Tank vs a new-comer!

[Chilli]

Hiya,

A bit of advice needed please.

Back in the day, we were Mrs C and I...then we got Mushy, the Pug. Soon after came Tank. Mushy was always top-Dog and ruled the house. The baby Charles came along. Then Mushy died unexpectedly. Tank really came out of his shell and is now Top-Dog. He really does rule the roost and it's lovely to see him shine.
However, we were thinking about rescuing another Bulldog. A bh, who is half his size. They met yesterday and Tank showed her who was boss a few times, when she was sniffing his old chap. Perfectly normal. We even left them alone together for 15 mins in a room and they just settled down within a few feet of each other, no drama's. The girl even followed Tank around for a bit, which I think he liked.

However, on 2 occasions Tank went berserk. THe bh is 7 months, and backed-down at every opportunity, but on 2 occasions, this wasn't enough for Tank and I had to wade in before he hurt her.
I felt so sorry for the girl. She has been abused all her life and now Tank wants to kill her. She deserves better.
We can give her a perfect home where she'll want for nothing. Now, do you think Tank will calm down over time? Do you think he will revert back to being asleep in the corner of the room as opposed to on the sofa with me? Will he resent her...or me...or all of us?

We have a perfect situation at the moment where we are all happy..especially Tank. I really don't want to upset that, but this poor little Bully deserves another chance....she's very sweet, but looks a mess as she has only half of her coat, a few sores, and terrible skin due to her previous owners neglect.

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Cheers.

[S800VXR]

I'm no expert but you need a staged intro really otherwise top dogs going to feel threatened. Don't leave them together for to long and only supervised then. Slowly extend the time and make sure you walk Tank before the intro to get rid of his energy a little. We also found walking the new dog with our old one takes the focus off each other and they didn't fight. It will take time but just don't force the situation, let him get to know her at a distance and don't let it erupt into a squabble as that will drive the relationship backwards as he may start thinking its normal practice.

Also, I hope the previous owners were bloody shoot! Hate idiots who don't respect their pets!

[Jasandjules]

1. They should meet off territory. I.e. a park or somewhere. They can then be introduced.
2. Once they've met the odd time over the park and are comfy (bear in mind IME some dogs just don't get on with specific dogs whilst they get on with loads of other dogs) then take them for a walk together.
3. Do a few walks together with them one each side of you and when they are quite happy (shouldn't take long) then you bring them BOTH back together to your house and everyone goes in together.
4. Then keep an eye on them and if there is a problem then separate them and take them back out for a walk together.

I am not a big fan of "letting dogs sort themselves out" - as far as I am concerned there is no funny business between my dogs.

ETA - just another random thought, has the bi**ch got any odd smelling treatments on her? My dogs (and cats) are wary when the other animals come back from a vet...

[Chilli]

Thanks, that's helpful.

An interesting point re the smells as she's been a regular at the vets for some time now. We are picking her up on Thursday so will have 3 days at home with the both of them, to supervise. I hope they can get on....she's lovely, but Tank's still the guv'nor!

[bexVN]

I'm not sure he is confident at bring top dog, ic she id being submissive and non threatening hr shouldn't feel the need to lay into her. His section leaves me really worried about her safety and how vulnerable she is.

Go very slow, DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE TOGETHER AT ALL. Feed separately get a crate, she can be safe in there at any time you need to leave the room etc.

Next time they meet ensure it is not at his home meet in a park. I think you rushed things a bit a in hindsight shouldn't have left them alone together so early on.

Fingers crossed they will settle eventually.

[Chilli]

bexVN said:

I'm not sure he is confident at bring top dog, ic she id being submissive and non threatening hr shouldn't feel the need to lay into her. His section leaves me really worried about her safety and how vulnerable she is.

Go very slow, DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE TOGETHER AT ALL. Feed separately get a crate, she can be safe in there at any time you need to leave the room etc.

Next time they meet ensure it is not at his home meet in a park. I think you rushed things a bit a in hindsight shouldn't have left them alone together so early on.

Fingers crossed they will settle eventually.

Thanks bex, appreciate it.
I fear I may have skipped quite a bit of what happened. They were fine together, up until she tried to sniff his balls! He snapped, she backed-off, that was the end of it. They were roaming around HER garden (she's only been there a month) quite happily. She was following him all over the place and there were no issues. We then went inside to see another dog, and they were left in a converted bedroom together, for about 15 mins, and there was absolutely no bother. We were only feet away, behind a baby gate type thing. We all came out, and went into another room (dogs followed) where her meds were and we were going through the treatment she will need, when all hell broke lose. They were around our feet and Tank lost it. I pulled him away, and that was that. They were good again.
The other time was when Mrs C was sitting on an outside lounger. Tank sits next to her, sniffing around. SHE jumps up, and all is good. 10 seconds later Tank loses it again.

90% of the time he wasn't bothered. I think over time they will get on just fine and be bestest of mates...I'm just worried Tank will slip back into being "just a dog" and not the life and soul of the family he is now. Oh, and we would never leave them alone, properly. Not for quite a while.

Does that make any sense at all?!

[Jasandjules]

Chilli said:

The other time was when Mrs C was sitting on an outside lounger. Tank sits next to her, sniffing around. SHE jumps up, and all is good. 10 seconds later Tank loses it again.

That is jealousy and/or seeking to protect your wife who Tank sees as "his"......

[Chilli]

Jasandjules said:

That is jealousy and/or seeking to protect your wife who Tank sees as "his"......

He can have her!!!
Yeah, I thought so. I was mindful to keep making a fuss of him...we'll see and hope for the best. I'll try and post some pictures of her when I can....it so sad.

Cheers.