Any suggestions for introducing a 3rd dog?

[DemitriousK]

Current dogs (for anyone who doesnt know already)

Buddy: Lab/Pointer 1.5 years. Very Dominant (not agressive, just dominant) very sensitive to pack hierarchy

Banzai: Aussie mix, 9/10 months. Not at all dominant, doesn't care about pack order, really. Perfectly happy being low man on the totem pole.

Both dogs are crate trained. We'll be introducing an 11 week old puppy tonight. anyone have any pointers or suggestions??

 

[Kase]

I don't have any suggestions as I only have Casey but all I can say it good look and WOOHOO!!! You must be SO excited! I can't belive I'm going to be asleep when you get her!

 

[Renee750il]

When we brought Kharma home, I tried to tell Charley not to let Bimmer and Shiva both out at the same time. I figured it would be too overwhelming for a pup to have two grown dogs pouncing on her at the same time.

He pretended not to hear me and let them out.

Shiva came bounding out, ran right up to Kharma and pretty much got her face handed back to her, lol!

Bimmer approached more slowly, and was more polite, even though Kharma was sitting down and wouldn't let him sniff her butt right away. Being the little flirt she is, though, she was quite charming to him and they got along famously from the get-go.

After putting Shiva in her place, Kharma accepted Shiva's overtures and they spent many hours curled up together.

Just make sure you've got plenty of space, be aware of what your dogs are doing and their body language and they should find their own way without too much trouble. If Bella were a fragile little baby I'd give you different advice, but she's not. Just be there behind her so she knows she has sanctuary if she wants it. Oh, and take plenty of time with her by herself on the way home with her to get the imprint started before you do the introductions. And talk to them while they're getting acquainted. Especially to Bella. She'll take reassurance from your voice.

 

[darkchild16]

I have one suggestion not to constructive but a suggestion all the same PICS PICS PICS!!!

 

[Spiritus]

The best advice I can think of regarding a third puppy into what you have already is.... don't. I know, not a popular response, but your dogs are so close together in age which can cause problems as they all really begin to mature.

I'm not trying to be harsh, it's just my honest, gut-wretching feeling about having three dogs so close in age....

 

[Renee750il]

You won't have problems, Mit. Bella will either be the boss, or she won't allow squabbling because she'll figure out in a hurry that you don't allow it. That's just the way these dogs work. And you already know they're born and bred to work together with other dogs.

 

[DemitriousK]

yea. I've got a plan formulating in my head... you know me. it'll be fine I don't know that I'll want to be taking pictures during that introduction... I'd rather keep a close eye on whats going on, and not have to worry about the camera until they calm down a bit. My philosophy: the more data points from which to extrapolate... the better.

When we brought banzai home that first time we spent 24 hours with buddy not allowing him to even walk in a straight line without beingpushed off course by buddy.

My expectations are that buddy will immediately show dominance, and try to gain the upper hand in the first 60 seconds. If Bella has the cajones to stand up to him (which banzai doesn't -- thats not accurate, banzai doesn't care enough to be bothered to) Buddy will be cowed. He wont even get up on the couch with me if the cat's visible on top of the back of it... The entire pack could change tonight.

What a strange expectant feeling.

My gut tells me to crate both boys, setup in the den away from the crates with the puppy. give her 10 or 15 minut5es to feel secure, then let buddy out, deal with them. Then let banzai out. After that I expect in 48 hours it'll be much like they've lived together forever.

 

[Renee750il]

Sounds like you've got a pretty good plan put together there . . . Give Nikki the camera

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

I agree with Renee...I'd give Bella a little bit alone to investigate and get a little comfortable. I'm sure they will all be just fine!!! Soooooooooo exciting...let us know how it goes!!

 

[bubbatd]

I was going to suggest that ....good luck and let us know !! Welcome home soon Bella !!!

 

[dr2little]

Just one suggestion...maybe 2. I would recommend that you do the introductions on neutral ground for sure with one boy (the most outgoing one first) at a time. Don't rush, take your time and when you think things are going well with the first dog (sounds like Buddy is the best first introduction), then you can add Bonzai. Everyone on leash of course, but held only tight enough to keep good control just in case, the more loose the leash, the less anxiety there will likely be.

I would allow lots of time for them to sniff and investigate each other and I would keep the human verbal communication to a minimum. It's human nature to want to reinforce good behavior and to comfort the puppy but it really is best not to talk at all if possible so as to let them do what they need to with as few human cues as possible.

Then...when all looks good, I'd take them home but bring Bella into the home first. Make sure that all toys/treats/bones are put away and then reintroduce Buddy first, then Bonzai, taking lots of time with each again just like on the neutral territory.

You already know to supervise at all times and HAVE FUN!!!!!! You must be absolutely BUSTING!!

 

[DemitriousK]

it's going to be so late... we dont have any lit neutral ground to use... it's going to be 9:00pm or so...

We wanted to introduce them together some place like the pond... but not after 8... and in the dark So I think we're going to just have to go directly to introducing them at home.

There is one park thats close... and it might be lit. I'll try and keep an eye for it and remember to suggest it to Nikki...

