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Introduction to a new family

BEINNBHREAGH Feb 04, 2006 04:19 PM

Hi Everyone.
My name is Diana I live in Nova Scotia Canada...I am owned by two beautiful siblings Beinn and Bhreagh who will be 7 in August..

My question is....
In April I am moving to TN and will be going to stay with close friends who have a 7 year old female Tzu..
My babies are very quiet, non-confrontational, and a bit shy..Sometimes overwhelmed when meeting a new dog for the first time..Beinn especially so..

The Tzu in TN is an only child and very protective of her things, and her Mama..she is a sweetie but resents other dogs. Sometimes I think it is out of fear on her part, but she is a tough cookie...(Gotta love her)..

Does any one have any suggestions on how to make this transition as easy as possible..We are planning on meeting on neutral ground but what do we do from there..?

My two will be very intimidated, and I am not sure how protective I should be with them..Or do I let it play out..
Thanks for any input and suggestions..

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Hugs Diana, Beinn and Bhreagh
Sharing in fellowship....Serving in Love

Replies (6)

TheChirpnTails Feb 05, 2006 07:18 AM

It's always worrisome when introducing new pet/s to an established household, wondering how everything's going to work out. It's recommended to let them meet beforehand on neutral turf, but if that's not possible just let them get acquainted on "their" terms, take a sit back and see approach as they interact, and ready to step in if any vicious fights break out. There will probably be some posturing, not wanting to share toys, food, but it's best to let the dogs work this out on their own to establish who is going to be leader(alpha) and who will be followers.

It's not nearly the problem with like-sized, or same breeds, as it would be with dogs of sizeable differences and breed temperments.

BEINNBHREAGH Feb 05, 2006 12:42 PM

It's always worrisome when introducing new pet/s to an established household, wondering how everything's going to work out. It's recommended to let them meet beforehand on neutral turf, but if that's not possible just let them get acquainted on "their" terms, take a sit back and see approach as they interact, and ready to step in if any vicious fights break out. There will probably be some posturing, not wanting to share toys, food, but it's best to let the dogs work this out on their own to establish who is going to be leader(alpha) and who will be followers.

It's not nearly the problem with like-sized, or same breeds, as it would be with dogs of sizeable differences and breed temperments.


Thank you so much for your input..

We have planned to meet on neutral ground, on leashes...My dogs Beinn and Bhreagh are social and feel safe around me..They will be meeting new people and Miss Maria for the first time...

Maria however knows me and will be excited to see me but how do I give her attention but at the same time continue to make them feel safe? Would it be appropriate to allow Maria's Mama to hold them and I take Maria...Or do we just all ignore them and let them as you say work it out..

Beinn will want on my lap and Bhreagh will hide behind my legs..Maria will dare one of them to touch her things..She is such a sweetie but very possessive, sometimes I think she scares herself..
They will not confront Maria

PS...I love your pictures....

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Hugs Diana, Beinn and Bhreagh
Sharing in fellowship....Serving in Love

Ariaa Feb 07, 2006 07:30 AM

First I have to say, that is the most adorable photo. Looks ALOT like my little one. Same colouring, facial etc. hehehe

As for the meeting.

My little one sounds like has very similar temperment to this little dog (Maria?).

She has been extremly spoilt, hates other dogs, and is very possesive and dominant.

Despite this, she keeps making new friends. Meetings are never uneventful but as long as I keep her on lead, keep calm, and chat with the owner, things are normally ok.

You seem very worried that your dogs are non confrontational. This is probably good.

Ariaa will always test the other dog. She will raise up on two legs and growl feircely bearing her teeth. If the dog shows any submission or nervousness she calms down. She is still very likely to give them a nip on the ear to test them, but as long as they are submissive, she will settle down, and quite quickly start mothering them, chasing other dogs away, rounding them up if they stray too far etc.

She hates the idea of losing her spot in her little pack order. (She also things shes much bigger and tougher then she is, as she'll take on anything, wolf hound, Bull Dogs, even a horse)

I suggest you stay calm, act as if nothing unusual is happening, and reassure your dogs as nessecary. Keep a close eye on things, but don't panic if there is a mild tiff between them. As long as the situation is controlled they will all be fine. Let them argue it through.

As for when you get to the house. Find out where the other dogs favourite spots are, and try to keep your dogs away from some of these. This can create fights.

Ariaa is very funny about my bedroom for example. If any visiting dogs gos in there, she goes mad. If they hop on the bed, they are never forgiven. These are spots she brings other dogs when shes ready.

Good luck, and don't worry. It will work itself out. Give it a few weeks and they will probably all be great buddys. Ariaa now shares my bed happily with my newest dog Maui every night. I

BEINNBHREAGH Feb 07, 2006 03:26 PM

I suggest you stay calm, act as if nothing unusual is happening, and reassure your dogs as nessecary. Keep a close eye on things, but don't panic if there is a mild tiff between them. As long as the situation is controlled they will all be fine. Let them argue it through.

As for when you get to the house. Find out where the other dogs favourite spots are, and try to keep your dogs away from some of these.

Hey There...
Thank you so much for your post and encouragement...

I guess I am an over protective mother..And my two are very timid and shy, It bothers me that they are so easily frightened..I tried to do everything when they were babies to socialize them but I guess I failed in that area..
MY Bhreagh loves other animals and Beinn loves people...

Maria is such a sweet dog she is just very possessive, and she will be of me as well...I live in Nova Scotia and the dogs have never net but I am moving to TN in April and they will be housemates for awhile..

I know in my heart they will be okay..Its just nice to hear how others feel and the suggestions that they make....

Bhreagh watches for me to come home every night...They are so sweet!!!


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Hugs Diana, Beinn and Bhreagh
Sharing in fellowship....Serving in Love

JaimeMarie Feb 07, 2006 03:51 PM

If she is protective of her toys. Maybe all toys should be picked up for your short stay there. Also crates or baby gates might work out best. That way you can keep them apart if you need to.
Good luck!

BEINNBHREAGH Feb 08, 2006 02:01 PM

If she is protective of her toys. Maybe all toys should be picked up for your short stay there. Also crates or baby gates might work out best. That way you can keep them apart if you need to.
Good luck!

Thanks JamieMarie

I will be living there for a few months LOL....They will have their own space when they need it I guess my biggest question was how to introduce them with as little stress as possible on Maria since it is her home..

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Hugs Diana, Beinn and Bhreagh
Sharing in fellowship....Serving in Love

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