How to introduce two staffie's?

Question

I have an 18 month old staffie male and had the snip, we are looking at getting another staff there is a 10 month old female that a girl i know has but she has work commitment's.My dog is fine with other dogs and the girl said her's is too, how should we introduce them?

Answer 1

I have 3 pitbulls and 1 pitbull/akita and I do a lot of fostering of adult dogs. I find the best way to introduce 2 dogs is in a netural place like the park or baseball field. I perfer a fencend in area, where once they have met on leash and everything is going well I will drop the leashes and let them play and what not semi off leash. Once they have spent some time and everything is good. I bring them home together in the same car and they enter the house together so one dog is not in the home defending it from the intruder dog. They are more acepting of the new dog if they enter the house at the same time. I also move all my dogs crates and dog beds and change out the toys so everything is new and no one has a territory or favorite toy they will re-establish the own space at the same time.  Good luck .  

Answer 2

I've just recently got a new dog so I looked into this very topic.  I've got a lovely friendly (but quite dominant) staffie x and our new one is a tiny fox terrier x *****.  She's very small and delicate so I didn't want my big boy to be too rough with her as she was quite nervous.

The advice I was given which seemed to work really well was to introduce them on neutral territory, both on leash. Let them have a good sniff and say hello then immediately take them both on a long walk together (about 30 minutes to an hour). Hopefully they're both trained to walk well on the leash.  This is helpful on two levels, not only does it allow them to burn off excess energy (and staffie's have alot of that!) but is also confirms to both of them that you're the boss of the pack (pack leader) and they both have to follow you.

When you finally take them home just ignore the new dog completely for a while as that will help her to settle in.  There definately might be a few minor scuffles as each dog tries to figure out their place in the pack but as long as these are not serious you can just ignore them.  My staffie growled and lunged at the little one when ever she went near his bed/bone/dinner but this was all noise and he only ever nipped at her.

Apparently it can take about six to eight weeks before 2 dogs will be completely comfortable with each other but with mine they were pretty much the best of friends within about 2 weeks, sleeping in the same basket and playing tug with toys.

Good luck with your new dog - I'm really enjoying the new addition to our pack, it's lovely to watch them play together and keep each other company.

Answer 3

Jo H and Reeve give you thoughtful, good advice.

Good luck with the new member of the family!

Answer 4

Hey i introduced 2 staffs. My main tip is to go on a walk (one person per dog) This way its a fun and neutral enviroment. Praise them if they are friendly towards eachother. They will b fine :)

Answer 5

i know S. T. s are aggressive dogs but they are DOGS male and female just do it it cant be that complicated.