[diannecp]

So . . . we were thinking about adopting a Boston puppy but decided it might be too risky with his little sharp paws and Gyver's bad eyes. So instead we adopted a 2 yr old Chi mix. Really a sweet dog. They did great at the "meet & greet." Gyver was relaxed and interested, the other dog seemed calm and compatible.

I brought the new boy (aka Radar) home last Friday. When I picked him up, the foster mom was all teary. Guess she'd gotten attached to him. Reminded me he was still working on not marking, and to "watch his mouth." Other than him puking all over me on the way home, he did fine - LOL! Did the recommended re-intro outside, and brought him in first. Within 20 minutes of him being there, he was settled calmly in the hallway and then !!! Gyver got "in his space" I guess and more or less, without warning, Radar just lunged at him. He snapped again later that night and has done so once or twice since.

I am so frustrated. He is the sweetest dog and I am already attached to him. He is a quick learner and eager to please. No housetraining issues or destructive tendencies. But why did no one mention he has "other dog" issues? (Oh she did later via text when I told her, that he did that to her Mastiff!). And apparently he has some fear around kids too. I want to believe the best about her, I know emotions get involved. But really . . . they could have sought a "single dog household" for this little guy and he would probably do fine. For now he is on a (literal) short leash in the house, either attached to me or tethered to the chair in my office. He doesn't seem to be intentionally seeking out MacGyver, I'm just leery of letting them get close now. I signed up for a "Feisty Fido" class with the local kennel club, and they said they'd help me evaluate him. I really hope this is just a fear thing and that eventually they can co-exist. I don't mind crating him when I'm gone but constantly supervising 2 dogs is going to get old for everyone and not the optimal situation.

Oh well . . . just a vent. it's been a very long week, with me being sick over New Year's and adjusting to the new guy. Thanks for listening!

 radar.jpg (21.99K)
Number of downloads: 4

[CRS]

I hope it gets better quickly for you, Dianne! I can understand your vent completely! When we first brought Buddy home, he was 7 months old and still full of "puppy". After two days, I thought I'd nearly lost my mind! But we got used to each other and settled in. Now I can't imagine my life without him. I hope the kennel club can help things. Please keep us updated!! He sure is a cutie and I love his name, and Gyver's too!

[Nica]

Oh, poor you! Here's hoping that they can adjust.

[MariJ]

Oh dear.. Good luck Dianne - hoping for the best and that everyone settles in.

[AmandaFace]

He's adorable! Man, I can feel your pain on this. I went through this years ago with an adopted dog that didn't work out with my small kids despite everyone being so attached to her. I can also feel the little guy on being part Chi (I have two Chihuahuas myself) and know those little buggers are some of the most stubborn dogs. I hope he settles in and you can resolve it!

[AggieB]

So sorry to hear this, Dianne - I know how much you were looking forward to the new baby. I do hope the club can work with him, or at least tell you quickly if he has to go to a only dog house. How frustrating that they didn't mention that.

[Jo Corne]

Wishing you luck on this journey. I haven't owned a dog in many years (dh is not a fan but ds is begging) I remember when things were tough between dogs and humans. Please keep us updated. And I love their names. Very creative

[JenniferZ]

Oh, dear -- we are thinking of adopting a dog when my DS starts Kindergarten (this fall -- yikes!!!). Hope you can get some help to modify Radar's behavior.

[diannecp]

diannecp, on 05 January 2013 - 05:10 PM, said:

So . . . we were thinking about adopting a Boston puppy but decided it might be too risky with his little sharp paws and Gyver's bad eyes. So instead we adopted a 2 yr old Chi mix. Really a sweet dog. They did great at the "meet & greet." Gyver was relaxed and interested, the other dog seemed calm and compatible.

I brought the new boy (aka Radar) home last Friday. When I picked him up, the foster mom was all teary. Guess she'd gotten attached to him. Reminded me he was still working on not marking, and to "watch his mouth." Other than him puking all over me on the way home, he did fine - LOL! Did the recommended re-intro outside, and brought him in first. Within 20 minutes of him being there, he was settled calmly in the hallway and then !!! Gyver got "in his space" I guess and more or less, without warning, Radar just lunged at him. He snapped again later that night and has done so once or twice since.

I am so frustrated. He is the sweetest dog and I am already attached to him. He is a quick learner and eager to please. No housetraining issues or destructive tendencies. But why did no one mention he has "other dog" issues? (Oh she did later via text when I told her, that he did that to her Mastiff!). And apparently he has some fear around kids too. I want to believe the best about her, I know emotions get involved. But really . . . they could have sought a "single dog household" for this little guy and he would probably do fine. For now he is on a (literal) short leash in the house, either attached to me or tethered to the chair in my office. He doesn't seem to be intentionally seeking out MacGyver, I'm just leery of letting them get close now. I signed up for a "Feisty Fido" class with the local kennel club, and they said they'd help me evaluate him. I really hope this is just a fear thing and that eventually they can co-exist. I don't mind crating him when I'm gone but constantly supervising 2 dogs is going to get old for everyone and not the optimal situation.

Oh well . . . just a vent. it's been a very long week, with me being sick over New Year's and adjusting to the new guy. Thanks for listening!

UPDATE: Thanks for the understanding and encouragement. He seems to be settling down somewhat. I still feel like he antagonizes Gyver a little but they can be nose to nose or passing in the hall now without incident. He does seem to have taken over Gyver's "spots" in the house, which I feel bad about but I have him in my office at times so Gyver can reign supreme. I think the class is going to be helpful. Crossing my fingers!

radar.jpg

[Sherry Lynn]

Diane I definitely understand what you are going through I hope things continue to get better between the two AND Radar learns quickly who the "BIG dog" is --- lol, that's what we call our older dog Buddy! I hope the class helps too!

[CRS]

I'm glad things are starting to settle a little bit. Let us know how the class goes!