Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Canine Behavior > Will they ever get along?

Will they ever get along?

18 17:10:56

Question
I have a mix-breed siberian husky of 10 years. And just recently we got a new puppy- A mix-breed german shepard/husky. He's 6 months old now. My older dog Max hates other dogs, I don't know why, but he's always been like that. Since we've have the new dog Max has been kind of jealous, but everyday while Brutus was really little, I brought him to Max, so Max could sniff him out and you know, they'd get to know each other. Rather than just one day introducing them when Brutus is full-grown. They seemed to be getting along great, every now and then I bring them to this park and I let them run loose together. Brutus has fun, but it seems like Max doesn't even like him. he just seems to ignore him. Brutus has this habit of getting up in Max's face and I know that bothers him. That's the only time Max will be all "f**k off" lol. But it's understandable... Anyway, they seem fine with me, but Brutus is still growing and he will soon become territorial. And I'm worried. I'm worried that if I leave them alone in the house (un-attended; like if there's a huge thunderstorm) Max will kick his ass. Do you think they'd fight? Also, the dominance issue, Brutus is a young pup, and Max is old and well, Brutus has already out=grown him. Do you think Brutus will assume dominance over Max? And if that happens will Max feel neglected and just die? Because I heard that happens. Like, he'll feel he's been replaced. I'm just waiting for that day when Brutus tries to assert himself, which I actually hope never happens because he's HUGE and Max is old and I don't think he'd win. Mind you, Max is FULL of energy still, the healthiest 10 year old dog I've ever seen. When Brutus is with me, Max still owns me. He'll push Brutus out of the way.

But about the dominance issue, would fixing Brutus before he's of age change this situation? Because the way I see it, Max is the boss, Max is the older brother and Brutus is to learn off of him. But I'm so worried that if Max steps down to him, he'll give up on me. I don't want my dogs to fight either, because that would have to end in release of one of my dogs(probably brutus as my family says) I don't want to, and I wanted to know your input on this situation.

Apparently getting Brutus fixed before he's of age will stop, or lessen his urge to be the leader. Please let me know what you think. :)

ps, sorry about the monster paragraph at the top.

Answer
Hey, thanks for the q. same happened with my dogs. just put a fence up while your gone so they can see each other but can't tear each other up. I don't think they'd fight but you should take precautions just in case. Some dogs are just like that. I don't know why... I can only say that keep up with letting them sort out who each other really is and hope it turns out well. Take it slow. I'll follow up with any more info i get. thanks