integrating new pet issues

Question
QUESTION: I have an 8 1/2 yr. old German Shepherd mix I rescued from a shelter just over a year ago.  Yesterday, I took in a 5 yr. old Lhaso Apso that was in need of re-homing.  My shep. mix is very laid back with a great temperament. He gets along with every person and animal he has ever met.  Even my cats have befriended him.  The Lhaso gets aggressive with him.  He snarls and growls if the Shep. plays with a toy or gets near his food.  Just a few minutes ago he went after him for no apparent reason.  I just got a nasty bite separating them.  How can I help the new dog integrate? Is he scared in his new environment, or just a strong Alpha-type?  If I cannot resolve this issue, I will be looking for a new home for the Lhaso. I would appreciate any advice.  Thank you.

ANSWER: It definitely just sounds like you're in the middle of not-so-well-mannered Lhasa, which is actually common for that breed. How exactly does the shepherd respond when the lhasa gets aggressive? Is this a dog that you're hoping to maintain ownership of or is this a re-homing process? Unfortunately, I'm sure this is part of why he's with you and not in a permanent home.

What you can do to help ease some tension is make sure the Lhasa has access to his own space. And definitely feed separately. My favorite trick of the trade to help with this situation and to make him realize it's not His house and in turn, maintain your alpha status is to not have food out constantly...if you do, and when it is feeding or playtime or treat time or whatever the occassion, is to make sure he gets his last and he has to earn it. Meaning the smallest command, ie. sit, stay... And he will not get the reward until he is doing what he's told. You're basically re-wiring his brain from whatever negative motivation that he has been used to. And who knows, he may be acting like this due to having to fight for his food, space, you name it long before he got to you.

Let me know how things go.  


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response. I have some more information for you as to his history: he was owned and raised by a couple in a nice house with a yard, along with his litter mate, his whole life till now. He is 5 1/2 years old.  The couple got a divorce, the woman moved to a small apartment and works many hours and felt she could not give the dogs the time and attention they need. So, this is a huge adjustment for the dog. I have read on the breed and I know they are "feisty."  The more I talk with the previous owner, the more I see she pretty much let him have his way. He dominated the other lhasa when they lived together and while she did try to work with him and teach him basic commands, if he didn't feel like doing it she kinda let it go.  So, he's used to being in charge.  This is probably the first time someone is trying to put boundaries on him and he doesn't like it so much. The food is no longer an issue.  They eat out of each other's bowls and it does not seem to bother either dog. Once i accidentally stepped on the lhasa's paw and he attacked the Shep. But, the most significant thing is when the shep. plays and 'attacks' his own toys... the lhasa goes nuts. Oh, any my big dog does defend himself. Neither dog has been physically hurt #yet#; it sounds totally awful but thankfully there has been no injury #except to me... I've been bitten several times. I have started working with him on "sit" and some basic commands and when we walk I keep him on a short leash (literally# next to me.  Do you have any other training tips that may help me establish that I'm in charge?  I would love to work with a trainer but my budget won't allow that right now.  Thank you so very much for your time and attention to my concern.  God bless you, Pamela

Answer
It sounds like you're on the right track. Since this is a HUGE adjustment for him, it's important for him to follow the rules AND get rewarded when he does good. Unfortunately, you're getting the short end of the stick since his previous owner let him have his way. This just means you're going to have to be the bad person and also the good person when he's behaving appropriately.

By just maintaining making him earn whatever he gets (and do it with as much time as you can spare) and constantly reward, meaning either treats or simple praise, and you'll be fine. And don't be afraid to teach him new things as well, the more he can "show off" and prove that he can do these things, the more he'll be rewarded and love life!

When it comes to the aggressive behavior when your shepherd goes for his toys- if you have a second person that can distract the lhasa at the same time so he doesn't feel the need to react would be ideal. Otherwise, go ahead and place him in a separate area or simply put a leash on him and distract him yourself. Basically, it's just letting him know that what the shepherd is doing is no business of his and he can just calm down.

Keep me posted and if you have any more questions. Good luck!! :)