I'm getting more excited as time goes on. It's really going to hit home when I'm on the train heading for Nikki so we can go pick her up. I'll have *nothing to do but dwell on the new puppy that I dont have yet*

 

[DemitriousK]

the problem with that park though is that its not fenced and an on leash area... and its not REALLY familiar to our boys. we've only taken them there a handful of times...

 

[Aussie Red]

Dem I have one concern about the park. Is Baby Balla fully inoculated ? If not I think I would scrap that plan. I do agree with docs way. Anyway I am just so darn happy for you . I know this was your dream dog. Your boys may have a few issues but overall I think they will welcome the new comer. I can just imagine your anxiety.

 

[Renee750il]

Heheh . . . the boys may have a few issues, but they'll get over them . . . especially when they realize after a couple of months that Bella already dwarfs them, lol! And you have no idea how manipulating these creatures can be Bella will have Buddy and Banzai wrapped around her paw, competing for her attention in no time.

 

[RD]

Personally, and I know this might not be the most favorable suggestion but it worked for my dominant dog, I would keep the boys crated or in separate rooms until morning. Spend the night exclusively with Bella, let her sleep with you or in the crate next to you, basically just let her relax and get to know you.

I don't like the idea of bringing a puppy home after a long flight and heaping the stress of not only a new family, but an active, dominant "brother" on her all at once. I like to give them a night to recover. She's flying in cargo and that in itself is extremely stressful. Loading too much on her at once might cause her to overreact to new things. Eve growled and snarled at the boys the night I brought her home, but she was okay with them after a good night's sleep.

In the morning, I'd have one of you take Bella for a walk (just a short walk, do you have any parks nearby?) and later have the other follow with Buddy. I wouldn't take them anywhere in the car, because Buddy is likely to be uncomfortable with a strange dog in his car.

If Bella is anxious around Buddy, or Buddy is straining to get to Bella, keep both on the leash and just walk with them (side-by-side, humans on the inside and dogs on the outside if they're super worked up) until they settle down. Once they're calm and not crazy to get to each other, I'd let them do what they want. If they scuffle, they scuffle - Buddy's a big boy and Bella is no pixie either. Praise them quietly for friendly or neutral contact, but don't interfere or distract them. They'll hopefully establish a relationship as playmates, but if they don't, neutrality is very good too. If all goes well, they'll wear each other out or get bored with one another and you can walk them home side-by-side. Take Bella in first, then Buddy. Then perhaps let Bella and Buddy into the backyard to hang out for 5-10 minutes, and then let Banzai out on a leash to greet them. Wait for him to calm down around Bella, then let him off.

That's just what I'd do, personally, but your gut may tell you otherwise so I'd go with what you think will be most comfortable for everyone.

 

[Renee750il]

Personally, and I know this might not be the most favorable suggestion but it worked for my dominant dog, I would keep the boys crated or in separate rooms until morning. Spend the night exclusively with Bella, let her sleep with you or in the crate next to you, basically just let her relax and get to know you.

That's a very good point, Grace, and one you were good to bring up since you've dealt with flying a puppy first hand.

 

[dr2little]

Dem I have one concern about the park. Is Baby Balla fully inoculated ? If not I think I would scrap that plan. I do agree with docs way. Anyway I am just so darn happy for you . I know this was your dream dog. Your boys may have a few issues but overall I think they will welcome the new comer. I can just imagine your anxiety.

Good Point! I had assumed that with her already at 11 weeks of age, her second series would have been completed. You're absolutely right Aussie Red that she should not be where other dogs (aside from her new bro's) tread unless she's at least 5 days past second series.

 

[Zoom]

Everyone has already said my ideas, so I'll just say that I agree with the crated at first to let Bella get used to the house (she'll be able to smell the boys anyway, so it's not like it's going to be a total surprise), then let out one at a time.

I'm squiriming in my chair I'm so excited!!

 

[DemitriousK]

yea I'm worried about possible illness too. we dont know about the vaccinations. If she's had all 3 (we'll check the papers when we get her) thats one things. If not it's home, strait away.

Interesting suggestion, RD. One thing we have going for is is that buddy isn't unfamiliar with having dogs in the home (though the dogs that come over he does know from the dog park) or in the truck (we took him with us to pick Banzai up, and the two rode in the backseat together all the way home.)

I think what will end up happening... just because of how everything is working out... is we'll bring her straight home. I'll be cuddling with her the entire truck ride. We'll leave the boys crated for however long it takes for bella to get comfy in the den (down the hall and around the corner from the crates in the living room.) Then we'll lead buddy in, I'll keep light hold of buddy, and continually praise him and remind him "gentle" (I'm so glad we taught him that) eventually they'll calm down and we'll lead banzai out.

I think banzai will be zero trouble. He was ferried around a lot before we got him. he came from a foster with 12 other dogs in the house. New dogs aint nothing to him.

I'm not worried about buddy being aggressive. Thats not him. I'm just looking to make it as easy for bella as possible. And for me. It gets my blood pressure up when he acts like a jerk