New dog creates problems - 2008-11-28

Question

I have 2 Desexed Male Maltese, 1 is 7 yrs old and the other has just turned 6 (Brothers 1/8 mths apart). My husband agreed to take in a dog from a work mate. We were told the dog was desexed but nobody wanted it and just left outside, it was 2 years old. It was delivered, not desexed, immunised, microchipped or heartworm and worm prevention. We had desexed the next day etc; My problem is this dog is so hyper, it wont stay off my boys, now they are fighting, I have had to sedate them all. He attacked the cat this morning. Please advise.

Answer

It is a little like a new baby in the house when you already have kids. They now need to share you with more...and may even get less attention as the focus may be on the new addition? A dog is a pack animal and there can only be one leader. Have same sex dogs makes that balance harder than having say one of each sex. Now with the new addition you have that they need to 'rebalance' their pack - and the new addition being younger is very likely vying for the leadership position, hence making their previously balanced life somewhat unhinched. Strong, persistent and consistent leadership is a must. You need to try and identify who is the leader of your pack and treat the dogs accordingly to their status. Feed them separately, make sure that slow eaters get a chance to finish their food, ensure all have somewhere to sleep etc and things should settle. If this is not the case and fights continue, seek professional assistance. Also suggest that you browse our library for past articles and Q&A's on this matter (new addition to the house) as they may help you.