Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Today my husband and I adopted a 1 year old, 70 lbs. bulldog named Boudreaux. He has been with a family with small kids and the only dog. I have a small boston Terrier, Lucy, age 8 years, who is recovering from ACL surgery. I have worked with and fostered many boston terriers. I took both dogs to neutral ground on leash today to introduce them. I was prepared and committed to knowing that this takes time, since I have had to introduce dogs to my household before. Boy! I was in no way prepared for Boudreaux's quick reaction. He jumped Lucy and could hardly be held back by my husband. Of course, this is all the "together time" they will get today. I know I can consult a behaviorist if needed, but would like your advice. I do not see returning this dog to the previous owner for several reasons. We want this to work but I am so concerned that Boudreaux will hurt Lucy. Please give me your input!!

Well it seems you are pretty committed to keeping Boudreaux and you certainly took all of the right steps for the introduction process. The Bulldog though it can be a very friendly family dog does require a strong hand and since you just got him, he will need some extra training to know you are boss. It's not surprising that he took after Lucy as they can be a little difficult with strange dogs but with your guideance and patience he'll learn that Lucy is also a part of the household. At this time I wouldn't think a behaviorist would be needed but you might want to consider crate training while the introduction process is still going on. This way he and Lucy can see and get used to each other yet stay out of harms way. It may take a few weeks or a month or more for him to fully acclimate himself into your home. Good luck and please keep us updated.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I really appreciate your advice. let me be sure I understand. At this point, I am keeping Bou (Bully) in the crate when Lucy has access to the house. Lucy is a senior so she is used to have total house access. When I walk Bou or let him out, Lucy goes in the crate. Is that what you mean? Lucy can't play anyway, since she's recovering from ACL surgery for the next month, so this will be out routine for a month at least. I don't think getting a trainer now would help much since they can't play, do you?
The timing for Bou was not good, but he needed a home. I just finished chemo for ovarian cancer and am having the usual fatigue. I am hopeful that walking Bou will help me here. I really am going to seek advice here, so I hope noone will get tired of my questions.

Yes, since Lucy was first in the house she should have access to the house while Bou is crated. This way Lucy and Bou can see and smell each other during the integration process. This keeps everyone safe. Bou should also for now be fed in his crate and also have access to water in there to avoid any food agression issues. To keep Lucy safe when you take Bou out the crate you could crate her or you could use the leash and collar(harness) with Bou and keep strict control of him in case he tries to charge Lucy again. Keeping him tethered to you keeps you in control and Bou will learn what is expected of him. No, for now I don't think a trainer will help unless you feel some sort of obedience classes might be in order for Bou and yourselves to help with the bonding. If in a few weeks you don't a significant change in Bou's behavior then you might seek the advice of a behaviorist or trainer. Just don't lose patience as this integration process may take a while, especially if you don't know what kind of home situation Bou was in prior to your adopting him. I hope your chemo treatments were succesful and yes the walking should benefit you both as you'll get stronger and Bou will get tired! Don't worry about asking questions, I post mainly on the Shiba Inu board but like checking out the other boards as well. I'm sure others will be around to help and hopefully some other Bulldog owners will be by with more useful information for you.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

You got good advice from the previous poster. It's tough sometimes introducing new dogs to each other.

Can I ask if you suspect your bulldog to be in any pain at all? It's a breed known for many many health issues, and that can translate to intolerance for other animals. IF you haven't done a full vet chek on him, you may want to. If health matters are ruled out, then just be slow, diligent, and patient. I found with my two long walks with two people allows for a slightly easier transition. For my breed, "Long" was 3 or 4 miles. For these two, a mile may do the trick. They get to see each other and ignore each other as they see fit. It seems to really do the trick over time. Also, at home gates where they can see through may help.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles