I hope someone can help me...

[PJ's Mom]

Here's my situation:

Today, I adopted a 2 year old cocker/schnauzer mix from the shelter. When she's asleep or feeling like she needs some love and attention, she's an angel. When she's awake, the trouble begins.

1st of all, she doesn't appear to be housetrained. Is a 2 year old dog too old to housetrain? We have a doggie door, and she can't seem to figure out how to use it. I take her outside, and praise her when she does her "business", but she hasn't caught on to the concept yet, even though she follows PJ outside all the time. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif

2nd, PJ has been an only "child" for 2 1/2 years now, and doesn't really socialize well with other dogs. (We have a cat, and they love each other!) The new dog is constantly running after him, trying to get him to play (quite aggressively, at times), and PJ will growl and bark at her. The new doggie doesn't care, and persists. They don't get along too well at all. She even tore up some of his favorite "skeeky" toys. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif She seems to be way too hyper for him.

HELP! What do I do? Should I just take her back before I get too attached so I can avoid damaging PJ (and his toys)? The kids already love her, and before I spend the money ($300) on shots, spaying, etc, I'm wondering if there's a chance she'll calm down as time goes on, or if it wasn't meant to be. Any advice or suggestions you can give me would be more than greatly appreciated.

Thanks. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[aly]

About the housebreaking, it is never too late to train them. Keep showing her the doggy door every day and soon she should catch on.

You're really going to have to use your judgement about her getting along with PJ. Its possible she will settle down and learn not to play like that with him. After adopting a dog from a shelter, there is a "honeymoon" period of about 2 weeks. Sometimes dogs come home as perfect angels, then 2 weeks later they start getting into all sorts of trouble. Some are the exact opposite. Whenever someone calls the shelter here complaining that the dog they just adopted is having behavioral problems, we ask that they give it two weeks.

Also, when someone adopts a new dog and they already have another dog at home, we recommend the following: The dog should spend 50% of the day bonding with the humans in the house, 25% supervised with the other dog, and 25% alone. I realize this is hard for some people to arrange but it really works if you can work it out. I did this with Reece and Harley and the transition was very smooth. There are a few other suggestions about bringing a second dog home but those have to be done right away so I won't list them.

I would give it more time. I'm sure she'll pick up on the house training. What worries me is how she doesn't back off when PJ warns her to. You can call your shelter and see if they can give you any suggestions. They are usually very helpful and want to help you live comfortably with your dog.

If it doesn't work and you have to rehome her, let me know. I may be able to find a home for her so she won't have to go back to the shelter. I live about 3 hours from you.

Good luck!

I can't believe it! It sounds just like my house. I have a 4 1/2 year old schnauzer, Hans. Our boxer passed away May 7th. They got along perfectly because the boxer was so calm and submissive. Last Saturday we picked up Fritz, a 3 month old mini poodle. The first couple of days Hans wanted nothing to do with him. Fritz would persist though. Each day gets better and better. They even play together now. When Hans has had enough he lets Fritz know. Hans also disciplines him. He'll pin Fritz on the ground with his paw when he wants him to calm down. It's kind of neat to see. As for the potty training, PATIENCE! He'll catch on eventually. It took 6 months for me to train the boxer. Fritz is catching on slowly but surely. Don't give up on the new dog yet. Dogs are pack animals and I'm sure they'll grow to love each other.

[Pam]

PJ's Mom...I wouldn't throw in the towel yet. There will naturally be a period of adjustment and it will take time for each dog to establish their role in this new relationship. When my sister-in-law adopted her dog from the pound they asked her to first bring her Basenji along to see how she would react with the dog she was thinking about. I am told that this is often standard procedure. Don't worry, though, that you didn't have a chance to do this because I am sure lots of people don't.

Your new dog may or may not already be housetrained. It could simply be a matter of everything being "new" and just overall uneasiness with his new home right now. It may also be that the dog is not housetrained and if not it might take a little time to accomplish this. I think if this is the case you will have to be very patient because a 2 year habit of going potty in the wrong place might not be overcome quickly. My ex-daughter-in-law had a pekingese who, at 5 years of age was still making lots of mistakes inside. Everyone said the dog was dumb. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/mad.gif It really made me mad because I saw that she was not consistent in training him and he was not given access to the outside often enough. A dog that has been allowed to develop bad habits would, I imagine, have a harder time to break these habits easily. Remember at age 2, if she is not trained it is not her fault. Someone has let her down somewhere along the way. Just try and be patient and realize that your new little one can be molded into a terrific dog but it will maybe take some work. Let us know how you do!

[This message has been edited by Pam (edited June 08, 2001).]

