From: Stacey Curtis <sec@csc.canberra.edu.au>
Subject: Re: Tips on Introducing a Second Dog
Organization: University Of Canberra
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 92 02:32:37 GMT

In article <1992Aug14.190546.15356@sequent.com> Schalene Dagutis,
schalene@sequent.com writes:
>Our as yet un-named pup will be 10 weeks old when we pick him up.  I'm
>planning on keeping them separated when we're gone for at least a few 
>months until I'm confident that they're getting along.  

Either they will get along or they won't.  The fact that your not there
probably won't make any difference.  If they don't get along whilst your 
there then seperate them.  If they do get along together, which I bet
they will, leave them together when your out.  Try testing them alone for
short absences and then build up until your able to leave for a day's
work.  This is actually more for your own peace of mind than for the dogs
learning to get on together alone.
>
>I'll be taking a week off from work after we get the pup and will pay
>to have someone come in during the day to play with the dogs while
>we're at work.

Good Idea
>
>Here are my questions:
>
>Should we take Max with us when we go to pick up the pup?  It's about
>a 2.5 hour drive to the breeders.

No.  The quantity of dogs at the breeders could spark off a pecking order
fight with Max being surrounded by all this competition, and then
subjecting your little pup to the full blown attention of Max.  Leave Max
behind to guard his own home or whatever.
>
>If we don't take Max with us, should we stop at some neutral site; one
>of us go get Max and introduce the dogs at this neutral site?

Not bad idea but I think it's unnecessary.  Does Max have a problem with
friends bringing their dogs over to play with him?  If not Max should
then just treat the new pup the same as any visiting dog, but will
gradually come to terms with the idea that this kids here to stay.
>
>If we don't take Max with us, can we introduce them at our home?

Of course, see last response.  But before you bring the pup inside let
Max smell the pups scent on you and one of you hold Max back as the other
carries the pup in.  Then put the pup on the floor and let Max sniff the
pup whilst someone is still holding Max.  If Max growls and carries on
like a pork chop, seperate them, and scould Max for being naughty. 
Praise any signs of affection Max gives to the pup, encourage sniffing
(no pup has ever died of being sniffed roughly as far as I'm aware) and
hopefully Max will soon get used to the idea that he's got a new playmate.
>
>When they are together, I know we need to watch carefully, but let
>them work out their own pecking order.  How much time should we let
>them spend together during the first few days?

Whatever you're comfortable with.  Don't forget to treat Max with a touch
of tolerance and don't over-react to Max just because the pups there. 
Give Max as much affection and attention as he's getting now, if not more
for the time being, so that jealousy does not creep in.
>
>I would like to put the pup in the kitchen during the day when we're
>gone and put Max someplace else in the house.  Is this a good idea?
>Will Max be upset?  Will he think I'm giving the new dog his spot?
>Should I keep Max in the kitchen and put the pup someplece else?
>
Hopefully you should be able to keep them together.  If not don't upset
Max's normal routine.  Put the pup elsewhere until they get along.

>We are planning not to walk the pup until he's had his third set of
>shots; instead we'll exercise him in our large fenced in backyard.  So
>we'll be walking Max separately until then.  We're also planning on
>walking them separately until the little one has been through some
>basic obedience and is used to a leash.  Is this a good idea?  My
>thoughts are I don't want Max to re-learn all his bad leash habits.
>Plus we'll be spending time alone with each dog (and I'll get much
>more exercise!)

You talk of we so I assume that the two of you walk the dog/s.  If
whoever is responsible for walking Max continues to walk him, corrects
his misdemeanors in the usual way it would make no difference to Max if
you both walk the dogs together.  I have found that it's easier to train
a pup when there is another already trained dog with you, the older dog
sort of gives them the demonstration of what is required, if you will. 
If only one person walks the dog/s then walk and train them seperately
until they're both at the same obedience level, or thereabouts.
>
>How do you keep the dogs out of each other's food?  

Feed them at the same time in seperate rooms.  If one does not finish
it's meal then remove the bowl and offer the food later, again seperate
from the other dog.  Teach the dogs to eat together using tidbits, treats
whatever.  If one gets aggressive over food reprimand it until it just
sits and waits.  When the pup is bigger you can try introducing them to
eating together without food jealousy over their bowls.  Get the dogs
used to eating out of their own special bowl and not just whatever dinner
happens to be served up on.
>
>Sleeping arrangements shouldn't be a problem.  The pup will be in his
>own crate beside the bed.  Max has bed privileges (he got them from my
>husband).  
So did my three.  Max and the pup will decide when the bed privileges get
extended to include everyone.  You and your hubby probably don't even
have a say if push comes to shove.  I know we don't now.
>
>Anything else I should or shouln't do?
>
Don't worry.  The dog's can sense your feelings and that can make matters
worse.  Treat them calmly and I think everything will work out with
little if any bloodshead.

Best of luck

Stacey