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Post by carlys on Aug 12, 2012 12:48:39 GMT -5
Hi, everyone.
Pardon the jitteriness that is likely to follow.
We brought Coach Tusing (now Onyx) into our home last Monday. We have a miniature poodle (Honey) who also has a history of abuse. She's small, and nervous around everything and everyone.
Everything has been proceeding swimmingly. Honey and Onyx had been getting along as well as could be expected, given Honey's shyness.
Last night, Onyx made a lunge at Honey in open, public space (not crate space) after my sister brought a new housewarming toy for Onyx (first mistake).
We gave a swift, stern yell, a nose-bop, and put Onyx in her crate.
Today, Onyx was in her crate (awake, with me nearby), and Honey walked by (not attempting to enter, not even making eye contact). Without warning, Onyx lunged and dragged Honey into the crate.
I was able to intervene, as I was right nearby, and the only injury sustained was a punctured ear and a resurgence of anxiety on Honey's part.
But at this point, everyone in the house is incredibly torn. We have all bonded with her fast. At the same time, we also don't want to endanger our other dog, who has just as much right to a safe and happy home as Onyx.
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Post by fastlane on Aug 12, 2012 14:23:52 GMT -5
Hi Carlys,
I can understand your frustration and your other feelings. We had to deal with dog on dog issues as well.
My first suggestion is to keep them separate for now. It is not always easy to do, but it will save you some agony and helps with the safety of your pets. Onyx is still very new to your home and may still need to understand his place and may not quite understand the small dog yet. Some people will disagree with me on the separation of the dogs, but for sanity's sake give it a try. It could be a short term thing depending how quickly you get the training going. Buy some baby gates, you will find they help.
My second suggestion is to hire a professional dog trainer right away who can help with tips and with signs and strategies. With this help, you will have things coming together. It takes time and patience but really pays off. Some trainers come to the home to deal with things in situ and others prefer that you see them in their neutral space.
I am sure you will get other ideas from the supportive people here. It is not an easy moment or topic to deal with, so I wish you the best of luck.
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Post by newtothis1 on Aug 12, 2012 20:18:33 GMT -5
This is a tough one....I agree with some professional help and lots of patience. I would definitely utilize baby gates until you can get the help sorted out, just for your peace of mind.
Try not to get discouraged.
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Post by campgreyhound on Aug 12, 2012 20:33:27 GMT -5
It's possible that this match is just not right and will cause a lot of anxiety for everyone. Not the end of the world, if that's the case.
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Post by saharra on Aug 12, 2012 21:14:41 GMT -5
Hey there...its a hard call...I have one boy..McCoy who is pretty much small dog safe, altho Sam, defiantly isn't and most likely never will be. It really all depends on the dog. Altho both boys are now 'my cat' safe, not 'all cat' safe. They will defiantly go after other cats, not ours as it's part of our 'pack' I'd give it more then a few weeks, but sometimes it just happens the dog can't change, not their fault at all..one of those things..We took Onyx out for a walk with my boys at the picnic this year, loved her, seems like a wonderful loving girl!
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oliviablonsky
Junior Grey Lover
Zeke, Addison, Hunter, & Mayleigh!
Posts: 367
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Post by oliviablonsky on Aug 13, 2012 14:28:08 GMT -5
I went through a similar event when I first got Addie (almost 9 months ago), with my smaller Am. Cocker mix, Hunter. After the incident (3 deep punctures and lots of scrapes around his neck), Hunter was TERRIFIED of Addie for the next few months for sure. He did warm up eventually, but it took a while. I would always close Addie's crate if she were in there, and I wasnt able to watch. And I would lure my other dogs away from her or her crate while she was in there or asleep. This phase seemed to pass at about the 4 or 5 month mark of having her. Im not totally sure why or what changed... I think they just got used to one another and this seemed to help. There havent been any incidents since and the two of them get along fine. As a matter of fact all of them are left loose in the house while were at work, and there hasnt been any issues (except for our new girl Mayleigh aka MRK Buy Bust).
Hope this helps!
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Post by greypride on Aug 13, 2012 18:32:58 GMT -5
some times it takes time for them to realize these are dogs too and they arent chew toys. other times it cant be broken so try but in the end of it doesnt happen its a shame but it might not be a good fit. some greys are more prone than others. blitz never cared. dodger wanted to eat anything small. we had a frenchie in the house at the time we muzzled dodger while he was around and we couldnt watch them. when we could watch them we would be quick to snap our fingers and make a loud. "HEY!" she learned eventually that she needed to respect him now they play. (sometimes it can get out of hand in larger spaces with more room to run) but overall shes a LOT better. good luck. and if it doesnt work you wouldnt be the first person to realize it didnt work. and if it doesnt but you still want a gey bring honey with you to meet the new addition and hang out with the 2 of them for a while to see how they react together. again good luck keep us posted! your gonna get tons of advice on here just choose the one you like!
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Post by carlys on Aug 15, 2012 9:59:19 GMT -5
Thank you for your replies, everyone. <3 Onyx is still adjusting, and she is fine with Honey when THINGS (ie: toys, chewy bones, but not treats or food or water) are not involved, and when Honey is not in or near her crate. I've spoken with a dog behavioural therapist, and he will be paying us a visit when my parents return from vacation (with Honey, the small dog). In the meantime, the crate has been temporarily relegated to "only for confinement" (when I'm at work), and is kept closed when not in use. With Honey and the parentals away, I can start working with Onyx to show her that THINGS are not such a big deal, and help her feel less off balance. I'll keep you posted.
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troysmom
Hound Nut
Troy & Leopold
Posts: 1,717
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Post by troysmom on Aug 15, 2012 12:13:42 GMT -5
Sounds like you have a good action plan.
My 3 dogs get along great however an incident did occur at my moms place our those darn raw hide chew bones she has for her dog. Let's just say I spent the evening before Christmas at the vet with 1 grey and the daxie getting stitches. So the raw hide bones or any other bone which they can guard is always put away.
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oni
Grey Puppy
Posts: 23
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Post by oni on Aug 20, 2012 14:19:11 GMT -5
Carlys, I admire your drive to resolve the problem between your two dogs. I know it would be a difficult decision to take her back, but if there is an incompatibility, it would be better for both dogs if Onyx returned to GRA to find a family that does not have another dog. From there, she will find a home, where she can relax and enjoy being the only dog. In the meantime, there are plenty of other lovely greys who might be a better match for Honey. If in the end Onyx finds a family without another dog, and you get another grey that combines well with Honey, all dogs involved can enjoy a better quality of life. What I'm really trying to say here, is that if you do have to take her back despite your efforts to resolve things, you're doing the best thing you can for everyone involved. Good luck in the mean time, and I hope for the best possible outcome whatever happens!
Take care
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craftycrafter
Grey Lover
Holstein 2008-2011 "gone too soon" Lola 2003-2014 "sweetheart"
Posts: 726
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Post by craftycrafter on Oct 20, 2012 7:43:00 GMT -5
Ramone has grabbed little dogs and pups on a number of occasions and I have to walk him muzzled just incase we come upon a little dog. He's tried to grab a pup that was being held. All this and we own a little dog that he gets along fine with. I think his prey drive is very high and he just doesn't see these as dogs.
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