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Getting Two Dogs to Get Along

Dear WOOF:

I need some help introducing two dogs together. I have a 6 month old cockapoo - she is very friendly to people and other dogs and also very passive and just want to play. My boyfriend on the other hand
has a 6-year-old Jack Russell who is VERY territorial jealous and aggressive (I think its aggression I'm seeing, maybe it's dominance).

The Jack Russell was never socialized as a puppy and has never been around another dog. We want the two dogs to get along or it may turn into a problem for us - he loves his dog and I love mine so neither
one of us is willing to let the dog go. We took them for a first meeting yesterday - we took them to a park that neither of them had been to before. I kept mine on her leash and we let the JRT off his. My dog just wants to play. At first he came up to sniff her and she just stood there, but then he started growling and lunged at her! My boyfriend yelled at the dog and grabbed him and put him back on his leash. We tried letting the JRT get closer to my dog while he was on leash - but he kept barking at her and trying to bite her. We then tried taking them for a walk together and that wasn't to bad - of course the JRT had to be in the lead and he really didn't pay to much attention to my dog. Now my dog is afraid of him and I'm afraid he is going to bite her. I'm ok with him trying to be the dominant one - I could live with that - I just don't want mine to get hurt or bit.

His dog even barks at me if he kisses or hugs me. Is there something we should be doing or do you think this was a normal reaction to a first time meeting? I guess my questions would be this:

1. Was this a normal reaction for a first time meeting?
2. Should they both have been on or off their leashes?
3. How often should we get them together to get used to each other and how long do you think it will take for them to get used to each other before we might think about a trainer. We can't really afford
   one.
4. Do you think a private trainer might be able to help us?

The JRT is 6 years old and very set in his ways. Even if you walk by his food dish he'll start barking at you and run over and eat his food. If you walk away he'll stop barking and stop eating. He is very jealous of me also. He has lived with my boyfriend alone for along time so I'm sure that doesn't help in my quest for friendship between two dogs. I know people that have two or more dogs and when they brought the new dog into the home everything was fine. I can't even imagine taking my dog to the JRT's house, that will really freak him out.

Please, any input you can give would be appreciated, I would hate for my relationship to end because of this dog, but if we can't get them to like each other we are going to have a major problem.

Thanks.


Hello:

Introducing 2 strange dogs to each other can be a tricky process but in most cases, if each dog has been well socialized things will usually go smoothly. There is no real way to tell how things will go until they are actually together, but there are some key things in your situation that give an indication that things were not likely to go well .

You indicate that the Jack Russell Terrier is 6-years-old, and has had no social experience with other dogs. This is probably the biggest contributing factor to your dilemma, as he has never learned to interact in an appropriate way with members of his own species. Socialization during puppyhood provides the opportunity for learning to read intraspecific body language with regard to approaches and greetings, and how to respond to both submissive and dominant communications. Since he was not given the social experience during his early development, he is less likely to respond well in social situations with other dogs as an adult. Also, you do not mention it, but if the JRT is not neutered, it should be considered immediately. Aside from the positive health benefits, it can help to reduce his reactivity toward other dogs.

You specifically ask the following questions in your email that I will address individually:

1) Was this a normal reaction for a first time meeting?

Yes, unfortunately the response could be considered "normal" given the circumstance and the JRT's lack of social experience with other dogs. For well socialized and experienced dogs, this would not have
been considered a "normal first meeting".


2) Should they both have been on or off their leashes?

Given the JRT's social history (or lack thereof) it would have been best to keep him on a loose leash just for control. A loose leash is very important in keeping any frustration (prevented from getting at
the other dog) or fearful responses (lack of ability to flee) in check.

The trouble with this introduction was it's duration. You mention that initially he just sniffed her (a pro-social behavior) but soon after, he was lunging at her and acting aggressively. Maintaining interactions on a pro-social level for brief periods (even if it's just 5 seconds long!) helps to cultivate a more relaxed attitude, and increase the potential for continued pro-social behaviors the next time they're together.


3) How often should we get them together to get used to each other, and how long do you think it will take for them to get used to each other before we might think about a trainer.

This question is impossible to answer - sorry ;( I will say though that each time an inappropriate episode occurs, the JRT is learning to continue the behavior and your poor little cockapoo is becoming more afraid. I would recommend that you employ a positive reinforcement trainer right away to work with you privately before you attempt another meeting. He or she will be able to supervise interactions and will be able to tell a lot about the potential for a pro-social relationship through observations. They will also be able to give you a program and exercises that can help increase your chances for success.

If you are in the Metro Detroit area, please call us to set up a private consultation. If not, we'll be happy to refer you to a qualified trainer in your area.

Best of luck and thanks for writing,

Lisa (Laney) Patrona,  Dip. DTBC, CPDT, CBC

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