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.

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. 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.

[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. 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.

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. He's cowering on a chair next to me with the most hurt look on his face.


[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.

Here's my baby:



Isn't she adorable? I waited 3 days to get her.

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!!

[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.

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.

[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. 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.

Good luck with your new dog. I'd give her another chance, she sure deserves it.

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-Rottie

[Rottie]

One more thing! 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!

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-Rottie

[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. your doing a wonderful job!!