2 yr. old GSD & 4 yr. old Husky

Question
I have a 2 year old GSD, Daisy, that I've had since her puppy age. She is a very important member of the family and we love her to pieces.

Our neighbor asked us if we would like to take in his 4 year old Alaskan Husky dog, Raven, since he couldn't take her them to CA with them. I thought about taking in this new dog because I've always wanted a Husky dog, so that Daisy wouldn't be lonely and so that she wouldn't go to the pound. With spending little time with Raven, I've noticed that she's not to active and quite lazy.

Anyways, when I bring Daisy around Raven she tends to get very territorial and aggressive. I do my best to keep Daisy calm and talk to her in a stern voice; I don't hit or spank Daisy because that wouldn't do me any good. When Raven came to my place she tried to play with one of Daisy's toy, but Daisy was not having it. Daisy keeps growling and barking towards Raven, but Raven is calm and every now & then she growls back to Daisy. So now, I have to either keep Raven outside and let Daisy roam her house or I have to keep Daisy locked in the room and let Raven roam the living room. I don't want to have to keep either dogs locked up and have to constantly feel like the referee.

So with that said, I'm not sure how or what to do to try to get these two to get along. I thought about getting muzzles for both dogs, but I'm not sure if that's the right thing to do. Please inform me of some helpful tips. I'll appreciate anything that I can get, thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Tiffina,

Having two adult female dogs in the same house can be problematic, as you are now seeing. The ideal multi-dog house has a neutered male, and a spayed female because of the aggression problems that can arise between female dogs.

You may be able to get Daisy around Raven to tolerate one another, though they may never be pals, or the aggression between the two dogs could increase. I couldn't tell you which way this will go. Until you are confidant that the two dogs will remain peaceful with one another, don't leave them alone together, even if they're muzzled.

Because both dogs are large, the consequences of them being aggressive towards one another could mean somebody could get hurt. I suggest you contact a dog behaviorist, to at the very least evaluate the two dogs to see if a professional thinks they can be trained to tolerate one another.  A behaviorist will also be able to show you how to be the strong "alpha" leader your dogs need, in order to behave in a non-aggressive way.  Working with a professional will be the shortest route in getting control of your situation.
It's entirely possible that the best solution would be to either give Raven back to her former owner, or find her a different loving home for her. This is a stressful situation for you, but it's also a stressful situation for the dogs to be living this way.


Read more about dog on dog aggression, as well as finding tips on dealing with it:


http://www.canidae.com/blog/2012/02/does-gender-matter-when-adopting-second.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201404/aggression-between-dogs-in-the-same-household

http://www.dogbehaviorblog.com/2008/12/when-two-female-dogs-in-the-household-are

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/feisty.html


If your veterinarian can't suggest a dog behaviorist in your area, you may be able to locate one here:

https://iaabc.org

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck, and a happy Thanksgiving!

Patti