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Help! I've 3 dogs. Two I've had - 3 yr old Silky male and 1 yr old Yorkie female. Two weeks ago I got a sweet and lively Chihuahua from a shelter - 7 month old female. The two females get along great!!! The male sn't too pleased. He usually just passes her by but if he gets prolonged eye contact, he growls, snaps and bites at her (hasn't broken skin or really held on to her - yet). She get scared (of course) but instead of going submissive and retreating (as my other female did when I brought her home), she begins to growl, barks back while trying to run up my side. Her growling and barking makes matters worst of course. It's only been two weeks but I wonder if it is impossible to get these two to get along. I don't get the impression that the Chi is trying to dominate as she runs but maybe she just doesn't know enough not to growl & bark like she is challenging him. My questions - Would it help if I emphasize my status as alpha? Is it that the Chi was not socialized into the rankings of a pack (may have been only dog in previous home)?...and if so, can that be corrected in this setting without her getting hurt? Do I need to look for a new home for her? (I hope not - she is a great dog - so sweet and loves to cuddle).

>>Help! I've 3 dogs. Two I've had - 3 yr old Silky male and 1 yr old Yorkie female. Two weeks ago I got a sweet and lively Chihuahua from a shelter - 7 month old female. The two females get along great!!! The male sn't too pleased. He usually just passes her by but if he gets prolonged eye contact, he growls, snaps and bites at her (hasn't broken skin or really held on to her - yet). She get scared (of course) but instead of going submissive and retreating (as my other female did when I brought her home), she begins to growl, barks back while trying to run up my side. Her growling and barking makes matters worst of course. It's only been two weeks but I wonder if it is impossible to get these two to get along. I don't get the impression that the Chi is trying to dominate as she runs but maybe she just doesn't know enough not to growl & bark like she is challenging him. My questions - Would it help if I emphasize my status as alpha? Is it that the Chi was not socialized into the rankings of a pack (may have been only dog in previous home)?...and if so, can that be corrected in this setting without her getting hurt? Do I need to look for a new home for her? (I hope not - she is a great dog - so sweet and loves to cuddle).

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You'll need an expert in person to observe the dogs and help you decide what to do. Your vet can recommend someone in the area
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com