[PJ's Mom]

Thank you for the responses so far. I feel so much better just knowing I'm not the only one who's had this type of problem. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Right now, after I've only had 4 hours sleep because of her energy level, Maggie's brought me every single toy PJ owns, and I have them stacked up here on my desk in the office. She has her own little teddy bear, but his toys are much more fun. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif He's cowering on a chair next to me with the most hurt look on his face. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif


[This message has been edited by PJ's Mom (edited June 08, 2001).]

Sorry, PJ's mom. I kept referring to "him" instead of "her". It's a bad habit I have since I've always had male dogs.

[PJ's Mom]

No problem, Tanya. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Here's my baby:

http://femaleQ.homestead.com/files/P0003143.jpg

Isn't she adorable? http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif I waited 3 days to get her. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

SHE sure is!!! I got it right! What a cute little face. I'm sure things will get better in time. I really am going through the same things as you. Feel free to ask me any questions on how I'm managing.

[Pam]

Oh look at that face!! She looks like a cross between Tucker & your PJ and Perry & Daisy, our special cockers and schnauzers here at Pet Talk ! She looks like she is posing for the picture just to make you happy but would rather be playing!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Pam (edited June 08, 2001).]

[Stenograsaurus]

I agree with everyone's suggestion on here. Bringing a new dog into the home is a little stressful on everyone in the house in the beginning, but with time, patience and a whole lot of love, everything usually works out.

[PJ's Mom]

Does anyone have any suggestions on the toy situation? Maggie has 3 balls and a teddy bear, but she insists on playing with PJ's toys, instead of her own. Once she's had them in her mouth, and put her scent on them, PJ won't play with them any more. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif

I'm also having trouble convincing my husband that she's worth the time and investment. I think I'll throw him out, and keep her. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by PJ's Mom (edited June 08, 2001).]

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Hi PJ'mom, I have the same situation with the toy problem. I have two Schnauzers Perry and Daisy. Perry thinks all the toys are his, even though we always buy two in different colors. Daisy will play with a toy and Perry is not happy unless he can get that toy away from her. He runs up to her and jerks it away from her and then throws it on the ground. I believe he wants her to play with him and not the toys. Now we tell him no Perry and he stops. Just give it time, Maggie is trying to figure out where she fits in the pack and who will be alpha dog. She has an angel face, so pretty, I'm sure she will do o.k. with a little time.
Jackie

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[Rottie]

When I adopted my two shepherds, they both did similar things. I adopted Iris first, then about a year later, Raven came.

I know Iris was housetrained, but she sure did NOT act like it. Dogs like routine, and what was happening was not like usual. She needed about a month to adjust, and then - no more potty accidents.

When we adopted Raven, she had similar problems. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/rolleyes.gif Like Iris, she WAS housetrained, but she was just so stressed out. She needed about a month of adjustment time too.

When we got Raven, Carl (my Rottweiler) did not want a second sibling. If Raven picked up a toy, Carl would growl. We just let them do what they wanted (meaning growl at each other, but only if we were watching them), unless it became really intense. We knew that the dogs would work it out best on their own. After about 2 months, Carl got used to Raven, and accepted her. Now she can pick up toys without a problem.

I think part of the toy aggression problem was Carl thought all the toys were his. He has since learned that other dogs may pick up his toys, he has to share. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Good luck with your new dog. I'd give her another chance, she sure deserves it. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

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-Rottie

http://wsphotofews.excite.com/010/Kg/Fr/vi/m895429.jpg

[Rottie]

One more thing! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif I found for Raven, a crate really helped with the potty accidents. She didn't want to spoil her den! It didn't work for Iris, though. She'd just go in her crate, while she was in there. LOL! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

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-Rottie

http://wsphotofews.excite.com/010/Kg/Fr/vi/m895429.jpg

[bugmom]

I don't really have advice but i can do the encouragement thing! its great of you to adopt a precious little one (and she is precious!) i think we've all been through some kind of training truama so can totally sympathize. have patience though - maggie will repay your patience with lots of love and become a great dog. - and pj will always love you. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif your doing a wonderful job!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[Sudilar]

Congratulations to you for saving Maggie's life. I would give her a little time. I think that things will probably work out. She was stressed from being at the shelter,I'm sure, so she's very anxious to get to be friends with PJ. I think crating for a short time might also help. I used that method for about a month and it worked. Good luck! Don't give up on her.

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[sammi]

Your new girl is a sweetheart! You have got lots of good advice and hope it works out in time.

[Daisy's Mom]

Well you have a lot of great information! Good luck with Maggie. She's adorable!

