Can my ABPT lead by example???

[Skyscraper614]

I have a Brindle APBT, I just bought another one.Xena is a great dog. She has her days, but generally does what she is supposed to. Deebo- the new puppy, will come here 11/22 when he hits 8 weeks. So what I wanna know is, is it possible for the Deebo to follow Xena's lead and is it likely? Or should I expect it? I have a lot of experience with dogs, but have never been in this situation before. And does anyone have any tips? Especially on separating them feeding, and distinguishing them as two separate dogs. Someone please help.........

[Novel]

Dogs definitely learn from each other, both the good and the bad things.

Yes, you will definitely want to feed them seperately, and start to establish a pack order. Two dogs plus you means a pack. You must be the alpha, then there is the top dog and the bottom dog.

That means always feeding the Top Dog first, letting the Top Dog out of the crate first, greeting the Top Dog first, and on and on.

With our 6, we spend alot of group time with them, but they all receive individual training times, and each night of the week, a different dog is out with us alone for the evening. This helps to maintain the bond with each individual dog, but also allows for group time.

You will have to find what works best for you in your household and family. Just remember, stress in dogs, especially when it comes to pack order not being adhered to, is usually exhibited by aggressiveness. In your breed of choice this is definitely not something you want, so you will need to pay careful attention to your pack order.

We do have some members here that have a great deal of experience with traditionally dog aggressive breeds, and you may want to contact them directly. Search our forum, you will find a great deal of information on dog on dog aggression and pack order and hierarchy.

[elegy]

i've never had any luck with dog's good habits rubbing off, just their bad ones

how old is xena?

i'd definitely get the puppy into puppy kindergarden. it'll help him develop his own identity and get him socialized with other dogs, which is very very important.

the hardest thing for me with owning two dogs is spending enough time with them individually. i think that's even more important when you're bringing in a puppy (i got both of my dogs as adults). you need to bond with him and teach him the rules and teach him that you're the leader, not the other dog in the pack.

and please read badrap's multi-pit page and take it to heart. never trust a pit bull not to fight and always separate them when you're not there to supervise.

[12weimgirl]

I think he would probably get some of her/his habits my weimaraner got this bad habit of jumping on people when they come to my house and on me LOL

[Skyscraper614]

Thank you all so much...... Xena will be one year on 11/26. The new dog, I think will be Zeus, He is only 23 days old. I go visit with him forabout an hour on sundays. I cannot pick him up until 11/22. That is in his eighth week. Despite being so youngheweighs 4 and ahalf pounds already and is walking, growling and barking. Xena is such a lover. She about 64 pounds and she does not hesitate to get comforatble on your head while you are sleeping. I do believe that they will get along. judging by both of their tempraments. I hope so. But I have had two dogs out of the same litter before, but never had one and brought a puppy in. Thank you for all of you help and advice.

[Novel]

Just introduce to them slowly. Make sure you let Xena know right off the bat that you are in charge, and NOONE is to hurt the puppy. I had to remind my alpha bitch quite a few times when we brought in the first puppy after her, that she was to be NICE. It was difficult for her at first. Her personal space was about 5' around her in all directions. She'd growl if the puppy came closer to her than that.
I allowed some of it, because the puppy needs to learn how to respect other dogs, and pay attention to their warnings. If the puppy was being annoying, I would remove it from the area and put it in its crate for a while to rest or calm down. If "Laney" my bitch was being a bit too high and mighty, I'd remind her I was boss and tell her to "Stop".
A year old dog of any breed can seriously injure an 8 week old puppy, so never leave them together unattended. My whole crew had to learn age appropriate corrections, and this is a skill that is learned. The older puppies (under 2 years) still tend to correct the puppy a little bit more strongly than the older dogs. They are more patient and will growl or get up and move is the puppy is being annoying. The younger dogs are more likely to nip, growl or snap. They will learn how to correct the younger puppy with time and example by the older dogs, but you only have the one dog, so you will have to show her what is appropriate. If you feel she is growling too much or going to snap or nip, you need to put an end to it, with a loud voice, a distraction, etc.

Good Luck with your pup. Have fun, and if you're anythign like me,. the days are just dragging till the 22nd....