Problem with 2nd dog? HELP!?

Question

I recently took in a male pug from a woman who picked it up as a stray. I thought a companion would be good for my female pug. He has almost completely taken over the house and growls at my dog when she tries to be his buddy and a bit while they or we eat. My dog has always been great being home alone while I'm at work...but not the new dog, he does terribly!!! He follows me everywhere...and I mean EVERYWHERE constantly. And yes I do understand that I'm his owner and he's being loyal, but he pushes my female out of the way. The woman said that if it doesn't work, I can bring him back. What do I do???? Do dogs need to have other doggie companions or are owners just as good??

P.S. I have always been very good to my original dog and show her lots of love, play and attention.

I just want what's best for both dogs...if the new dog needs to be around someone constantly will be what is best for him.

Answer 1

Well, you meant well - but apparently this is not a match made in heaven. Consider taking him back.

Don't blame the new dog. He was a stray for a reason - in that he wasn't cared for by his original owners. A life on the streets, plus being shuttled from one pack to the next is really stressful for any dog. He's naturally going to look out for himself and scrap his way to get his needs fulfilled - come what may.

Also, he's trying to find where he fits into the pack - normal dog behavior, BTW - but it's not fun for the established pack members.

And don't blame yourself. Not every dog does well with others. He might be best off being an "only child" to a different mommy.

Answer 2

You say the dog was a stray. This is a good indication as to what may be going on. He may have been the only dog in his previous home, and isn't used to the female being there. (Not to mention that he is a male, and all males, dog and human, tend to feel superior (o:) Also, it depends on how long he was on his own. If he was on his own since he was a puppy (not likely) he may consider this just another strategy of survival. You are feeding him, and the other dog is eating some of "his" food. He doesn't seem to understand that he is equal with the other dog. I would give it a tad longer to see how things work out, he may just be uncomfortable at first. When my dog Kirby had puppies, Zippy (my other dog) hated the puppies. Everytime they got within her bubble, she would growl at them, and sometimes even attack them. Now she is best friends with one of them, and gets along with the others when they come to visit. Don't be hasty to get rid of the dog. However, if the situation is REALLY not working out, talk to the lady, and make sure the dog will find a good, loving home elsewhere. Good Luck, and I hope Mr. Pug begins to treat Miss. Pug correctly! :o)

Answer 3

I used to be very against people getting rid of their pets. Once you adopt one, it's yours for life. I still do feel this way for the most part, however, I accept that there are those situations where dog and human just aren't compatible. It sounds as if, especially since you had such a good companion already, maybe this 2nd dog just isn't the right fit for your life. This dog needs to be with someone who is home more since he has serious separation anxiety issues.

Of course it would be nice if your dog had a companion while you were away but this particular dog just isn't the right for your lifestyle and your first pet has been lowered in the pack hierarchy which isn't good either.

Answer 4

These are some questions/pieces of information you should consider...

When asked whether it’s a good idea to add a second dog to a family, my answer is always an unequivocal “It depends!” If you’re adding a second dog for the right reasons and your first dog gets along with others, it may be a fine idea. Here are some things to consider when you’re thinking of adding a second, third, fourth (or more) dog to your pack:

■ Are you getting the dog because you really want another? Despite the charming concept of “getting a dog for your dog,” you really should get another dog only for yourself. Getting a second dog isn’t likely to fix your first dog’s behavior problems, and may compound them. Besides, if you’re just getting a second as a companion for your first, you may not be as committed to keeping him if problems arise. And that’s not fair to dog number two!

■ Are you ready for changes in your relationship with dog number one? Not that you’ll love her any less, but every time you add another dog it decreases the amount of one-on-one time you have to share with each. That inevitably changes the relationship to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the dogs, and depending on you. With five dogs in our home currently, it’s impossible for me to have the same relationship with each of them that I had with Marty 30-plus years ago. That doesn’t necessarily mean better or worse – just different.

■ Does your dog enjoy, or at least tolerate, the company of other dogs? If not, you’re in for a serious challenge if you bring another canine into your life. I have clients who have resigned themselves to years of future management because one of their dogs is willing and able to do serious damage to their other(s). In some cases they knew this in advance and wanted the second dog anyway. In others, they found out after the new dog came home that the first dog had no wish to share his home. If you don’t know how your dog will be with another, you might borrow one from a friend for a week or two and see how it goes, before making a lifetime commitment to another canine.

■ Do you have the resources to properly care for another dog? Not just money – which is certainly a consideration – but time, energy, willingness, and space? One more dog doesn’t seem like much at the time, but sometimes the stars align to throw you several curve balls at once.

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/

Answer 5

it will take time...as dogs they need to find where they belong in a pack...that is probably what they are doing, when i got my second dog it took about 2 months to get things in good running order. I would also reccomend taking the new dogs to at least a 8 week training program that would do wonders!