[PJ's Mom]

Hi and thanks to everyone for the kind words and inspiration. Unfortunately, Maggie didn't work out for us. She attacked PJ, right after they had just finished playing ball outside. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif I did find her a good home with a family who has a little girl, and no other pets. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif I think they'll treat her with lots of love and attention. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

I adopted another dog from the shelter yesterday. I'd like to tell you what kind she is, but to be honest, I'm really not sure. We're going to the vet tomorrow for an identification, and shots, so we'll know then. This one (her name is Bailey) is very calm, and is starved for attention. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif (Believe me, with 6 people living here, she gets plenty of that!)

I only have one concern as far as her behavior, and that is she shows her teeth to PJ when she's eating, or chewing her rawhide bone. PJ is not the type to ever go after anything she has, and in both instances, he was only sniffing her. The funny thing is, she never growls or barks at him. She only shows her teeth, or snaps.

I have one other fear that will be cleared up tomorrow. She's got a cough. I'm praying it's not due to heartworms. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif

I'll let you know how she is, and post a picture tomorrow if I can. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[aly]

She probably has kennel cough(bordatella or tracheobronchitis). Most cases of kennel cough can be cleared up without antibiotics. A lot of vets prefer that it not be treated because it could lead to resistance problems and difficulty treating things like pneumonia.

She sounds like she is food/toy aggressive. You might want to be very careful with this and make sure she is not that way toward your children. It sounds like she wouldn't bite but I would still watch her carefully.

[PJ's Mom]

You were right, Aly. It's only kennel cough, thank goodness. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif She has to take cough syrup twice a day until it's gone.

The vet said she appears to be about 2 years old, and about the only distinguishable breed in her is Springer Spaniel.

She's turning out better than we had hoped, and I think she's learning how to play with toys. She's so much fun! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[Sudilar]

Hooray!!!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

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[Daisy's Mom]

I am so glad her cough was nothing serious. Keep on havin' fun with her!

[PJ's Mom]

Update on Bailey...

This dog is an absolute joy! She already has a favorite toy, (a tiny vibrating bunny) and she's learning how to share it with PJ. She still has a problem sharing attention with him, though. I hope I can break her of the habit of showing her teeth when she's getting attention and he wants some, too. They're both attention hounds, and sometimes it's hard to keep up with both of them. Thank goodness I have the kids here to help! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/wink.gif

She has one very cute habit that I find irresistable. Bailey is a morning dog, and PJ likes to sleep late. When PJ finally gets around to getting up, Bailey is so happy and excited to see him that she almost shakes her rear end off! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif Unfortunately, the most PJ will do is look at her in disgust. LOL

I think she'll work out just fine. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

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If you own a dog, you'd better have a sense of humor.
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[Corinna]

Could baily's showing her teeth be a smile? My merlin smiles so much hubby calls him smily dog.

[PJ's Mom]

That sounds so cute! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif I wish it was a smile, but today she showed her teeth and then snapped at him, and all he was doing was sniffing her foot. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif

[This message has been edited by PJ's Mom (edited June 15, 2001).]

[RachelJ]

In our house we call this "the lip". Both our dogs occasionally do it to each other. It is a warning that means "stop it"...stop sniffing my foot, stop playing with that toy, I want it. Part of this is a way for the dogs to work out their relationship with each other. Like kids, it is hard to figure out when to intervene, and to give advice without being there is a little risky. But what I do when I feel one of my dogs is being unreasonably testy is admonish that dog in a tone of voice that shows I am not going to tolerate that. "Hannah, I don't want to see any lip out of you!" "No LIP!"
Your dogs are still in an period of working out who is what in terms of status. Obviously Bailey wants to be top dog and there is nothing wrong with that, but it doesn't mean that she should be allowed to take advantage of him. If it is of any comfort to you, Hannah and Tucker had what seemed like was going to be a tendency to get into fights in the beginning. I actually had to pull them apart several times. But over the weeks the tendency decreased and then eventually completely disappeared. Now they are inseparable. Remember Bailey has been through a lot. She sounds like a wonderful dog. Give her a chance to learn the ropes of getting along with PJ and living in a new household. You have to help her learn.

[Sudilar]

Shiloh still gets the growl and lip from Killian when she is too close to his food or bone. Rightly so because in the blink of an eye, she snatches up whatever and runs with it. Yesterday Killian picked up his whole food bowl and moved it into the front room away from her. I can't help but laugh. They work it out. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gifShe's a pest, but he's a gentle alpha! Dogs, gotta love em'!

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[PJ's Mom]

I love the fact that I can come in here and someone always knows what to say to make me feel better. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

I want so much for this to work out, but since I've only had Bailey less than a week, maybe I'm expecting too much too soon. I'm glad to see it's normal, and that it even happens between dogs who have lived together for a long time. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Thanks, everybody. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif