So far i have kept them seperate and switched their blankets so as to get used to each others scent. They have been allowed to sniff each other on leash. I also walk both of them at the same time on different sides of me. So far my Pit hasnt showed any signs of aggression [growling, nipping, biting, etc...] but he seems to be very interested in her. He always wants to sniff her and his ears "perk" up. The puppy wants to play and tries jumping on him. But he wont let the puppy sniff him. They have never been off leash while this happens and the situation is always controlled. THey sleep on seperate sides of a glass door so they always see each other and i do not show more attention to the new puppy than my Older pitt. Ive only had her for 2 days. I am not expecting a miracle to occur soon. But if they dont get along, i will have to get rid of my puppy. are there any other suggestions as to what i should be doing? also, how long should this introduction period last?
2007-03-01 18:29:21 · 13 answers · asked by anjelle2108 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'd suggest placing the chihuahua in a hot dog bun and slather him in ketchup and mustard (of course, depending on what condiments the pit bull prefers). If you want it to be quite special, relish also works well.
The whole introduction should last perhaps ten or fifteen seconds.
2007-03-01 18:33:11 · answer #1 · answered by Joe Rockhead 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
They may get along just fine...it sounds like you're doing everything right. I saw a guy walking a chihuahua and a great dane the other day and it was the cutest thing ever!
On the other hand, I work in an emergency animal hospital and see dogs attacked by other dogs in the household ALL THE TIME. When it's a big dog verses a small dog, the small dog usually ends up dead. When it doesn't, the owner is usually very conflicted about what to do with the dog that caused the damage.
Even dogs that get along can "argue" from time to time, so it's best if dogs that live together are roughly the same size. Besides the possibility of an argument, a large dog can hurt a small one even when the two are playing nice. We had a small dog come in, paralyzed from the neck down because it was playing with a large dog and something went wrong. The owner had been there the whole time they were playing and they had not fought. The small dog ended up being euthanized.
Use extreme caution in leaving your dogs alone even when you're sure they've made friends. And if you can find the little one a new home, that might be the most cautious thing you can do.
2007-03-01 19:39:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh for heaven's sakes, they are getting along already. Most times when you put a male and a female together, they'll get along fine. Your Pit is showing all the signs of interest - ears up, eyes all bright and inquiring. A puppy is a puppy and she'll be curious and wanting to play. So long as your Pit is not aggressive towards the little girl, everything will be alright. Put them together and let them play but supervise the play just incase your Pit forgets that he is bigger and stronger and nips too hard. Never punish the older dog though even though he may be the one that has transgressed because he's the alpha dog in your household and you must let him maintain that position. And don't be too alarmed or anxious by the roughness of the play. The more anxious you are, the more they will sense your anxiety and that's when problems will start. When I have toy dogs boarding with me, whether they are of puppy age or not, I usually leave them alone with the bigger fellows and let them sort it out by themselves. So far nothing has ever happened. The big dogs will let the small frisky ones know when they've stepped out of line. But here's a pointer though. This will only work when the new dog is of the opposite sex of the older dog, or if it is a female to females. Put two males together and you might have a problem especially if the older male is territorial and protective. You've made the right decision in choosing a female. And two days of introduction is long enough. They are dying to know each other already!
2007-03-01 19:16:37 · answer #3 · answered by Aneleh 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would keep the chihuahua in a playpen away from the pit bull. I believe pit bulls in general are nice loving dogs - to people. I have never known one that loves other animals - especially little ones. I'm sure there are some exceptions. The pit bull will want to play even if he is nice and there is a good chance he will play too rough. The chihuahua won't help as a chihuahua won't back down. I think you've got the "Clash of the Titans" about to erupt!
2007-03-01 18:49:36 · answer #4 · answered by Susan H 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well,
I see alot of comments with some doubt about this situation, and understandably so. But it is in fact possible to pull this "miracle" off. It depends on your dogs temperament, pits are inclined to be aggressive to other dogs. but this drive is stronger in some dogs. I also have a pit and have had them since I was a child...I also have a boxer and they are in fact best friends but my pit is very well trained and not as dog aggressive as others. In fact she gets along with all dogs and has never acted out aggressively. Now that said, she is still a pit and it is part of her makeup to not like other dogs, so I'm always watching her with strange dogs...But her and my boxer sleep in the same bed, and don't like to be away from one another....good luck and be very careful..if you know your dog is aggressive to other dogs...do the chihuahua a favor and get her out of there it will not have a snowballs chance to come out alive..
2007-03-01 20:23:55 · answer #5 · answered by A. Powers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly as you are the owner you would know how your pitt bull reacts around small dogs, it is good that you have introduced them on the lead but i would still be carefull maybe you should try letting them both off the leash in your home with someone else there to help you but i still wouldn't leave them alone together, if the chihuahua annoyed it and the pitt bull snapped it wouldn't be good good luck.....
2007-03-01 18:37:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would you even do such a thing? It seems like you are thoughtful person, yet you are willing to ignore the inherent nature of the beast. I'm sure the Chihuahua wouldn't pick this dog to hang out with, so what's in it for you? I think the intro period has lasted just long enough for you to do the right thing. I hope you will see to it that the puppy has a safe home. Good luck
2007-03-01 18:56:48 · answer #7 · answered by izzy o 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do not like the odds at all. even if they get along, the fight over who is the Alpha will come soon enough. you cant stop that. and pitbulls dont nip. I suggest you get the puppy out of there and find a more suitable home. or realistically, get rid of that pitbull. why do people want them?
you still think they are all good? because we can all tell by your post you are as worried as hell bout the inevitable. and anti-pitbull peoole will say "I told you so"
2007-03-01 18:33:34 · answer #8 · answered by SAINT G 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Have your pitbull unleashed but being held down and have the puppy bottom facing the pit and let them stiff and if no signs come up then they should really be fine. I did it with my two pits and nothing really has happen. :)
2007-03-02 01:57:24 · answer #9 · answered by FurtureDukie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't like the odds of it working, I think you should give the puppy away before you end up in tears over it being killed by the pit bull.
2007-03-01 19:07:42 · answer #10 · answered by Bob Peppers 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