What's the best way to teach an old dog to get along with other dogs?

1. STAFF

   Paul Edmondsonposted 12 years ago

   What's the best way to teach an old dog to get along with other dogs?
   
   We have a German shepherd that is 11. I'd like to get a puppy, but our current dog can be aggressive to other dogs even though she's been socialized a ton. Is there a way to introduce another dog to our home?

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2. 51

   NancyCarpenterposted 12 years ago

   Hi Paul,
   
   Before bringing the new dog to your home, take all dogs to a park or other space to get acquainted. If you need to drive to get there, have a friend drive the new dog in a separate car from the older guy. Let the dogs "meet" in a neutral, public setting. It's OK if one of the dogs doesn't seem to pay attention to the other -- your goal is to introduce the dogs in public, rather than in the older dog's territory (home).
   
   When you are ready to leave the public area, bring all dogs home at once.  You should have few, if any, problems from there on.
   
   The Rescue agency from which we adopted our third dog advised us to introduce them via this method, and it really works!
   
   Nancy

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3. 95

   Peggy Wposted 12 years ago

   Hi Paul,
   
   If you would consider getting a younger dog from an animal shelter, often they have rooms or outside spaces where existing pets (and people) can meet the prospective new pet to see how everyone gets along together.  Good luck with your search for your new furry friend.

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4. 0

   Norah Caseyposted 12 years ago

   I would also add that the puppy that you chose should probably be calm and submissive. A super energetic puppy may frightening your dog or make her nervous. Fear or anxiety is usually what makes a dog aggressive.
   
   Also, you may want to have a trainer who is familiar with your dog come with you when selecting the puppy. Volunteers at an animal shelter and dog breeders are useful sources of information, but may be biased.

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5. 60

   Marc Babineauposted 12 years ago

   Believe it or not, just get the puppy! All older dogs will take a puppy on as their own when it is brought into the house by it's master... bringing your dog to where the puppy is will endanger the puppy when you bring it home, but when you bring the "stranger"| puppy home elderly dogs take them on, sort of like a mentor - you will even notice the elder dog get younger, start playing and teach the pup things.

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