A divided house

Doodle bug7 · 01-09-2009, 05:28 PM

I don't know if there is an answer, although I probably know it already and afraid to implement it. We have a Great dane, a miniature poodle, Italian Greyhound, two mixed, and two Golden Retrievers that are blind. We rescued the Golden's from the Humane Society when they were twelve weeks old. That was three years ago. Since we got them, we have never allowed them to be with the other dogs, accept for the two little ones. We divide the house, each into their own side. The little ones can go either way.
The great dane and one of the mixed are the two that I am scared about. My great dane has attacked my daughters great dane and it was terrible to get her away from him. We are afraid that she would go after one of the blind Golden's
and fight. We are concerned about them being blind and not know what is going on. My daughter says that it isn't the dogs, its us. I realize that, but how can we overcome this or should we? I have seen Cesar and the way he handles the dogs. I have seen them fight also and he has to pull them apart, making the instigator lay down and submit to the other dog.
I'm about to hyperventilate just thinking about it. They also say not to try
Cesar's demo's because he is a professional. Why do they demonstrate it to us if we're not suppose to utilize it? Like I said, I don't know if there is a cut and dried answer but it is very difficult and I don't think that Cesar will come to Kansas. Doodle bug7

Doody · 01-10-2009, 09:50 PM

Hi Doodle, wow, learn something new every day! I never heard of Cesar and just looked that up. Pretty neat, thanks.

The Dane is probably a good sized dog. What about the mixed? Do they get enough exercise? Maybe it's as simple as them needing to let off more steam physically?

jaded2nite · 01-11-2009, 09:07 AM

If you are stressed about them being together it is not a good idea for you to be involved in the introductions. Dogs will feed off your emotions and react to your stress making the introduction doomed.

My latest rescue Max (doxie) doesn't like big dogs. My daughter has a boxer and a pitbull. Both good sized dogs, that probably look like giants to this little guy.

When they were first introduced I made sure they were all leashed and allowed the smaller dog to sniff the bigger dogs first (outside in neutral territory). After a few minutes of getting to know each other we walked them all into the house.

When ever my daughter visits she calls when she is turning onto my street and I leash Max and go out to greet them and we all come inside together. Max is calm because he doesn;t feel his home is being invaded.

You can do the same within your home. Because they live in separate areas, Have someone that is CALM introduce them in an area of your home that is neutral. I would allow the blind dogs first sniffing rights. My only concern in your situation is the blindness. SOME dogs will react with aggression to a handicapped dog out of fear. Handicapped dogs often act different and dogs sence the difference and can be fearful and the fight or flight instinct will kick in.

In a controlled situation, for short periods each day they can learn to live together. It could take months of repetition or just days. Read up on canine body language for things to look for during the intros that will let you know when they have had enough. Its important to stop before they get stressed with each other.

Good luck hopefully you will be able to live in harmony some day.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/what-is...age/page1.aspx

Dottie

Doodle bug7 · 01-11-2009, 04:42 PM

I'm so grateful for your response. Sometimes it just takes a little support.
I did laugh a little about putting them on leash. My husband can hold Alex, the great dane, as she would take me for a heck of a ride. She weighs 134 lbs. I do understand about the neutral territory and the use of a leash. I will not participate, just like a suspense movie where you cover your head and can't look. Sorry that I didn't say who Cesar is, I just took it for granted that everyone knows The Dog Whisperer. That's OK, I was an adult before I knew that there really is no Unicorns. Thanks guys, I totally appreciate your input.
Doodle bug7

GmaSue · 01-11-2009, 07:05 PM

Good luck with your project, it sounds like you have your hands full and a big job ahead of you! One thing that is certain, though, any work you put into them, they will repay many times over.
(But I'm sure I am preaching to the choir!)

Doodle bug7 · 01-12-2009, 04:25 PM

GmaSue, I love the pictures of your dogs, the animated dog is cute, as well.
How did you get the doggie to keep animated movement?. I tried with my kittys but it didn't work for me. The kitty's that were suppose to be dancing are just standing there. Thank you, doodle bug7
Please let me be the person my dogs think I am.