Animal House?

Question

My girlfriend and i are planning to move in together. She owns a Pitbull, i own a Doberman. Plus her cousin wants to move in and he owns a Rotweiler and a pet Python snake. (We would never let the snake and the dogs interact we are not sure it's safe) But what about the dogs? We know all 3 breeds have extremely strong personalites, can be loyal, protective, and fierce guard dogs, but with proper training can they all coexist in the same house? Or do some breeds just don't mix?

Answer 1

If all 3 are spayed/neutered and are all trained and get plenty of exercise it can work. It may not be easy. Don't just throw them all together and find out the hard way. All the owners will need to be in charge and on top of things.

I would try doing some walks together. Don't put the dogs face to face. Start with just 2 dogs. Walk them side by side (not too close at first), put the humans in the middle dogs to the outside. Make sure the dogs are on good training collars and walking beside or behind the humans...not in front.

If they do ok, then walk them closer but still side by side, not face to face. After a nice long walk then let them sniff each other, watch the body language. Do not let them posture or give the "eye". If that work then go from there and try to add the 3rd dog on a walk....maybe with the quieter of the first 2 and then add the other, last dog later.

I managed to get a bf's dog aggressive Siberian to accept my Whippet and 2 Bostons this way....dogs she normally would have tried to attack or kill on sight.

But I am pretty good with dogs, so YMMV. If the dogs are not obedience trained, start now. Dogs can learn at any age, find a local Obedience Club....you can google it or go to the http://akc.org site and go from their Obedience page to find a local club.

And the other poster was telling you to check Cesar Millan's site. His book and his video are quite good.

Also google Nothing In Life is Free.....that can help teach the dogs to follow your lead better as well.

Answer 2

Have they been together at all? Or are you planning on putting them all in a new place & hope? Before you try to get them to coexist, you should introduce them to each other (2 at a time) in a neutral location to be sure their personalities will allow them to live together. I've had alot of different dogs live together in one household (currently 6), but it's always been 1 at a time & always with supervision.
I hope it works out but I would think twice about the cousin.

Answer 3

They may be fine together, just depends on their personalities. I would recommend bringing them all together in neutral territory first, and letting them get to know each other that way. Do that a few times, and then make sure you bring them all into the house at the same time-so no one has the "this is my house" mentality. I have an alpha dog, hates male dogs. I was able to bring an old shepherd in, did it the way I mentioned above, and had no problems.

Answer 4

It depends on their personalities not their breed. These 3 dogs are all very powerful and most have their own minds. However, with proper and firm socialising, consistant discipline, it would work. It would also be good to have additional help from professionals like Cesar Millan to help out and establish a harmonious relationship and hierarchy.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

I think tikitiki makes a great suggestion with having them meet in a neutral place.

I'd also recommend having the dogs meet each other one-on-one rather than throw all three of them into the same room at a time. I think having all three meet at the same time could become very chaotic. Having them meet one-on-one gives you more control of the situation.

If the dogs behave aggressively toward each other, you have to chastise them just as you would chastise children when they fight or misbehave.

Answer 7

I had 3 Rotts and they were great dogs, when we were out 4 a walk one day we found a dead badger, and a baby one still alive....So me being as I am I took the lil'guy home and raised it with my Rotts.....Fluffy(the badger) got along great , wrestled together and even ate out of the same food dish together.......So if these 2 animals can get along together I know that 3 canines can for sure....May take some time and disipline, but that's just a little time and effort.....Good luck......

Answer 8

I hate to say it but if these dogs aren't fixed--and maybe even if they are, I'd be scared to death to move all 3 of them into the same house. And I'm not the type who freaks when you mention one of those breeds--I love all dogs. But instinct is a hard, hard thing to overcome.

Answer 9

I think that they will but there could be some complications like whos where in the pac but once thats sorted they should be able to get along really well.
Good Luck

Answer 10

i agree with everyone else but i wouldn't leave them unattended use crates or kennels when nobody is home and never leave toys or food out when your not around to supervise.