Ive had a dog for 2 months shes almost 4 years old. We just got a new one who is 11 months.?

Question

My 3 year old is German Shepard X has always been an only dog. As a puppy she was adopted from a shelter but her owners didn't show her much attention at all. We just got a 11 months old pure bread blue heeler. I was thinking The 3 year old would be the pack leader but they are already snapping and growling at other. How do I found out who is the pack leader and how does the other one learn. Their both girls.

Answer 1

Separate them. Neither one of them is the pack leader, you are. You are their owner, and their leader, and the one in control of their environment. You need to gradually introduce them instead of just shoving them together in hopes that they get along. Make sure the pup gives the older dog lots of space. Often times an older dog will "maul" a pup or young dog in an attempt to teach them some manners. To properly assess your situation I'd have to know everything about your dog. Other than re-directing your approach, I'd suggest going with a professional behaviorist. People on the internet can give you a thousand solutions, but if they aren't there in person to see the dogs, it could be dangerous for you and/or your dogs!

Answer 2

1/ you are the pack leader, make sure of that.

2/ they will have to sort out who will be the one right after you, it might be either one. When together, supervise them. If they get into a fight, make sure you separate them only if it gets serious. The must get into each other hair in order to find their place in the pack.  

Answer 3

These dogs need to be supervised until they sort themselves out.  Usually a hierarchy emerges. There is nothing you can do to influence which will be top dog they will do this between them. Also the 11 month dog is in the midst of her adolescence and will be very challenging. Just remember that the hierarchy is YOU then dog 1 then dog 2.

Answer 4

Introducing dogs of the same gender can be a bad idea, especially if the GSDx probably wasnt socialized properly as a pup. Male dogs are generally submissive to the female dog, but the two females will probably keep battling to be the boss, as the 11month old probably was the only dog too?? And will want to be boss.  

Answer 5

it was not the best idea to get another pup---if its from  a shelter you dnt know what past experiences it has had with other dogs

the pack leader obviously would be the 4yr old..it is not good that she is not accepting her  very bad---keep them seperate as much as you can and when together SUPERVISION...it could get bad