My father-in-law has been hospitalized and left his dog with me. I have serious concerns about this, but knowing the situation, didn't have the heart to say no. The dog is a 12 year old Chow and I am worried that she is too old to adjust to a new environment. I already have my own dog (a Dachshund) and the Chow's temperment is so bad that I am afraid to leave them alone together. Does anyone know any tips to help an old dog adjust to a new home and help it get along with another dog?
2006-09-11 08:46:11 · 10 answers · asked by sweetsunflowergirl 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Okay, this is a serious situation.
Purchase Cesar's' dog whisper book... This is covered.
This dogs (good or bad) is a threat to you, house, and children outside of the other pets. These r best one owner dogs and may not adapt to the new home. So do you best and "call is quits" before you get hurt. If she offers to threaten you in any way. Bye bye doggy- sick uncle of or not. These are primal war dogs. I love them, had several and its not a "training thing" it hard wired.
An old Alpha female chow is the worst case scenerio here. I would highly recommend, completely different living quarters. Chow outside- dog house and fenced off section of the Yard and the Wiener dog, the opposite, just don't let the Small dog antagonize the female in or around "her" new turf..
If the little one is a male, dormancy will be set quickly and they many live together just fine. FYI_ its female dominate, alpha males no matter the breed, but Chow is wolf based society. Feeding and love times are best separete from each other for now. SO that each "only child" still feels like number one
Best wishes for both your dog family and your human one as well.
2006-09-11 09:02:41 · answer #1 · answered by Denise W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to keep the dogs apart for now, and keep the chow in a small room for at least a few days. Have several of your father-in-law's shirts, and maybe a couple toys, etc. make it comfortable, visit often.
after a week or so, start leaving the door open and let them learn about each other on their own.
You may have to separate them a few times, but usually dogs get along eventually. your (new) chow should do fine.
2006-09-11 08:54:38 · answer #2 · answered by korikill 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know...the chow doesn't have much longer to live really, so be nice. Chows, normally do not adjust well to new people and new places. They are one owner kind of dogs. I would show it extra love and attention. Keeping your dog away from it and intruducing each of them to each other in "small doses" may be the best policy for a while. I am sorry to here about your father-in-law and it is wonderful you are helping him and his old chow out.
Good Luck and Take Care
2006-09-11 08:53:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chows are a breed that need the right kind of upbringing to really be good dogs. I would recommend getting the help of a trainer/behaviorist...for both dogs. This will help combat problems before something bad happens. Just like "aggressive" dogs, small dogs need to be properly trained. Many people baby them and they become bigger threats than "aggressive" dogs. I would recommend crating both of them during the day until they are socialized to each other and trained to combat aggression. Your dog may try to assert dominance over the chow, and wind up causing a big problem. By crating both of them, neither will be considered dominant.
2006-09-11 08:52:54 · answer #4 · answered by talented mrs v 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would be careful.
Did the dogs know each other before?
I did rescue an old dog and she did finally come around. But she is still real shitty with other rescues I bring home. If one of my others wants to go after something she bullies in and tries to take over. She didn't do cats, dogs and was HW positive and senile and wanders away but can't walk on linoleum. I fostered her almost a year and decided might as well keep her no one else wanted her. She's the one everyone loves now??
2006-09-11 08:52:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would introduce them gradually. Put up a gate between them when you have to leave the house, because the little guy may not be safe. Do your best to take care of the Chow because their life span is not much past his age now. In fact, I'm surprised at him being 12.
2006-09-11 08:49:23 · answer #6 · answered by skyeblue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure they are fed in separate rooms, this will prevent food aggression. Also, I would crate your dog, or put her in another room when you bring the chow in. this allows the chow to explore her new surroundings and the new scents. Also, do not allow the opportunity for fights to break out over toys/treats/attention. Make sure they are both occupied.
Hope this helps!
2006-09-11 08:49:37 · answer #7 · answered by Kelly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WOW, what a chore to take on.... not like it is a puppy that you could train. Is there anyone else in your family to take over the responsibility? Or maybe a friend of the family.
Good luck.
2006-09-11 08:50:45 · answer #8 · answered by enyates2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring stuff from your father-in-laws house that the dog laid on (blanket pillow ect) Played with diff stuff to keep it calm!
2006-09-11 08:50:24 · answer #9 · answered by amber_marie_l 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good Luck! I do not mean that sarcastically!!
Really Good Luck!
Most of the idea's above sound good!
2006-09-11 09:11:36 · answer #10 · answered by mlara1222 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