Adding a new dog into a family always brings some adjustment. Each time we have added one, we have felt sorry for the others because we can't give the same amount of attention that we did before. And the old ones always act like you have done something terrible to them (isn't it amazing how kids and dogs are alike with this guilt thing?) but soon you find that the "old" dog has a new friend to play with and all the problems work themselves out.
We have had the most problems with Jack because he was an older dog (4 years old) coming into a home with 4 other dogs. Although Jack had been around puppies (the people who were keeping him had aussie puppies) he evidently had never been around older dogs. And he wasn't too happy about sharing us or rawhide or food or space with them. He used to growl when they came near to anything he considered his, but now he is getting used to it since we quickly let him know that is not acceptable. So when Taggert and Snoopy start playing too close to where he is napping, he gets up and moves to a new spot away from all the action.
It is always kind of funny because you think you are doing the "old" dog an injustice but soon you realize that you are giving them a pal, a buddy, someone to be with when you are not there, and someone who can give them some of the attention that you do not always have time to give them. Sometimes I actually feel sorry for a dog that does not have a "sibling". As with children, there are benefits to being an old child and benefits to having siblings.
I will be surprised that within a few weeks you don't find that Leo and Penny Lane have become great friends and Leo is the one who is happy to see and be with Penny Lane!
As far as Penny Lane's fears go, you will probably always have to discipline her differently from Leo. Snoopy is definitely a fearful dog too and unfortunately is a high energy dog too and won't quit the jumping up. Not too long ago, Carl yelled at him and it must have been feriocus because all he did was cower and do the submissive pee thing when you looked at him. It was horrible and even Carl felt awful after he saw what his action did. It took Snoopy overnight to get over it and even now he quickly cowers if he thinks his dad is mad at him. (You can yell at Taggert til you face turns blue and he could care less).








Reply With Quote
Bookmarks