Dog behavior changed with addition of new dog to the family

[killerpony]

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

[Aurie]

Neutering will still have an effect at any age. It may not be as big as an effect as when done as a puppy, but there will still be a reduction in typical intact behavior (either male or female). Also, neutering has the benefit of completely eliminating any chance of testicular or prostate cancer. Good luck! It sounds like you really have the best interest in your pets at heart. Thus why I added the extra information

[sanford8916]

Our dog is 6 years old too and we just got a puppy in Feb of this year. He wasnt' sure at first either. Our puppy was full of it, so we would crate her for awhile each day to give Winchester a break from her. They are buddies now. Just give them some time to get use to each other and keep up the training for both of them!

[BOBS DAD]

Akitas are generally loners and can be quite stand-offish. They usually do not bark unless there is a good reason. They are silent hunters who hunt low to the ground without growls or noise, similar to cats, and unfortuneately a small dog can be initially considered prey.The same is true for cats, rodents, birds, and small wildlife. In is likely that your Hank is confused. Seeing that you like and play with what might otherwise be he prey, he has chosen to avoid the intruder - in hopes that maybe "he will just go away".

Akitas can be raised to accept animals in residence, but it will be a bit harder introducing a new member into an adult's domain. It is, however, imperative that the Akita be closely watched around the other animals until you have established a peaceful co-existence.I would "NOT" put them in the same crate until you have "seen" some bonding beginning. Otherwise, you may be asking for trouble - and by the time you may be able to "re-open" your crate and intervene, you may end up being very sorry.

Male Akitas show aggression toward other male dogs, and female Akitas usually will not tolerate another female. Akitas can live peacefully with a dog of the opposite sex, though some Akitas prefer being an only dog! That said, with the proper attentiveness and persistence, Males can learn to tolerate and coexist with another guy, but usually will not ever be "best buds".

Akitas are also VERY food possessive. You will want to be certain the Hank keeps his "own food bowl or treats/toys" and that the new guy "gets his own". When feeding, keep the new guy away from Hank until all of "his food" is gone... and then feed the youngster.

When giving treats (especially if Hank has learned any tricks for his treats). Call them to you together - but keep pup away from Hank - even if you have separate them with hands/forearm. Ask for a trick and give Hank his treat first - and right away. DON"T make "him" have to work very hard. Make the pup earn his and always gets seconds.

Good luck.

[areias]

I also have an Akita/Shep/?? Mix, who is the exact same way when we bring home a new addition. He will let you know he isn't happy for the first couple weeks, but after a while he gets used to it, and seems to enjoy the others company. He dosen't much like to deal with puppy antics, and once the puppy matures he has no problem. He will avoid a puppy at all costs. I have more of a hands-off approach, I let them figure out their social status. He will put the puppy in its place if need be. However that does not go for all dogs, figure out what works for you.

[killerpony]

thanks for all the great advice.

Bobs Dad;
The way you described akita behavior is exactly the way rocco is. However, he has not displayed any predatory behavior to the pup, Hank. I will consider neutering for the older dog, as well, in an attempt to stop aggression before it happens.

As far as crating is concerned, only the pup is in a crate. Rocco can go pretty much anywhere in the house (not on the furniture). After doing some research yesterday, I decided my best bet was to work with each dog individually and assert my own dominance. I have created a schedule of feeding and walking that I will adhere to strongly. Also, with Rocco (the older dog) I have been doing some exercise and "alone time" which includes obedience and play.

This has already had a big effect. Rocco has been able to stay in the same room as Hank and is not as skittish around the pup. I think that creating clear boundaries has helped him to understand his role in our "pack" and he has been happier for it. My wife is also doing the same routine and has been spending time with Rocco and Hank separately.

Thanks again!

Gino

[deegayle]

As soon as you can, I would also start walking them together. dogs that walk together will consider themselves part of the pack. make sure they walk by your side and not in front of you. Assert your dominance over both should help to. We have introduced a puppy to our Jack Russell and he was very put out for a while. now they are friends though they still fight over the same toys. yeah, they are just like kids aren't they?

Dee