I've been very fortunate with the introductions of all my dogs. It has gone pretty easy...and now with the rescue of older dogs, well this page will be printed and put on my wall.


Many things in this world may be subjective, but the beauty of a bulldog is an absolute.

Use the commands that she know and use postive reinforcement. We want her to think of this as a positive experience not a negative one. And give it some time.


Many things in this world may be subjective, but the beauty of a bulldog is an absolute.

Too funny! Hey if it works, right? We don't usually let Onslow have anything with salt on it, however, Onslow has tried one or two fries before and he literally foams at the mouth. I just always thought it was the salt that making him do that - now I realize he REALLY liked them too! Thanks for sharing your story, that's funny!

Lisa

and the first rescue exchange that I made was in a McDonalds parking lot.

Lynn King CPDT

What a great story! I was wondering how you came up with the fries... Grrr..eat distraction treat!

that was so focused on the McDonalds french fries that she didnt notice a newbie come in the house. When I brought the newbie home, I came in and put the french fries on the kitchen table, went back outside to get the dog. Gladys smelled the fries and was so fixated that she didnt see the dog at the gate. Later that night, she walked past the gate where the newbie was standing, Gladys let out a "scream" and ran to me, apparently to tell me that there was a strange dog in the kitchen. She just loved those fries. LOL.

Thank you

Lynn King CPDT

I just saved this one just in case someday down the road we decide to get another...

Your knowledge is respected

Lisa

If you alpha roll your dog out of the clear blue sky, you're taking a chance of getting hurt. The dog is NOT going to understand what the heck you're doing.
There are other ways to establish yourself as the boss without resorting to this. In any dog training, being fair and consistent is key. I don't think coming down on your bully like that is very fair. She first needs to learn that you're the boss. Using an alpha roll to reinforce dominance is one thing, but it's not a way to teach (in my opinion). I deal with a lot of dominant dogs. While I don't feel they need to submit to me (unless I'm actively training them), I also don't allow them to try to dominate me.
If you're unsure of how to approach this, get in contact with a trainer in your area. The trainer will also be able to help you with your dual dog household.

First, we have to know and appreciate what our in house dog can handle/tolerate. So many owners, want another dog without taking into consideration the in-house dog. Remember, you brought in a roommate that your Bulldog didnt ask for.

Our dogs all came to us as adult dogs and into a housefull of dogs. I do not allow contact with the newbie for several days, in fact, when I bring a new dog into the house, I come in giving everyone McDonalds french fries. My guys are so focused on the french fries, they barely notice the new dog walking past the gate. Everyone is gated apart, gives me the opportunity to evaluate everyones opinions. In that time, I will bring the dogs together at the gate, when they are sitting and behaving, they get a really yummy treat, chicken, roast beef etc. This helps everyone to understand that great things happen when the newbie is around, so they begin to look forward to the presence of the dog.

When I start to introduce dogs, its outside, one dog at a time, with a lot of space. Again, lots of yummy treats. Dogs are tethered have to sit before treating. You are looking for reactions, its a lot of information, use it.

Now, inside the house. About the same as outdoors, lots of yummy treats for sitting and behaving next to each other. The in-house dog begins to think that having the newbie around is a good thing and vice versa. I will then have in-house dog sit while I pet the newbie, if she/he doesnt move I give them a treat. I will calmly pet both dogs, praising for good behavior.

At this point, you should know if there is going to be aggression, what kind of aggression, is it prompted by resources such as toys, food, humans etc. If the guarded resource is me, if/when one of the dogs goes after the other, I quietly/calmly "ooopps, too bad" and I get up and leave. This teaches the dog that good behavior gets my attention, bad behavior makes me (the resource) go away. Me going away is not what they want, they want me to pay attention to them, so they have to be polite to each other. Also, in the beginning any and all attention is just short intervals of petting, nothing too stimulating like ball playing, frisbee etc.

I would suggest that you do a consult with a trainer. You can find someone on the front page of this site at APDT

Good luck, be patient

Lynn King CPDT

Thanks for all the info I agree my English Bulldog is perfect when no other dogs are around she obeys everything I tell her but just gets way to jealous when other dogs are around me. I have heard when she gets jealous of the Frenchie I should get my English Bulldog on her back and make her submit to me. Its tough to do cause I look at her like a family member not a pet so I take all the blame for her being the way she is but hopefully I can change her behavior.

your bullie seems to think she is the alpha (even over you.) You should be able to pet whomever you want without a response, it is time for some behavioral training. She is the Queen Bee and will continue to assert herself as long as you let it happen. There are people on this board who are more of an expert than myself. Particularly the trainers...Hope all goes well & they learn to get along. Sometimes it does take time. But time to reestablish the heirarchy in the household. It is okay for the new dog to be submissive, but you shouldn't be. If you stop petting the other dog when she does this, then she is winning. Stop put her into a sit/stay and then pet the dog. Put her back in a sit/stay whenever she moves of makes noise. Make sure you praise her when she is quiet and sitting still.


Many things in this world may be subjective, but the beauty of a bulldog is an absolute.

Your bullie is being very dominant over your frenchie, and it sounds as though you're making a good start. A few things to try...
Always pet the bully first, frenchie second. Always feed your bully first, allow her out of the door before the frenchie, etc. Sometimes, this decreases the need of the dominant dog to prove that she is dominant. Does your bully have any obedience training? One thing that has to be clear to her, is that while she is dominant over the frenchie, NO ONE is more dominant than you! I may pet the dominant dog, then it's MY choice if I want to pet the second one. If my rottie tries to get between us (which she will frquently do), I put her in a down stay so I can do my thing with Q. If your bully won't hold a stay, you can try gating the dogs in different rooms so they can still see each other, then take turns fussing over each.
Patricia McConnell has written some great books on multiple dog households and being the leader in your house. They're fun to read - and I would highly recommend them to you. Good luck!