. I've had my pup since April and we are only now starting to go for walks together now, B despised him at first but I didn't force it, lots of short positive sessions, if the pup pushed his luck, he was out of there as fast as his little legs could carry him.

 

[Kellys Heroes]

Hi, thanks both of you
Yes we've made sure there is 2 seperate beds in the kitchen for them both (Tara and Misty just used to share) toys aren't left available while we aren't here at the minute and we are trying to take the ND out to play while our Goldie is fast asleep.
We make an effort to put Misty's dinner down before NDs, give her a treat before ND etc - the shepherd is very, very respectful I must say and gives Misty a wide berth at all times, if two of them are at the door at once, ND will actually move back and let her through.
Hopefully in time it will settle and this grumping will stop - even if they just tolerated each other, played occasionally and generally got on to an extent, it would be good
K x