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Newly adopted dog showing aggression to my dog

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agression
12K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  Neminess 
#1 · (Edited)
Hello, I am new here and was hoping to get some insight on what could possibly be going on with my new dog. My husband and I adopted her one month ago tomorrow, she is a black lab/german shepard mix and a total sweetheart. She is very loving and gentle. We also have a black lab/pit mix that we've had for 8 years, he is also a complete sweetheart, they always get along and love to wrestle and play outside together. But what I have noticed since we've adopted her is when she is laying down all he has to do is walk by her and she will snarl her lip and growl, which I immediately correct before she has a chance to bite, and she listens and stops everytime. I am just so confused! She is perfectly fine with him any other time INCLUDING around food, but when she is laying down she gets very defensive if he is near, he does not harass her or bully her, he is very sweet to her. We were wondering if something happened to her by another dog while she was laying down and has caused her to act this way, she did have a scar across her snout when we got her from the shelter, it looked like she was possibly attacked by another dog. Anyway, sorry for the long post we are just trying to get some helpful advice! We are open to any advice anyone has to offer us and we would be extremely greatful! :) thanks!
 
#3 ·
It's possible she is just saying, 'back off buddy, I'm resting' in a typical canine way. What does your 8 year old dog do in response?
Have you watched this play out without interfering (correcting her)?
Dogs talking to dogs often communicate quite well together, but it should play out like this, dog lying down doesn't want an interaction, dog may glare, stare, growl, snap, the other dog (if everyone is getting along) will give the lying down dog a 'whoa, that's cool' look/signal/ and walk away.
Your new girl may just be establishing some boundaries (like, hey, don't get so close when I'm resting) and that boundary might shrink in time as she feels safer anyway.
If there is a lot of tension, some resting time/space away from your other dog may be appreciated--help her settle in.
How your resident dog deals with it is pretty important; is there a reason you think the new girl will actually bite? If so, you will need a safety plan.
If you're not sure, see if you can find some videos of dogs having normal peaceful interactions together, especially ones that include snarls and snaps.
I don't think you should be correcting your new girl at all in this situation. She's feeling insecure and unsafe, and trying to make herself safe. If you really think she will bite, you'll need to keep them physically separated, leash, another room. She could be just really nervous being in a new situation and needs some settle down time before she can act her normal self.
In the meantime, protect her from situations that may cause her to 'act out', so she can just get her bearings.
It's like being dumped into a new job, new school, amidst strangers. It's not easy to be a new dog.
Hope that helps.
 
#4 ·
We just got a new 1 year old dog and have a 14 year old so I have been reading about introducing a 2nd dog A LOT. I read it could take 3-6 months for dogs to go through the transition of a new home.

I agree with the above about not necessarily correcting the new pup - that's the only way she can communicate and give warnings about what space they need.

Do you have a crate for the new dog?
 
#5 ·
Hi Kpelto, welcome

6 years ago someone dumped 2 pups at our gate, brother and sister. Of course we took them in and they proved to be wonderful dogs. They got on very well with the other 5 dogs we had at the time and she always played happily with her brother. But she did the same thing, growling when her brother walked past if she was on her bed. He just ignored her and went on his way. She never showed any aggression towards him any other time. Sadly we had to have her brother put to sleep 3 months ago due to a spinal injury and she's only recently stopped pining. I agree with what Artdog said, she's just issuing a warning that she tired and doesn't want to be bothered. I must confess I tend to growl if anyone bothers me when I'm trying to sleep but I'd never actually bite them lol. I wouldn't worry too much, as long as he stays away at those times I doubt if she would take it further

Lynsey
 
#6 ·
It might also be that she got bullied at the shelter and that she may still be adjusting to her new home. Also it may be what lynsey said, telling the other dog that she wants to rest and to leave her alone.
I'd detain from correcting her and just letting them be dogs.
 
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