Getting a Second Dog who's Older and Bigger?

Question

I know the question of bringing a second dog into the home has been discussed before, but my situation is somewhat different, so...

I have had my 8mth old Jack Russell x Maltese since he was 7wks old. He is a gorgeous little fella, and a typical Jack in his tendencies, ie. quite assertive, lively etc. He has been to training and is also desexed.

Next week I will be getting a rescue dog who is about 2yrs old, and just a bit smaller than a Kelpie (not sure of breeding, definitely some Beagle, probably some cattle dog). He is extremely timid with strangers to the point where we expect him to hide for at least the first night. He does get along fine with other dogs, though he does appear to be quite submissive with them. He has also been desexed and obviously had some training.

So the question is this - most people suggest treating the current resident as ranking higher in the pack as they are usually older and bigger - in my case, he's younger and smaller, but also much more dominant in nature. Has anyone had a similar situation that can give me some tips? I am concerned that the new dog could feel bullied if the puppy is too assertive.

We will obviously show the puppy plenty of attention as before, and allow the new dog to take his own time to settle in. I have bought some new toys for both, new food bowl, bedding etc, and have plenty of treats on hand to reward good companionship. Any other ideas?

Thanks for your help, and sorry about the essay!

Answer 1

Adult dogs are likely housetrained and beyond the mouthy, jumpy phases of puppyhood and adolescence, but they have plenty of active, healthy, loving years ahead of them.

so others prefer older and bigger dogs because they are already trained...

try this site to help more on that..

http://dogtime.com/adults.html

Answer 2

When you get the new dog and bring him into your house, make sure both dogs are on a leash. this will keep them from being able to lurch forward and try to fight. One of them will be the Alpha dog. Take them both out on a leash and walk them for about 30 mins. this will get them in the habit of being in a pack and should get the aggression gone. By walking them at the same time they will get use to one another. I did this very same thing with Schnauzers. And it worked great! Good Luck!

Answer 3

The dogs will determine dominance over time.  Treat them both with individual attention, and then when things settle down and you can see who is the dominant one, treat that dog as the dominant dog -- feeding first if you are giving treats, etc.

Suggest that you always monitor feeding time so that no arguments arise or feed the new dog in his crate so he'll feel secure.

Your new dog will be shy and need to feel secure until he figures things out.  The 2 dogs will need time to get adjusted to the "new pack".  

Introduce the 2 dogs outside the house.  Use the yard, the driveway (on leash), a park.  Make sure they meet in neutral territory so your dog does not feel he has to protect his territory.

Age and size have nothing to do w/ dominance.  My smallest rescue, my youngest and newest is the Alpha dog here.  She made that very clear in the 3rd or 4th week and the others agreed to it.

Ask the rescue group for advice also.