Broke up a fight between the boys.

[suse]

I appreciate all the help! As I said, not ever having had two dogs before, I was at a complete loss as what to do. And I initially thought it was all Seamus' fault, but with some observation as to what to look for, I realize it is all happening because Bentley is now settled in and showing himself. He has some anxiety which shows through when he's outside and it makes Seamus uncomfortable, Seamus gets upset and I believe is trying to help me when I correct Bentley and Bentley is now play bowing and leaping and being excitable towards Seamus and Seamus doesn't want to play.

When outside,I now keep them both on leads and correcting both when one does something he shouldn't be...showing aggression or leaping at Seamus. When on lead, Bentley doesn't do the crazy circling in the yard...so this is settling Seamus also.

Through here I now realize I need to take this slowly and bit by bit. My husband is not available to help, so I'm doing this pretty much solo. Right now I am fortunate that it is only happening outside.

I think the biggest lesson I've learned is I can't be lax yet. These boys aren't used to living together and I need to be extra vigilant. Knowing that many have been through it and getting some insight into what you've done has settled me and helped me re-evaluate what was going on and what I needed to be doing.

I appreciate all the helped I've received here, both publicly and through pm's. Knowing this is normal is what I needed to hear most!

 

[victoria1140]

most of us who have multiple dogs have all experienced problems at one time, with perserverance and training they can be overcome.

Once you learn to read dogs body language it can become so much easier. One thing we did as well was a time out area where they had to go in the same room but opposite corners . Adopt a no tolerance policy.

Hope the bite marks aren't too serious

 

[R Taft]

Not at all Sue... There's a wealth of knowledge here (as you know)
I didn't post my incident last year because often times people get too judgemental.
There are things you can do. Some worked for me while others didn't. We worked through it and life became normal again.
My issues came NOT from newf on newf but from mutt rescue on newf. I had to learn what the triggers were and what the body language was telling me so that I could be proactive instead of reactive.
You'll be fine and so will the boys. It's one thing at a time.. Take a deep breath and exhale....just remember that your feelings project to them and may add to the situation. It will all work out by using the proper tools.
(((HUGS)))

Yes I was the same when i went through all of my issues when i got Annabelle first, She nearly killed Tessa......But we are all coping well now and with some guidance made it through. We now know how to deal with these problems and it led me on the path of learning and wanting to learn more. I hope you can get some one on one with someone to help you.........Good luck. Mike still has some scars from Annabelle, but she is gorgeous now Ronnie

 

[sara722003]

Sorry folks, have been gone for over a week. Feel like the collective 'brains' on this thread need to be seen by casual readers, so I'm just reposting this so folks can LEARN for those people who know our dogs so well.