my two neutered males dont get along

Question
QUESTION: I have an olde English bull dog that is 5 yrs. and have had him since a pup. I also have a female pit bull that I rescued and she is spayed. I just recently rescued a 7 mth male pit bull that is neutered as well. My bull dog and my female pit bull get along fine. My male pit bull and female pit bull get along fine. But when I tried to introduce the new male (pit bull) they do not get along. The pitbull male starts growling first then my bull dog reacts the same. I have tried using muzzles, a crate for the male pit bull but nothing will stop him from being aggressive toward my bull dog. I don't want to have to give him back to the shelter because they will put him down, just because he is a pit bull. I can't find anyone to adopt him either.  PLEASE HELP!!! Any suggestion will be much appreciated.  Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Amanda,

Introducing a new dog alters the dynamics of all the dogs. Three dogs are a pack, they have a complex social structure to work out between themselves, and that takes time and plenty of supervision. You didn't say how long ago you introduced your third dog, but it can take a month or longer before the dogs "work things out", and even then it's possible the two males will be aggressive towards one another. You can't rush it, and there's no way to determine the outcome.

Although the dogs must develop their own social order, they must remember that you are still in charge. This means being fair on reprimands as well as affection. Any misbehavior, regardless of who started it, must be handled equally (and with consistency). When play gets too rough, all must be placed in a down-stay position or separated until calm is restored. Make the rules, and then back them up with necessary action.

You must provide careful supervision when you're home, and total separation of the dogs when you can't supervise them. Some dogs are just incompatible. and simply can't work out a relationship with the other dog. This causes a huge amount of stress for all the dogs, not to mention you. Plus, there's always the chance they will injure each other.

If it turns out your dogs can't come to an understanding, your best bet is to locate a Pit Bull rescue group, and surrender the dog to them. There might even be a "no-kill" shelter someplace near you, which might be another option.

These sites might be able to help you locate a Pit Bull rescue group in your area:

http://www.pbrc.net/
http://adopt-a-pit-bull.adoptapet.com/

You might try a google search for Pit Bill Rescue + your state's name.

Best of luck,

Patti

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

QUESTION: Thank you that was helpful.  I have had the 7 month old male pit bull for a month now.  They are still going at it. The male pit bull starts growling first every time.  Do I need to find him another home? They have got out of their kennels 2 times and fought, luckily while I was home. I don't see this getting any better.  I take each one on a 45 minute walk everyday. Please give me your advice.  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Amanda,

If it were my dogs, I'd give up the new one.

It's not good for any of the dogs (or you!) to be living under the stress of the fights, if you're not seeing any improvement.

Sometimes despite our well meaning efforts, things just don't work out. I think your best best would in in contacting no-kill shelters or dog rescue groups.

If you'd like to get back to me with your general location I might be able to suggest places to contact.

Best of luck,

Patti