I got a big dog and a tiny dog, and they don't get along.?

Question

I got a Chow-labrador and a chihuahua. They don't get along at all, and neither one is house broken. The big dog almost killed the little dog a couple of weeks ago. I only got one yard, which I divided into two, so that the dogs be separated. The problem is I live in a very warm state and the little dog is already 12 years old and pants in the heat. I don't want to give either dog, because the big dog is mine for 4 years and the little for 12. For he last couple of years my sister kept the little dog, but she moved and now both dogs are back with me. Help!

Answer 1

This is really weird but I have a 12 year old Chihuahua. When I travel, my neighbor who has a lab-chow mix watches her for me. In my case, my Chihuahua didn't hesitate to put my neighbor's dog in his place. When she goes over there, she's queen. In your case, I think you've done pretty much all you can. Make sure both dogs have plenty of water and shelter. Panting is not necessarily a bad thing, it's just the way dogs cool off. I lived in Florida for a long time and had my Chihuahua with me then, too. She actually liked the heat (she's short haired).

Another solution, if you still feel your little dog is getting too hot is to move her into a room that has a linoleum floor, if you have one, like a laundry room. This way, since it's not housebroken, it will be easy to clean up after.

Meanwhile, make sure they have shelter with cross ventilation so they can cool down. Keep them supplied with a lot of fresh water and I think you'll be ok with that.

Answer 2

If the chow-lab really did "almost kill" your small dog - I would be asking whether this is an issue for all small dogs or even children! Have you had any other kind of behavioural problems with the chow-lab?

The short term answer is to keep them separately - do you have any responsible friends who could take one of the dogs?

If the little dog is panting in the heat, then I hope there is shade in the yard for her? I presume she is not outside all the time?

Answer 3

Okay, these dogs need to be socialized. I'd take them to obedience classes, and out for walks in the park so they can become more social. The more they are around one another the better off it should be. Also, I wouldn't leave an old dog outside in the heat for long periods of time without a cool shelter and lots of water. Good luck!

Answer 4

That is really strange that they fight like that. Are they spayed/neutered? If not get them spayed/neutered at once. That will really help to calm them down. You can contact your local animal shelter and ask about low cost spay/neuter. I hope this is the reason so you can be helped. I understand not getting rid of any one of your dogs. They are definitely family members. The only other thing I can think of is do you have another family member that can take one of the dogs?

Answer 5

Go to a trainer and ask them for help. The little dog sounds submissive so try to slowly interact them under leashes. Have a friend help and praise them for good behavior. Watch the dog whisperer.

Answer 6

you are doing the right thing by separating them.......put up something that will make a shaded area out side for them and make sure they have plenty of cool water.....put some ice cubes in there water.......have they had all there shots?......they may have distemper making them ugly at each other......you can also put a kidy pool in there pens so they can cool down that way......and although it may be hard you may want to think about finding a good home for one of them.......you have to think about what is best for the dogs......

Answer 7

Get them in Dog Training classes. That teaches them discipline and more! Also you might want to take lessons from dog trainers too so you can learn how to discipline and what to do in these situations. Its very important to keep discipline and exercise in the dogs life.