Xerxes
Posted : 4/27/2007 11:16:49 AM
ORIGINAL: spiritdogs
Instead of taking her back, take her to obedience class. At least the instructor will have some suggestions for you, including the fact that you don't grab a frightened dog physically to lead them, you use a leash, which she can drag around for a week or two until she gets used to you. If she's housetrained, and not destructive, or if you can crate her, why can't she stay indoors? Are you sure that she isn't frightened or being bullied by any of your other dogs? Rescued dogs need months to acclimate sometimes, but if your hubby can't wait, take her back. But, frankly the bite was from your ignorance, and may cost her her life.
A word to the lurkers and newbies - snownose has a good point - research your breeds!!!!!!! Also, learn about pack dynamics and the things that can go wrong, before you bring a second dog into your home, or before you bring any dog in to a home with children age 10 and under.
Good advice.
Just to add, the entire household dynamic can change when you go from 2 to 3 dogs.
It really takes from 3 to 6 weeks for the new dog to adjust to the routine. The first day the dog should just spend in it's crate getting used to the sounds and sights and smells of the new home. Then a few minutes at a time out to explore, on lead.
This is the time to use alot of positive reinforcing with this new family member. Treats should be used to encourage and yes, even to bribe the dog into learning that the humans are in charge of the resources and are leaders of the family unit. Boundaries should be gently demonstrated, and reinforced. (If you don't want your dogs on the couch, don't allow it at all. Gently tug the leash and redirect the dog to it's appropriate place!)
New dogs need to be introduced on neutral territory, not just thrust into the middle of the family. The resident dogs can feel as if the new dog is an intruder, however if they are introduced in neutral territory the resident dog is more apt to think "I have a new friend."
Listen to spiritdogs advice, she's got multiple dogs and knows alot about dog behavior as she trains dogs professionally.