I have just taken on an 11 year old from our rescue. It's far too harsh for him in kennels at the moment.

Out of my 4 dogs, two are fab with him but the 2 Greek rescues are awful, as expected. They are highly territorial and have no social skills!

They are both highly stressed by the new dog and are separated.

My question...

In their stressed state can anything positive be achieved or should I let them calm down before trying to mix them (would b with muzzles and crates)

Or will the tension get worse if I leave them to try to calm down?

They are being walked together. It's inside the house it's bad.

Just to add the 2 greekies feed off each other and they WILL bite.

So shall I give it time or try to mix straight away??

Thanks

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Its a hard call because if a dogs stressed and freaked out especially beyond a certain point they wont focus and often wont take treats. If they are that bad and wont take treats then it can make it hard to train and reward them when you see behaviour you do want.

Again if they are not used to muzzles and/or feel disadvantaged with Muzzles that can add to the stress which is the last thing you need. Also some dogs dont like or are unsure of dogs with muzzles so that the old boy may be un nerved and un-sure even more.

if the 2 greek rescues feed off each other that deffinately wont help. If it were me I would try over the next few days to continue with the walking outside together, especially as you say they are fine with that, its still time together and positive association. Lots ot praise and treats when they are calm an non reactive.

Personally if you can I would work with the two greek dogs separate outside with the old boy. Take one out with him, and then the other. That way they could well be calmer without the influence of each other. If they are more relaxed they are likely to accept him quicker possibly I would have thought.

Next step maybe to have them crated about each other. Short periods at first lost of praise and rewards for non reaction. With short periods they hopefully wont get over stressed, break it down into introductions and keep it withni threshold of what they can all cope with. Maybe again the short crated intros with the Greek dogs separate again so they dont influence each other.?

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Thanks hon. I was hoping you would reply..

There is no way they would take treats. They have reverted back to being "nasty" street dogs and to b honest, if they could they would attack him. Nothing can focus them.

I did this 3 years ago with Sammy ( staffy x). It took 4 months for the fights to stop, but there is no way I can let this old boy deal with them. Also he can't do the amount of walks.

I didn't want another dog but can't bare going to the kennels and he's there, cold and miserable..

I guess I'll keep them separated and walk them together. Ill just hope that they can lose their stress over time x

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Do you own a DINOS (dogs in need of space). To find out more and to find a walking buddy follow the link!


www.dogsinneedofspace.co.uk

Its a hard call isnt it, especially when you have so many with fragile issues. As you say the old boy isnt going to be able to stand up for himself, and last thing he needs is getting stressed either.

Because the Greek two although Im guessing you have got reasonably stable in their own routine it doesnt take a lot to set them out of kilter and react.
Problem is with a dog that isnt bomb proof as you know you cant force the issue just makes it worse.

Whats the old boy like is he pretty laid back and unassuming normally without kennel stress? if he is and not a pushy dog, once he is settled more himself and they spend time with him outside, get used to seeing him and realise he isnt a threat in any shape or form you may be OK.

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The old boy is brilliant. Very Trusting. He's currently snuggled on the sofa with me, Sammy and the bull dog lol.

I'll crack it eventually. It's just a case of wondering if I should leave it or try to force it..

Thanks though x

__________________


Do you own a DINOS (dogs in need of space). To find out more and to find a walking buddy follow the link!


www.dogsinneedofspace.co.uk

The rules of engagement in my house when I take on fosters with issues are as follows.

Dog A gets trained.

Dog B gets trained.

Dog C gets trained.

Dog A and Dog B get trained together.

Dog A and Dog C get trained together.

Dog B and Dog C get trained together.

All dogs get trained together.

For training sesssions I always multiply the number of dogs by two and add one.

If it is happening inside then there is likely to be reason that makes it different to outside which will be either confinement or resources. Try removing all possible causes for resource guarding and work from there onwards with them all. It'll come good eventually.

Thanks hon.

The greekies aren't normal in this situation unfortunately.

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Do you own a DINOS (dogs in need of space). To find out more and to find a walking buddy follow the link!


www.dogsinneedofspace.co.uk