boxer pup two tiny chihuahuas

Question
QUESTION: I want to get a f boxer rescue pup to walk/run with but have two tiny unspayed f chihuahuas.  after reading these posts, do you think it's a mistake.  the little ones are 5 and 7 yrs and I just never neutered them.  I'd have the boxer neutered asap.  I worry the pup may hurt the little ones.  what do you suggest?

ANSWER: We "spay" females and "neuter" males.

As in any situation where we bring a new puppy into a household with other dogs, regardless of size, there will be situations.

You will have to teach the puppy to play "careful" and what kind of play is acceptable and what is not.

The same with the Chihuahuas. You can not allow them to over run the pup because they were there first.

Teach ALL of them what is acceptable behavior and what is not.

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

QUESTION: Thanks so much.  Would just keeping myself as the alpha prevent one of the chihuahuas from trying to keep it?  They bicker on occasion but not anything harmful.  One will want the best spot on their beds or the other will hiccup and they will start growling at each other.  They never harm each other during this squabble but having a big puppy may change the dynamics.

Answer
Hi Debbie,

Chihuahuas are little imps.  They require a lot of attention and vie to be the center of attention.

This, you probably already know :)

Yes, you need to be the alpha at all times.  Never forget that. Be assertive and don't allow any of them to win in any situation, regardless.

Yes, a new puppy will change the dynamics-- but the Chihuahuas will be jealous as you probably anticipate already.

I suggest buying a bike horn or loud whistle, and use it each and every time one of the dogs (including the Boxer puppy) growls, becomes aggressive, misbehaves, any behavior that is unacceptable to you.

Then, after honking the horn or blowing the whistle, verbally reprimand them in a stern, firm voice using easy-to-understand commands.  Be consistent.

Soon, they all will associate the sound and reprimand to the immediate behavior and stop.

Once they obey, offer a treat and be equal at all times with all three.

If one gets a treat, or attention and love, they ALL do.