Dog behavior changed with addition of new dog to the family

**killerpony** · 08-07-2006, 12:27 PM

Hello everyone,

This is my first post here, and I am writing with questions about my dog's behavior. My dog is a 6 year old akita/chow mix, Rocco, that I've had since he was 2 months old. He is generally well-behaved and obedient, but that seems to have changed recently. On friday (8/4/06) my wife and I added a 10-week old Boston Terrier pup to our family. Since then, Rocco has been very avoidant of the new pup and has not been listening when called. He has been going into the basement when the puppy is upstairs or staying in the backyard to avoid contact with the puppy.

To remedy this, I placed the puppy in his crate and confined Rocco to the same room, hoping to desensitize Rocco to the puppy's presence. My wife just called me and said that she went into the basement to get something and Rocco will not come back upstairs.

Will this issue resolve itself on its own? Rocco, being an akita/chow mix, has been known to be aggressive but that is controlled with clearly established dominance by myself and my wife. I am concerned because his unwillingness to listen to us may be his attempt to establish dominance.

Any ideas?

Gino

**MajesticCollies** · 08-07-2006, 12:41 PM

Is Rocco Nuetered or is he still intact? With two males in the house, Normally you WILL have a altercation or two for one to develop as the Alpha of the dog pack. You as the master will still be the dominent one but Rocco maybe resenting due to he feels he is the alph of the animals and does see you pay more attention to the pup. He will come around when he's ready. They are just like kids. They pout too. lol

**killerpony** · 08-07-2006, 01:22 PM

Rocco is unneutered, but I plan on neutering the pup ASAP. I guess I will have to wait it out a bit, but I think I might do some obedience training with rocco to confirm my dominance, as well as putting him on a tighter schedule of walking/feeding.

This may also help the younger dog, Hank.

Gino

**Corinna** · 08-07-2006, 01:31 PM

welcome to the board. There are some folks here who really can tell tou how to introduce the 2 dogs togeather . To use a bad point, but how would your wife act if suddenly you walked in and said here is my new wife we are all going to live here to geather. Same type of thing Rocco has always had you alone now you want him to accept this new comer as if nothing has changed . He doesn't see it that way.
As I said there are some who can explain how to introduce them so it'a non threaten to Him.

**Aurie** · 08-07-2006, 02:46 PM

I would definately set up more exercise, training and obedience for both dogs, even the puppy

You may want to keep the pup in his own area for a few days. Dogs don't need as much attention as some of think they do. Puppy can be in a seperate room and Rocco can check him out at his leisure. Gradually, you can give puppy more reign of the house. Crate time for both dogs is good. There is no reason Rocca couldn't be crated for some down time while you and your wife play with the puppy.

Just for curiosity sake, you say Rocco has a tendency to be dog aggressive? Is there some reason you are keeping him intact?

**Dorothy39** · 08-07-2006, 02:51 PM

Welcome to Pet Talk, Killerpony!!!! (shakes your hand

I'm Dorothy39 ( Wizard of Oz, 1939)

I would enjoy seeing pictures of your Rocco later on. Sorry that you and your wife are having a social issue between Rocco and Hank (cute name).

Perhaps your wife can tend to Hank , while you take Rocco for more walks and adjust their feeding stations, schedules and their diet.

Same thing happens when you come home with the second baby!! Believe it or not, those two will become good friends some day.

There are so many wonderful people registered here who can offer expert advice on this subject. I just wanted to introduce myself ,(courtsey) and welcome you .

**killerpony** · 08-07-2006, 03:27 PM

Aurie,

Thanks for the advice. I am keeping Rocco intact primarily because I heard that at this age neutering will have limited impact on his behavior. When I mentioned aggression, I meant that he has been aggressive with strangers (people) and small animals, but not other dogs. He has never bitten anyone, as his aggression flares primarily when he feels protective or when there is a stranger in the home, never outside the home.

He generally behaves in an aloof manner with other dogs, paying little/no attention to them. He is very akita-like in that way.

Dorothy39,
Thanks for the welcome!

I am taking note of all the suggestions and I believe I will begin a more rigid schedule of training/exercise for both dogs. My wife will also have to be involved.

Gino