A new brother

[Cathy C. Bennett]

HELP!

Harley is two yrs old, and the BEST dog I could  have ever asked for - He's attended doggie day camp since he was 5 months old, very social. very loving. So I thought "Why not get him a brother". I found Leo - 5 months old, nuetered also, and thought this was a great match, and brought him home three days ago. Harley loved Leo for the first three hours, then things started to change.....

 

I am so afraid that Harley's personality is going to change forever, please someone tell me that his new traits of growling at Leo whenever he is around a toy or me or food will decrease instead of escalate. The only reason I even considered another dog was based on the gentle nature of the Goldendoodle and the sweet dispostion that Harley has had since he was 9 weeks old.

 

I feel that I have ruined a great dog. I am not afraid, just concerned, and I want to make the right decision in disciplining in the beginning so I don't cause unneccessary stages of this "bonding" time period. Too many books, and on line research engines share conflicting advice, I'd rather hear from other multiple doodle owners.

HELP!  

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

You cannot seperate the toys!!! Good luck! Peri destroyed all of Tacky's when I brought her home. Poor chihuahua. I was sad but figured, who cares, they can play with each other. Do not over analyze things like toys! They are dogs and with love and guidance, they will figure their placement in the family out and grow to be best friends. Trust me.

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

You're right. It's already happened. They already are the best of friends. And what instigators they are!!!! It's pretty fun to watch.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Isn't it great? My dogs are already bonded and cry when one goes out and the other stays in the house. Took Harpo for a walk today and Groucho was depressed and sat at the window watching for us. Then took Groucho out for a few minutes and the puppy was crying. It sure doesn't take long.

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

So true...Izzy doesn't like to be in a room without Lucca with her. She cries. And it hasn't even been 2 weeks yet:)

[Rosemarie, Roxie & Kirby]

We are also going through the growing pains of two dogs. Roxie is 2 yrs old and we got Kirby our 4 month old a little over five weeks ago. The first few weeks Roxie did all the things you are experiencing with Harley, it does get a lot better. Now Roxie will give the occassional growl when she wants alone time or play time with one of us without Kirby. For the most part they are now inseparable. Their crates are next to each other and they lay so they touch each other. The newest thing they are doing is sleeping on their floor pillows so their heads touch. Just keep letting Harley be the Alpha and you will see how things will change in a few short weeks. Now Roxie barks and Kirby follows her. Keep the faith, it will be much better sooner than you think!

[Dot, Maggie and KoKo]

I feel a little more encouraged by reading all these posts.  Maggie and KoKo still go at it even after almost six weeks.  They are so different personality wise.  Maggie is very quiet and shy, afraid of anything new.  KoKo is a three month old puppy with more energy and spunk than any pup I've ever had.  Maggie tolerates her, lets her eat and drink from her dishes but get nasty when it comes to stealing (or attempting to steal) her treats. They play wrestle whenever they are together.  Happily as I type this they are both sleeping within two feet of each other and my house is quiet.  I may be at this computer for a long time because if I move they will both awaken and start up again. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

Harley is just trying to set down the rules for Leo.  He needs for Leo to know that he is the alpha dog around there and Leo will catch on quickly.  Don't interfere with them or it will further confuse both Harley and Leo.  Just pet Harley and say "good little alpha" and leave it at that.  No, you have not ruined a good dog, he is just progressing to being a two-dog family.

We have been a two-dog family for many years (and many dogs) and they always work it out.  Right now we have a very active ALD and a 4-yr-old goldendoodle (more than twice the size of the ALD) and they are play-fighting and wrestling all the time.  Your dogs also will work it all out.

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

I agree with Lynda...they do work it out and Lucca and Izzy are playing really well and are almost inseparable. IF I feel the play is getting a little too much and Lucca (not Izzy:)) needs a break, I say "take a break" and they both stop and relax for a few minutes. I actually can't believe they listen, but they do:)...and it's not even doodle talk!!!