RatsRule!
Ratastic
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| 06/03/2008 5:23 PM |
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Wasn't sure where to post this, but hope I get some suggestions. 
I will be bringing a second rattie to our home soon ( see My New Girl Bonnie !? under the rescue foru for pics), and wondered if anyone had any information, suggestions on how to go about introducing her to the dog I already have. Both are a bit submissive, and I already know to have their first intro outside of our home. Can anyone offer any info as to what to do after that? thanks! (I'm ging to see if I can read up on this in a book somewhere too.) |
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erniebenernie
Bratty Ratty
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| 06/04/2008 1:12 AM |
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Chloe will probably love a little sister. I have to go look at Bonnie's picture.
I would think if you let them introduce themselves without interference, they should do what they do best. They'll sniff and figure each other out. I think they do better if we as owners don't make a sound or give the vibe that they should be frightened.
Let us know how it goes and keep us updated.
I'm sure someone will have much better advise, good luck. |
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Vicki
~*~I'd rather own an inch of a rat terrier then a mile of a pedigree~*~
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gwacie
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 06/04/2008 6:50 AM |
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Terri, when I introduce a new dog here's what I usually do at my house. It helps to have a friend or family member over to help with this.
First I lock all of my four dogs up out of site and I bring the new dog in and out to the yard. This allows new dog to potty and sniff the smells. Plus it's a bit less threatening to all to meet outside then IN the house.
Next I have my hubby let out Zip who is our lead dog (in your case you bring out Chloe). The new dog is on a leash and Zip is loose but he is well trained and used to meeting fosters. You want to be able to be right there with the new dog in case there are issues. I talk in a very calm soothing tone (not a hyper squeaky get excited tone). I'm trying to keep the first meeting very LOW KEY since excitement sometimes gets out of hand. Once I'm sure the dogs are ok together I introduce the others one at a time (you can skip this step grin). If you have a fenced yard then you can let the girls run together if they pass the first test of getting along right away.
Don't be surprised at Chloe if she barks. She might feel she's protecting her person and her house and surprise you. It doesn't mean they won't be friends but they may have things to work out first (like who is top girl). You just be calm, firm and don't allow any really rough stuff. Sometimes if there is a bit of grumbling I squat down and pet both dogs (one on each side of me) at the same time so they can see I (the alpha in the house) accept both.
I hope your HV is a pass and this goes through. Two ratties playing is an amazing thing. |
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gwacie (Bethany)
My Doggies: http://www.myadams.net/dogs/
Rescue: http://www.newrattitude.org |
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rattytatty
Training Moderator
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| 06/04/2008 7:17 AM |
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| Gwacie has given you great suggestions, so I don't really have anything to add... except good luck and keep us posted! |
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~Nora~
Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, OA, OAJ |
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Mitzy's Mom
PAWesome
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| 06/04/2008 7:18 AM |
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Great advice Bethany. I let my dogs meet the newbie out in the yard first, too. And when I picked up Danica (foster) I took my alpha Mitzy along with me so they could sniff, etc. when we stopped for potty breaks along the way...really helped.
Terri - you'll love having 2 ratties! The sight of them playing and tuboing together is so cool. And don't be surprised if there is a lot of grumbling/growl talking between them...mine play rough but have never hurt each other. |
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Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids
Georgia Foster Mom, New Rattitude
Check out our ratties at www.newrattitude.org |
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daisydeux
Ratastic
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| 06/04/2008 7:36 AM |
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We got our 2nd about 6 weeks ago...It is an absolute blast watching them play!!!  I am so excited for you!!!!!
Julie |
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braeli_bryson
Terrier Terror
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| 06/04/2008 9:06 AM |
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| i just let them be natural... i let my newbie sniff around forst to get acquante dto the environment and then let the oldie come to her.... then they barked, wrestled and played!!! it worked out very well... |
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"No one knows YOU better than YOU!"
gianni_mahopac, ny
bryson: pearl tri color | braeli: chocolate tri color.
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RatsRule!
Ratastic
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| 06/04/2008 10:31 AM |
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| Thanks so much for all your advise and suggestions everyone- especially Gwacie! My HV is tomorrow evening. I'm so anxious and nervous and excited I can hardly stand it!! I sure hope we pass too Gwacie!! Do I need to be worried that I won't? I really want to bring Bonnie home! |
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gwacie
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 06/04/2008 11:01 AM |
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| Being worried is of no value. You will probably be fine. |
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gwacie (Bethany)
My Doggies: http://www.myadams.net/dogs/
Rescue: http://www.newrattitude.org |
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RatsRule!
Ratastic
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| 06/04/2008 12:02 PM |
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To be honest I'm not worried! I have a safe, clean and loving home, and we take very good care of our Chloe, and I think it will show, so I'm really not worried about not passing. I'm really more anxious to have this done is all. Waiting is NOT my forte! And waiting for Bonnie, now that I've found her is even harder!!  |
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alice4512
Firehouse Big Dog
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| 06/04/2008 12:34 PM |
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Because of the situation with Alice, I had no time to introduce them on neutral ground or bring Fred with me. When I got home from picking her up it was about 11pm, I left her in the crate brought Fred out to sniff the crate then opened it and prayed. They snifffed butts and ran pottied and we went to bed. Alice was crated at night for about 2 weeks just because we weren't sure if she was potty trained. During the day those first 2 weeks she was gated in the kitchen but her and Fred could sniff though the gate. After 2 weeks I slowly for little increments let them run the house together til I was confident they were okay. Now they both run the house while we are at work and sleep in their armchair together. It will all be okay and if it's not as long as you are the alph you will have control of the situation. Crates are the best thing in the beginning. |
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The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too
~Mom to my good boy Fred and my crazy girl Alice~
Proud applications coordinator for Ratbone Rescue |
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RatsRule!
Ratastic
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| 06/04/2008 1:59 PM |
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Well, both Chloe and Bonnie are submissive little girls and Bonnie can be a little easily frightened or unsure, so I just want to be sure I ease them both into it all gently. I think with everyone's suggestions, I'll get it figured out and it will be okay.
I'm so excited to see them play together- I know it will be cause for lots of smiles and laughs! Heck- I get lots of those being around Chloe- so 2 will just make it all that more enjoyable!!! |
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gwacie
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 06/04/2008 2:06 PM |
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YOU are entirely too excited (grin). It will be even worse once your HV is done. Deep breathing...calm....inhale...hehe
I honestly understand though. Awesome Dawson, the foster boy who was hurt in Austin is coming Friday and I am very excited...and he is not even MINE! |
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gwacie (Bethany)
My Doggies: http://www.myadams.net/dogs/
Rescue: http://www.newrattitude.org |
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RatsRule!
Ratastic
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| 06/05/2008 10:57 AM |
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I can't help it!!! I am very excited. The hardest part f right now is the not knowing yet (100%) IF Bonnie will be able to come home to us or not. I'm sure that once the HV is over and I hear from you on whether I passed or not will put me at ease- because then I'll know. That's when I'll be able to breathe easy again !! LOL!! Not long now though - I can make it!! 
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gwacie
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 06/05/2008 11:03 AM |
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gwacie (Bethany)
My Doggies: http://www.myadams.net/dogs/
Rescue: http://www.newrattitude.org |
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