Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys I have a bit of a problem. I have a 2 year old female Shar-Pei/Pitbull mix. She is absolutely amazing with other dogs. Size and age make no difference, she can play as gentle or as rough as any dog wants to play.

Well, I just took in another dog. I really didnt have much choice. He's a 9 year old male Pitbull/Chocolate Lab mix. I couldnt let him go to a shelter. It's hard enough for a Pit to find a home. But a 9 year old Pit doesnt stand a chance.
Anyway, this dog i dont think was socialized at all with other dogs. When we first introduced the two, they were leashed and went up to eachother and licked faces. Then out of no where the new guy snapped at my girl and started growling and barking. We seperated them and gave it a few and tried again. Same thing, but without the face licking.

Originally I was taking this guy in until I found him a home. If this can be corrected, i would like to keep him, instead of him having to move again. Can this be corrected? Or is he just to old to learn to accept other dogs? Thanks.

I would be very, very concerned about him awakening dog-fighting instincts in your female, and causing her to then become aggressive with other dogs. I would keep them separated and look for a new home for him. This just sounds too risky to experiment with.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

I think your main concern should be to protect your female you already have. If he's dog aggressive, I wouldn't take the chance.
staffordmom

I'm not stupid. Of course i'm going to make sure my girl is safe. That doesnt help me with anything. I asked for tips to help the older dog. I cant just let him go to the slaughter house.

Unfortunately, in person help is what you need in this instance. Someone who can watch the dogs' interactions closely and help you through the interaction. No one over the Internet can really help you with this complex of a situation.
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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 www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas