QuestionI just bought an 8 week old Pom on 11-19-05 a female. I also have a three yr old male Pom that I have spoiled. He has tried to bite the female several times and growls at her and does not want to be near her. What can I do? Will they ever get along and will he hurt her?
Thank you,
Sandy
AnswerDepending on the size difference and the aggresiveness of the 2 Poms-one might get hurt but you CAN help the situation with simple things you do when you interact with them. Here are some things to try-
Make it clear to both of them that fighting is not allowed behavior (you may not even have to deal with this problem--but you never know) . If you have to break up a fight--give them both a "time out by confining in a crate or separate area for a few minutes. After a while you'll be able to recognize when one "sibling" wants to pick a squabble with the other one and stop it before it starts. Watch for one dog staring at the other one and the one being stared at acting uneasily or getting "huffed up."
Establish "potty" rules immediately when you get him home. Assume you are starting from scratch and train his as if he's a puppy--keep crated or have him on a leash with you where you can pay enough attention to him to be sure he doesn't have an accident. Take him out to the place where you want him to go, etc.
Don't leave new/old dogs alone together when you are not thereto keep an eye on them. Don't take a chance that a dog fight won't occur while you are gone. It's not worth an injured or dead dog. Crate them both, or if the "old" dog is used to being free in the house, you could always crate the "new" dog in another room. Leave the door closed so the uncrated dog can't taunt him through the bars. (Yes, it does happen. Dogs will act just like kids sometimes) . This can be relaxed to separate only with a baby gate eventually and if behavior warrants.
Feed them in separate areas- for example, put one dog in the laundry room off the kitchen with a baby gate closure, and feed the other one in another part of the kitchen where they can't see each other eat. Food is a great fight starter, especially if you have one that gobbles and one that picks through every bite.
Once alpha dog has been established, you can help prevent spats by recognizing the alpha dog as alpha. Give the alpha dog treats first, let the alpha dog out the door first, etc. Helps keep order in the pack. You, of course, will be alpha over both of them.
Jealousy can be a problem when another dog comes into the household. Be sure to pay attention to both and not baby the newcomer. He'll fit in eventually. The "old" dog may need reassurances that you still love her. It's a good idea to give each one some separate attention without the other one around to try to horn in.
Don't change sleeping arrangements for the current dog. If she sleeps on the bed with you continue to let her, but I suggest putting the new dog in a crate in your bedroom or somewhere else if that is what you choose. You'll also want him crated until housebreaking has been re-established and is very reliable. Whatever you prefer for an arrangement do it from the start. I don't recommend having the new dog sleep on the bed right off the bat. This could cause a territory dispute (territory is you) and cause some stress for the old dog because her world has changed.
Hope some of this helps.
xxoo
-Trish
www.geminipoms.com
