New doggies in your home

I'm writing this blog to help new pet owners and long time pet owners who might be having problems with their dogs.  What I say here is my own opinion (learned through many years of having pets in my home) and should not be taken as "expert" advise.  Hope it helps.

So you have gotten a new dog?  It's a wonderful and happy time right?  Not so much?  Your "old" dog is jealous or looks like he has been betrayed.  The new dog wants to learn all about your home and yard.  The "old" dog already knows where all the "good" places are and doesn't want to share.

Be prepared.  There will be confrontations (and maybe some aggression) but dogs are not people and sometimes it takes a while to get used to the idea that this "new" dog really does live here too.

If you have multiple "old" dogs, well, the problems can be multiplied exponentially.  Especially if you have a strong Alpha dog.  You (and the dogs) will have to show the new dog who is in charge.  Of course, you and whomever else (human that is) lives in your home are ALWAYS the Prime Alpha.  This includes children and, yes, even babies.  Dogs have to know their boundaries and who is in charge.  If you aren't in charge, one of the dogs will be and that can cause more problems than you can imagine.

Use a strong voice (Mom or Dad voice) with your dogs but don't yell at them.  A look can do as much good as yelling.  Maybe even more.  Dogs usually know when they have broken one of the rules and a stern look from Mom or Dad usually suffices.  If the dog has done something especially naughty (snagged food off the counter, gotten into the trash, snapped at another dog for no apparent (to you) reason) then you have to IMMEDIATELY scold them by telling them that that is bad.  One trick I use comes from how wolves interact with their pack.  If one of the pack members breaks a pack rule, the alpha will chastise them and then they are shunned for a short time.  Tell the dog something like "Bad dog." and then turn your back on them.  If they are sensitive they will probably try to get in front of you to get you to look at them so just keep turning away from them.  You don't have to do this for long.  Just long enough for them to understand.  You need to remember that dogs are descended from wolves and wolves are very strong pack animals.  Dogs NEED a pack and you and your family (and other animals that live with you) are their pack.  They will do anything they can to make you happy so go with that.

So with your new dog safely in your home, start to let them know you are large and in charge and they can't do whatever they want.  They have to follow the rules.  Let you alpha dog teach them (without getting violent).  They will probably learn more and faster that way.  Step in when you need to and give ALL of them as much affection as you possibly can.

Please remember that just because it's difficult sometimes, you brought this new dog home and you CAN NOT just give up on it in a few days or weeks because it's hard to get them to do things your way.  Pets are a forever thing.  Unless they are overly violent you should be able to teach them easily.  If it is a major problem there are trainers available to help you.

More later.

THE MORE I KNOW ABOUT PEOPLE, THE BETTER I LIKE MY DOGS.