New dog not warming up to old dog!?

Question

I got a lab/terrier(?) mix about 8 months ago, he's about 30 pounds and won't get much bigger. I just recently got a chihuahua/dauchsund (I think) mix, about 10 pounds, and they are basically the same age. The lab is very friendly and curious, and really just wants to play, but with the new dog it's a different story. She growls and tries to nip at him if he gets too close, and he doesn't try to retaliate or anything. The lab is male, the new dog is female, neither are fixed. I will be taking the lab in on Tuesday to take care of him, but I don't see how that will really solve her problem, as it's her that isn't "playing" nice. Any suggestions as to what I can do to make things work out???

Answer 1

She could just be scared, A new place, new life, and a much bigger dog is around. I wold give her about 3-6 weeks to get use to him. I have only had big dogs and when we got a new dog that was a smaller breed, she did the same thing. Our vet said that she was just trying to tell the bigger two dogs that just because she was smaller didn't mean that they could pick on her. She did stop though when she realized that the other two where not going to hurt her. I had a husky and an Akita and then we got a Chow Chow. But she was the runt so she was a bit smaller then most.

Answer 2

Take control of the new dog's behavior now. It doesn't matter why she's growling or nipping at your older dog. Get her attention with a touch firm enough to draw her mind away from the bad behavior and give her a "no" command. When she stops and relaxes then provide affection. Remember the correction must be firm enough to draw attention from the current bad behavior so you let her know it no uncertain terms that it's not acceptable but not so firm that you instill fear in the dog.

As the new dog learns what's OK in YOUR home, she'll see it's only OK to be nice. Be consistent, calm and patient.

Answer 3

Question, how long have you had the new dog?

When we got our new Chi in February, our Doxen (who we had a year) took about a month to get adjusted after being the only dog since she was a pup. We kept a close eye on them both until then.

Now, she gets sad and literally pouts if my mom wants to keep the Chi for a night. They get along famously and he is a LOT smaller than she is.

Answer 4

Where did you get the Chi mix? If it was from a shelter or a rescue they normally will tell you if the dog is dog agressive. Is it possible that she's going into or coming out of heat. SHe may want nothing to do with him. Dogs (dog aggressive or not) will choose who they want to be friends with. Your male may have upset her to the point that she doesn't like him anymore, it is possible. She just may be unforgiving. They may not ever get along and her nips may turn into full out aggression. I suggest seeking out a positive trainer who can help to evaluate the situation. It may be that it will never work out between the two of them, but there might be alternatives so that you don't have to get rid of either one of them.

But my best suggestion is to seek out a trainer who uses positive training and can help you work through the training, as this may turn out for the worse if you are not careful.

Best of luck to you and your pups.

Answer 5

If she was like this since she met the lab, then she's most likely scared of him. those growls and nips are warnings to him to stay away, because she doesn't really understand that he wants to play (plus hes MUCH bigger so i wouldn't blame her) just giver her time to warm up to him.

Answer 6

your small dog is very wise in growling at a bigger clumsy puppy. She realizes she could very easily get hurt.

Answer 7

Try to google it.
have a nice day, Tricia

Answer 8

You could put a muzzle on her so she can't bite him or you can let time take it's time.

Answer 9

TIME