How does one solve the problem of two dogs not getting along due to jealousy

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Followup To
Question -
I had a yorkie for 13 yrs that my sister's silky one day became aggressive towards because of jealousy and possiveness.  Both were females.  Mine was of a passive nature and allowed me to temporily keep the silky for a year,then one day they became so aggressive towards each other that we could not even allow them to see each other without them becoming as my pet's groomer called "pit bulls", I believe the problem came more from the silky than the yorkie.  I lost my yorkie to illness last summer and have been approached about adopting a female Schnauzer,8 yrs old.  This Schnauzer was rescued from a puppy mill. I would love to give it a home but am fearful about the interaction between the two, and the silky is at my home almost every weekend as my sister helps me care for my mother who has Alzheimer's dementia.  Can you give me any advice on how this could work, or that it wouldn't before I adopt the Schnauzer?  Thanks so much.

Joan
Answer -
Joan,

This is a tricky one.  Without seeing the two dog's behavior it is hard to say.  Dogs are like people, everyone's personality is different and everyone reacts to others differently.   It is also tough because the two dogs will not be living in the house or a permanent basis.

I hope you do not think that I am being nosy.  Please tell me about the background of this Schnauzer, I know that you said that she is a rescue from a puppy mill, but where has she been staying after the rescue.  I gather that being from a puppy mill she probably has low social skills.  I would ask the rescuer if you could take the Schnauzer or a trial basis.

If you decide to adopt the Schnauzer, the dog to dog introduction will be very important.  The best way to handle this is to introduce the dogs to one another on neutral territory such as a park that neither dog has been to.  One person should start on one side of the park and the other person on the other and meet somewhere in the middle.  Let both dogs sniff one another and watch for aggression.  If one of them starts to growl etc then walk away and try again.  

I would try this on a couple of occassions before I would let the Silky come in the house.  Since you know that the Silky has a tendancy to be aggressive don't ever let the dogs left unattended.  

Please feel free to email me at anytime.  I am here to help you.

Ivy.  
Thanks for your advice. The idea about the park seems sensible.  I don't know much more about the Schnauzer.  She was reported to get along with other dogs, is friendly but not overly friendly.  She is staying with I believe the shelter director.  It is my assumption that she was at a kennel or shelter as she was scheduled to be put down when the director took her.  She was in a small carrier when I was introduced to her but has her crate at the director's place.   I will see her tomorrow for another visit. As well the gentleman who has her is going to check with the groomer I used to take my Yorkie too, to sort of check me out.  I suggested that as he and I both seem to want the best for the Schnauzer.  I will try and get some information when I go to "visit" Molly.  It seems a good idea to have the Silky stay at our groomer/kennel during the first weekend that they are introduced.  One thing that worries me is that the Silky is used to my house having lived there for a year and then there on the weekends, and that she may have developed an ownership to the residence and feel that a new dog coming in may be pushing the her out or taking what she feel is her home and thus bring out the aggression in the Silky.  I will share with you any information I gain hoping this is okay.  Thanks for your advice and interest.

Joan

Answer
Hi Joan,

Thanks for responding so soon.  I agree that the Silky may feel that you are putting an intruder in her house, that is why the dog to dog introduction in a neutral spot is so important.  It is a gradual process but I believe that it can work out.  Please keep me posted.