Monday 28th is not going to be a good day...
By feralwoman
@feralwoman (2199)
Australia
May 24, 2007 1:32pm CST
and it's not because it's a Monday.
My lie-in day will be gone as we have to take both our dogs to the vet's first thing in the morning. No, there's nothing wrong with either of them - but this is hubby's idea of getting them into a safe environment so they can be introduced to each other.
We've had the Border Collie pup for 5 months now and he was introduced to our 12 year old Jack Russell on the first day. Old Jack ended up biting pup on the foot and drawing blood. As with Jack Russell's, he really locked his jaws on and it was the Devil's own job to get him off.
Since then we have had to keep them separate - which is proving difficult. One dog is getting more attention than the other and it's not fair on the other dog.
They are both spending the whole day at the Vet's and will be kept in neighbouring cages to start off with. Then they'll be introduced to each other on leads by the nursing staff and a dog trainer. Then eventually they'll be let off the leads and left to their own devices. Thank god there'll be a vet handy. It does make me worry so, as I really don't want either of them to get injured.
Please wish me luck for Monday!
2 people like this
4 responses
@Angelwhispers (8978)
• United States
29 May 07
Morning Feral, My Jack Russell is 10 years old, She use to have tolerance and patience for other puppies and kittens even strangers, but now I have noticed that she tries to bite anyone she does not know that happens into her home and yard. I think its just that she is getting cranky in her old age. I am wishing you luck at the vets, I hope it works out well for you and that your OLD Jack will calm down about his new house mate. Its hard keeping dogs like that apart at home. Let us know sometime today how it went for you.
1 person likes this
@feralwoman (2199)
• Australia
30 May 07
Hi Angelwhispers - your Jack sounds like my Jack! Yes, they do get cranky in their old age and have to reassure themselves that they're top dog all the time!
Surprisingly it all went very well at the Vet's on Monday morning! Hubby & I were both amazed at how good they were. I think it was because they were in neutral territory. They went for walks together and behaved and were let loose to play out back (under supervision) - and all went well. Puppy was his normal boisterous self and old Jack told him to back off - which he did. He's a submissive puppy and has learnt his place in the pecking order of our house! As for who's top dog, well... lol ;)
@feralwoman (2199)
• Australia
30 May 07
Awww i'm so sorry you had to let your doggy go. It was getting close to that point with us. It'll never be an ideal situation I don't think - but at least they're not killing each other! lol ;)
@Angelwhispers (8978)
• United States
30 May 07
I am so glad it all went well, we tried adding a puppy not long ago 6 months maybe, a rat terrier, but it was a no go, His name was Jack incidentally, and Dollar my Jack Russell, hated him, and Jack was to rambunctious, for her, I just thought it unfair to both of them, he needing sooo much attention and She it being her home. I found him a good home with no other dogs, best thing for both dogs, Dollar gets to reign Queen, and Jackie all of the love a human can give him. I am so glad its working out, sometimes it takes someone else showing us our Dog friends are not the rulers of the den that we are.
1 person likes this
@Woodpigeon (3710)
• Ireland
29 May 07
Well, it sounds like you got through Monday swimmingly and they are now home together? How is it going? I had the same problem with my old dog when we got the pup and there were some very dicey moments. It all worked ou though in the end, so I hope things go as well for you and your brood!
@feralwoman (2199)
• Australia
29 May 07
So far so good Woodpigeon. They do need careful watching of their body language but i'm doing little introductions throughout the day at the moment and positive reinforcing with treats when they do something good and also to divert their attention away from having a potential fight! Geez, it's hard work getting a new pup when there's an existing one in the house! Thank you so much for responding my friend. lol ;)
@lifeis2good (1183)
• United States
29 May 07
Awe you guys do so much for your pets!!! So nice to know that there are others who truly care about their pets and are willing to do everything they can to make the transition easier on everyone!!! I do hope that all goes well - Much Luck!!!!!
@feralwoman (2199)
• Australia
29 May 07
Hello there - It all went surprisingly well. No one got injured and in fact both doggys played together, with the collie dog being the submissive one. It was amazing to see!
Today has been their first day at home together. I've let them out a few times to play - all was OK - but the collie is very boisterous and old Jack isn't too keen to join in. Basically it's all worked out very well! I'm very happy so far. A lot more work needs to be done by me, but at least my anxiety levels are way down now! Thanks so much for responding to this mate! lol ;)
@KatieS (503)
• United States
24 May 07
Kudos to you for getting help instead of getting rid of one of your pups. I think it's great that you've taken this step to get your dogs to get along. I know people who would've just given one away instead of dealing with it. You're a good pet owner.
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