Introducing a new Dog

[MrsJ1]

We have two 5 year old springer spaniels (a dog and a neutered ***). they have always been good together and very docile. Two months ago, we took in a 14 month old rescue springer dog. At first, all was well and I have photos of the two dogs asleep on the sofa together. The pup would try to play with the older dog who would just put him in his place and that was that. Then, about a month ago, they suddenly started snarling at each other and this escalated to a point where we decided to have the pup castrated. that was just over a week ago. Sometimes, we can get both dogs in the same room, but we have to watch them the whole time because they will set off just because one of them moves, or catches the other looking at him. the *** keeps well out of it but obviously all three (and us!) are upset. The vet did say it would take up to 4 weeks for the pup's hormones to subside but has anyone any advice in the mean time please?

[lankeela]

I don't think this is anything to do with hormones. This is a natural behaviour, with the younger one starting to try to take over as top dog, and the older one not having any of it. You need to decide which one is going to be top dog, and allow him to be, making the other one wait for meals, wait for a fuss etc. You cannot get them to agree if they don't want to. They will keep trying to sort it out in their own way, ending up in a right old scrap. Castration might have helped a bit when it kicks in, but I have my doubts, having kept males together for many years, and at present having two who occasionally have 'words'. I find the best method (if you can steel yourself to do it) is to walk away and totally ignore them. If you intervene even by raising your voice they are both encouraged to go for the other one, thinking that your intervention means they are doing the right thing and its what you want. Just give it a try, as soon as they look at each other funny, go out of the room and close the door, obviously listening for any escalation, but you will probably find that you leaving the room makes them stop what they were planning.

[woofgang]

we were told two months for hormones to subside after catration. lankeela's advice is good, the other thing you can do if you are a firm enough boss is to put them both on leads and make them lie down together at your feet while you read the paper or do a crossword or something. We had supremacy troubles with our two brothers as they matured and this worked a treat. Make clear that YOU are the boss and they have to knuckle down and it will take a lot of the heat out of their discussions. You need to be really in control though, I can do this but DH who is a soft touch can't.

[MrsJ1]

Thanks for this advice - trouble is, it's escalated really quickly and I think getting them anywhere together without bloodshed is going to be a real problem. It's such a shame as I have photos of them sleeping together when the pup first arrived. anyway, we will give the "I'm the boss" a go.

[zanadu]

you are the top dog start putting your authority on the situation act as your older dog did when putting the pup in his place if they start use a simulated "biting action with your hand and if need be pin them as would happen in the wild soon it should settle down they must become calm submissive like your female dog is hope this helps :)