New dog dilemma

Question
Hi Karen,

I noticed in your profile that you are very familiar with miniature schnauzers so I was hoping you could provide some insight into my dog's behavior.

My boyfriend and I have raised our 2.5 year old miniature schnauzer Sophie since she was a puppy. Up until this week, she's been an only dog with no other dogs in the house. This Sunday, we took in a 1.5 year old Giant Schnauzer in need of a home - named Frannie.

We've agreed to take Frannie into our home for a 2 week trial period with the possibility of adopting her if she gets along with Sophie.

Unfortunately, Sophie seems to be afraid of Frannie at times and tends to cower around her. She will not play with her toys or drink water out of her bowl for fear of Frannie. Frannie has a gentle disposition but seems to be possessive of her own toys and has taken Sophie's toys and water bowl as her own. She will growl or nip at Sophie if she trys to drink from her water bowl or play with her toys.

Sophie has not been her normal happy, playful self since Frannie has joined our household. My boyfriend and I are worried that if we keep Frannie, Sophie will continue to become submissive and fearful of Frannie. We also really like Frannie and would like to adopt her but are afraid that this would cause Sophie anxiety.

Any tips on how to get Frannie to be less dominant/possessive and Sophie less fearful? We would really love it if they could get along better as we do want to keep Frannie.

Thank you for your help!

Lisa  

Answer
Frannie sounds like she belongs in a one-dog household to me, no matter how much you like her. She is a bully.

I would put out extra water bowels around the house, and correct Frannie whenever she threatens Sophie. If she starts growling over any toys, I would temporarily remove them. She must learn that guarding toys, etc. means that she will no longer have them at all.