HELP! Dog sitting and need help introducing to my 2

[captain]

Hi guys,

My SIL & BIL are going overseas in 2 weeks time, and I said I could look after there terrier X for the FOUR WEEK period.
I don't know what I was thinking, but my SIL is a person who when her last dog gave her trouble, she took it to the pound! OVER CHRISTMAS!!!!!! I was beside myself! I only found out months later!

ANYWAY, in order to prevent her "dropping off" Zeus like she did the last dog, I said I would look after him.

Problem now is, how do I even begin to introduce him to my 2 monsters?

I will be home for 10 days of the four week period, if that helps any. But will not be home during the day on the 4 days leading up to Christmas (I will be working)

ANY advice appreciated - lovemyshiba? 4/5/6 Dog Mother ...... those of you who have had to do this in the past.


Thanks so much
Michelle

[Cincy'sMom]

Do you have more information about Zeus? Age, size, is he neutered?

Most (and certainly not all) problems are mostly likely male/male or female/female. Since Captain is the more laid back of your two, I'm guessing you will be fine.

The best thing, I think, would be if you could introduce them on neutral territory first. If you could get them together to play somewhere, like a park so something, it may not seem like such a threat when Zeus comes to stay.

One other thing to keep in mind is that terriers are very often, very intelligent, but very stubborn pups. Make sure you let Zeus know right away, you are in charge, and he should be smart enough to follow the rules

Good luck, have fun, and take lots of pictures!!!

[captain]

Amy, thanks so much

Zeus is approx. 1.5 years old, neutered and is about fox terrier or abit smaller in size.

I am abit worried about Ruby and him ........ because she is such a protective little monster. Captain on the other hand will probably just SULK!
I might try the park thing with my Mum and Zeus ...... my dogs know her, and might accept him if she is walking him ........

Oh dear ......... What have I let myself in for.

As for pics - FOR SURE!!!

[Cincy'sMom]

Since he is smaller, Ruby may not see him as much of a threat. She may be excited to have another high engery dog to run with!

One thing we have done with my dogs, is give them each thier "alone time"...I let just one go with me to the store, or do a therpay visits, or even just stay in the house and play with me while the other two go out. Or Ralph may take one somehwere, while I have the other two. It may help, if every couple of days you can put Zeus in another room to rest, and play with just your two, or leave Zeus home while you take Captain and Ruby for a walk...something to let them know you are not neglecting them, and give them a feeling normalacy for a time period.

[lovemyshiba]

Amy has given you great advice. I'm no expert, but I can tell you what we did each time.

Kito was first--he was the boss then, and still is. Everyone knows that and respects him.
When we got Abbey, we had her for a "trial" for a weekend. We brought her home on a Friday night, and introduced them that evening outside on leashes. Kito was less than thrilled. We've since learned that if he's going to snap or growl or anything towards another dog or person, it's when he's on his leash--so instantly I thought we were making a mistake. We muzzled him so they could do the introductory sniffing, and that was ok. We took off the muzzle, and he growled at her again.
For sleeping, he stayed in his usual spot, on our bed, and she slept in a crate. The next morning, I was determined to get them to love each other. We had put away all toys, but I got out a rope toy, and gave each of them an end--they started tugging and playing, and we were good from then on. There were a few squabbles, but mostly over bones, so they don't get them anymore.
Riley was just a pup, and I just sort of let him loose in the house. Abbey and Kito chased him around a bit, they all wore each other out, and he was accepted.
Jada was no problem either. She wasn't a pup, but we did the same thing with her--just brought her in to see the reactions. Kito still hasn't warmed up to her, but there haven't been any major battles other than when the girls were ironing out some differences.

I would make sure to put away any toys that your kids may be possesive of, make sure any jealousy issues are taken care of (food, treats, etc.) and relax.

I don't know if this is true or not, but my parent's vet told them that their older dog actually knows when dogs are visiting, not staying. They had asked, because I was worried about bringing my dogs there since he is older and can't take a lot, and that's what they were told--Max seems ok with them when they're there, so I guess you can take that however you want.

I'm sure everything will go well--I'd love to see pictures when the visit happens

[jiena_drakon]

one thing I noticed no one mentioned is that sometimes dogs are protective or start fights over food and bones so it might be wise to pick up all the bones and food and feed them separately so there are no fights over that while your not there. Everything else sounds great can't add anymore advice than that.

[captain]

Thanks everyone for your advice!

Well, over the weekend, I took my 2 monsters to visit Zeus ........ and after a slow introduction (my 2 outside, and Zeus inside sniffing through the fly screen door), they seemed to get along great. A few growlies, but nothing major.

This afternoon, I am picking up Zeus and taking him home ..... so I am sure the fun will begin tonight ..............
Hopefully it is FUN fun, and NOT BAD FUN .......

Thanks again
Pics Promised

[LorraineO]

hope youre doing better then we are here with my new Ajay and my two babies!!!

[captain]

Just wanted to let those of you who posted know that everything is going A-OK!!!!!

I have taken some pics, and will upload them over the weekend.

Thanks so much to everyone ...

[anna_66]

Boy, I sure missed this thread by a long shot didn't I

Glad to hear that everything is going A-OK at your house!

I'll be waiting for the pictures!!!

[captain]

Remember this thread ............... well, finally, here is Zeus when he visited us (making himself at home on OUR bed!!!)



Playing with Ruby - who absolutely adored him....



Checking out "Captain's step" in the garden



...... and Captain playing with him !!!!!! ( who would have thought!!!)

[Cincy'sMom]

Glad things went well!! Zeus is a cutie!!!

[captain]

And just one final one to prove that even tho Captain THINKS he is aloof, sulky and doesn't like to play with other dogs, look at him ...................... sharing the bed with Zeus ....