We adopted two Border Collie Aussie mixes two years ago (they will be two on March 17) and one English Bulldog in July (will be two on March 24). Soon we will take on an Italian Greyhound mini-Pinscher mix (who is four).
A little background, after the passing of our 15 year old Border Collie we waited a year until we began looking. I went to go adopt one of the Bossies and they were the last two left from an all-kill litter. The plan was for my husband to adopt an English Bulldog. However, the only English Bulldogs up for rescue were older with health issues. So, he gave up on that dream because although he felt bad about the health of the Bulldogs, he couldn't see himself adopting one, only to have the health continue to deteriorate and we wouldn't have them for long. Therefore, we adopted both Bossies.
Then a year later someone he knows was surrendering an English Bulldog who was a year old, the same age as our Bossies. We felt it was meant to be! We adopted her! We love all of them with their individual personalities. At times there are squabbles, but we're on it. One of the Bossies tends to be the alpha. The Bulldog, although a lover, has become a little bully at times towards the other Bossie. However, there are times when they all play and romp around together in the backyard and it warms our hearts.
So why take on another you ask, well here's his story. My adult daughter rescued her dog during the last year of our Border Collie's life. He was our grand-pup. We love him as he is. He even had met our Bossies before they moved to NYC. The thing is, he's not a big city dog and he's not happy - separation anxiety has set in a lot. My daughter will only consider giving him up if he comes to us. This way she still can see him. We have the room, a fenced in yard, frequent the dog park all the time, have taken our dogs to doggie classes, and love, love, love them. How can we make taking on our grand-pup work? I'm concerned about the Bulldog asserting her authority more than the other two, because she hasn't met him yet. Any ideas? Suggestions? Thank you! From my Wolfpack to yours.
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Before you consider adopting the dog do what the shelters have you do. Make your daughter bring the dog wih her for the weekend and see how the dogs react towards each other. See how they get along and paly together and keep an eye on the dog you are worried about. If this all works out your daughter can leave the dog with you and return home. If you have any doubts about how it will work out you can try this for a few days longer and if you still have issues your daugher will need to come and take the dog back.
if you, as human owner, are able to establish dominance amongst the dogs, that will make it easier for the dogs to get along regardless of their particular personality quirks, etc.
it is good to be aware of what traumas or issues the dogs bring into the equation, because some trauma (especially when it manifests as hostility towards other dogs) cannot be overcome unless with a true professional
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