Huskies,,,

Question
Hello,

We have a 12  year old female chow and a 6 year old female husky, these two dogs have co existed with no problems for six years, recently we adoped a 7 year old male husky, and this is where our story begins.... how can we tell if our orignal two dogs are stressed and or are gonna be ok with this new addition... we understand there will be a period of adjustment for all of them... they seem to do well most of the day, until my son or i go out to pay attention to them, the female stays clear and the male is very affectionate... the female husky is acting jelous of the new male huskey, and the older chow seems more passive...  when we go to leave the huskies cross pathes and begin to battle, and my son has to seperate them, at which  point the male husky immediately lays down in the submissive position and the female husky runs away (gracefully) mind you this is only the second day with the new addition to our family. Our question is, how can we handle this better and or what can we do to make them ok...

Thank you

Charlotte  

Answer
It is caused because She was used to being the alpha of the pack, now this male is here she is feeling insecure. She is trying to find her place with this new male. The most important thing to do when a new dog comes in is do not change any pattern that the originals are used to. She is the one that needs to know everything is okay. I know the male is new and probably needs attention to. But you giving the new dog attention is undermining her position in the pack. You will also need to take just those 2 out for walks with each other. What this does is make those 2 work as a team and slowly work them into an equal position in your house. It will also help you to become the leader of your  babies. If you need any clarification. please ask.