Adding a 2nd dog, please advise!

[familydoggies]

Our male Alaskan Husky, Rascal, is a year old and today while I was out running errands I met a lady who was taking a beautiful girl Bassett Hound, Gypsy, to the pound because it was lost and the people who were supposed to be taking care of the dog wouldn't come a get it. These people are supposed to be keeping care of this dog while the dog's owner is at war in Afganistan. I asked if I could give the dog a home and have our information forwarded to the care giver and owner of the dog. It looks like we may be caring for her now until the owner returns in February.

I am keeping their feeding and sleeping places separate. We have a kennel in the garage and a zip line across a large yard. We have several capable children who can do activities with each dog. But I'd like the dogs to get along! So far the Rascal is excited and eager to get to know the Bassett, but she snarls and snaps when he gets real close. Rascal is a good bit bigger and stronger. We have collars and leashes for them both, too. What more can I do? What should I be aware of? Thanks so much,

Betty

 

[chazhound]

Hi Betty, welcome to the Chazhound Dog Forums!

You are so kind to take in the soldier's dog. He/she will be very grateful. I know I would be. Sounds like you are doing what you can to get them introduced. Just keep the visits supervised as much as possible until the newness of having a new family member wears off. Be sure to post some pics

Chazhound

 

[bogolove]

I also commend you on taking care of the dog for the soldier. Thank goodness there are such kind hearted people out there.

 

[milo]

Thats great your helping thats soooo kind!
Ive got a 8 yer old black lab and i troduced my 15 week old puppy into the family and it went well apart from the other day they had a crapp!!and now lucky my pup has his ear piecied, i took him to the vet and they said used bathe it and it would heal up good!!!
I was soo scared if milo the bigger dog would hert or evern Kill him!!!
Anyway they have made friends and now they are sleeping together on top of a bean bag!!!LOL good luck introducing your two dog's!!!!

 

[Renee750il]

Time and supervised periods together. Remember to make sure your dog knows he's not being displaced; give them treats together, but make certain you always give Rascal his first. Feed him first, greet him first, etc., but make BOTH dogs respond to a command like "sit" before getting the treat, food or attention.

Most dogs can't resist a game, so getting one involved in a game (I suggest Rascal, since he's the one most inclined to want to be friends) and letting Gypsy watch until she just can't resist wanting to get in on the fun is a good way to start them on the way to compatibility.

When you get discouraged, just remember that this is poor Gypsy's third home in a very short time.

Thank you so much for taking care of the soldier's dog. I can't imagine how awful it would be to come back from a war and find out the people I trusted with my beloved dog had abandoned it to a shelter!