New Family member

[VickiB]

We've just had a new addition to our family, -a 12 year old collie female named Heather. Miss Sugar, our 4 year old Aussie is none too happy about this! I am hoping she'll get over her "attitude" and come to accept this newcomer. Or at least, tolerate her! Sugar didn't like my son's dog either at first but now they're best of friends. -Of course Leo goes home. Heather is staying.

Anyone have experience with this? I'm trying to make sure nothing changes for Sugar,..lots of attention, same routines, etc. I don't know if there's anything else I should or shouldn't be doing?

[ICNDonna]

Dogs are particularly protective of their home territory. If you can take the two of them somewhere "neutral" it could help them get acquainted more quickly. Maybe a dog park?

It's good to keep them separated when they aren't being watched for a while.

Good luck!

Donna

[traceann]

Oh good luck with the new addition!! I am sure that they will eventually find their way with one another, all I can suggest is lots of patience, lol.

;)

hugs,
Tracey

[VickiB]

That's a good suggestion to get them out of 'home territory' so I've been taking them for long walks. I've found I need to walk Heather on a leash because she either has a hearing problem, doesn't know her own name, doesn't have the word "Come" in her vocabulary, or doesn't recognize me as anyone she needs to listen to. Maybe all of the above. :lmao: The drawback to this is that Sugar runs around doing her own thing ignoring Heather. Not much interaction happening with this walking plan of mine!

What I need is a large fenced area away from home! I think I'll try to borrow a friend's fenced yard for a while where both can run at will and see if that gets us anywhere.

I feel bad for Sugar because she's spent the last three days hiding in the back room. It's like she doesn't want to see this other dog in her house. When she does come out and sees Heather she growls. A few times when Heather has come too close Sugar has snapped at her, -not making physical contact,...more of a threat. I have responded by scolding Sugar for that behavior which sends her pouting into the back room again. I wonder if I am adding to her dislike of Heather by scolding her? Like from her POV -everytime this new dog comes around I get in trouble!

This is frustrating!