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Rat-Terrier.com
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wendy471
Newbie
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| 06/14/2007 6:03 PM |
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Hi Everyone,
I just stumbled upon this site and have been reading it for a while. Lots of really good information but I didn't see anything about dog aggression.
We have had Zoey for 3 yrs. We recently, last Thursday, got a rescue rat terrier from the Humane Society; her name is Lucy and they believe she is 1 1/2 yr old. We were hopeful she got along with other dogs; she does! Zoey doesn't get along with her. Maybe I caused it by introducing them together in the back yard. Perhaps Zoey felt that Lucy was in her territory. Since that first day we take them for walks together and they do well. No growling by Zoey. However, as soon as we are back at the house Zoey wants to bite Lucy; she growls and lunges towards her. I've been doing some reading about dog aggression in adults and am quite concerned Zoey may never accept Lucy. Can anyone provide me with any examples or insight you've had with your Rats?
Thanks!
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rattytatty
Newbie
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| 06/14/2007 9:07 PM |
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I'm so sorry to hear that Zoey & Lucy are having issues. Though it is difficult to predict how dogs will interact, most adult dogs tolerate puppies. Problems are more likely between 2 adult animals when one has been living in a household for awhile and a new adult dog is introduced as a new member of the pack. Did you introduce the dogs on neutral territory? In the heart of your older dog's territory, such as inside your home, conflicts are more likely to occur. Please remember that the introduction of a new animal is always going to be stressful for a resident pet, and stress has a way of finding an outlet. In dogs, it may lead to fighting, housetraining mistakes, and jealous behavior. (yes... animals do experience jealousy and rivalry) Obviously, you have experienced this already.
Lots of reassurance and attention are in order. Make a fuss over Zoey and downplay the presence of Lucy. Use Lucy as a "cue" for doing nice things with Zoey; when you pat Lucy... pat Zoey. When you take Lucy for a walk... take Zoey. When you give Lucy a toy, give one to Zoey. This trains Zoey to have positive feelings about Lucy, since when she sees Luclybeing patted or walked, she knows she will also enjoy these pleasures too. If the quality of life for the resident dog improves as a result of the arrival of Lucy... if now there are more pats, more walks, more toys, then Zoey... we would hope... comes to feel 'Hey, maybe this isn't so bad,'
If the Zoey continues to display any inappropriate aggressive behavior towards Lucy, the behavior should be quickly and firmly corrected, since the dogs must learn what is acceptable and what isn't. But do not force the animals to be together if they do not get along. Their way of resolving differences and establishing a relationship may be by avoiding each other. They may even rotate their activities, sleeping, eating, and playing at different times.
Extra supervision is called for if Lucy is much smaller than Zoeyo. A large dog can easily injure a small one in play or overtire her. But, on the whole, dogs will work things out on their own, and, given a carefully chosen pair that has been properly introduced, probably become friends.
Some combinations are more likely to succeed than others. Sometimes, regardless of our efforts, things unfortunately simply don't work out. But to make that determination is always a last resort.
Good luck to you and please keep us posted!
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Scott
Rattie
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| 06/14/2007 9:44 PM |
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| My ratty looks to me to see how we're going to react to whatever comes our way. I have questions about your dogs. Are they getting tons of exercise? Are they leash trained and obedience trained? I feel like there is always hope for them to get along, but I find that ratties really need a firm leader to be on good behavior at all times and even them sometimes they can still get over excited. |
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