Intoducing the new dog

[raycie]

Do you think the muzzle should be an option?

[Giselle]

I agree. Dogs need to sort out the pack order by themselves. Only interfere when things start to get physical (i.e. when you start to hear vicious snarls). It is also a good idea to intervene when you see visible tension such as raised hackles and the stiffness that you described.

Whenever you have a small and a large dog, I will always recommend a muzzle. Even though my greyhound Giselle was the submissive one, I muzzled her nonetheless. Big dogs don't understand that their sheer snapping strength can snap the other dog's back. Therefore, I would definitely recommend a muzzle for the time being.

The mistake that you made was allowing the dogs to meet on their own territory. Like you said, Violet spent enough time in the kennel to regard that as her safe spot. So when Bailey intruded upon her space, she felt the need to snap at him. You should have introduced them on completely neutral ground like the neighbor's yard or a nearby park. Perhaps you can reintroduce the pair tomorrow at the city park or something. Keep a slightly loose lead but always be on the lookout for aggravated dog behavior. If the dogs sniff each other but do little else, praise and treat them. I wish you luck and post tons of pictures!

[raycie]

I posted this in the "breeds" section, but don'y know if some ppl. are topic specific so.... here she is, and if possible, let me know your ideas as to what she may be. THe pound tag said rott-mix, one of the workers said maybe manchester terrier-mix, some others are saying dobie-mix. She does look a little dobie, but has a wrinkled forhead when alert, and has that stance I talked about earlier..

thanks if you can help.

[Giselle]

Her head *screams* Smooth Fox Terrier:

- Courtesy of http://www.puppydogweb.com/gallery/s...fox_conrad.jpg

She doesn't look quite dobe or rott. How big is she? If she stands at a petite stature, she could very well be part Manchester Terrier or even Miniature Pinscher. Actually, now that I look at it, she looks VERY much like an uncropped Manchester Terrier.



http://www.manchester-terrier-deutsc...home/index.php

Do you have a full body shot of her?

[zoey]

Hi Racie, and congrats on your new puppy!!
When I adopted my puppy a few weeks ago, the shelter here in Texas, said to keep her away from other animals for 2 weeks.
It's a good thing too, because 3 days into the adoption she began exhibiting signs of a contagious "kennel cough" which has finally run it's course.
Was this "quarantine" not advised in your case?
Just curious...