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How should I get Tesla used to having another dog around?

Behavioral Issues

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Tesla
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This past weekend we adopted a male italian greyhound mix (Sparky) and brought him home. Tesla had met him before and played just fine with him so we figured it wouldn't be too incredibly bad. I understand that she is looking at our apartment as her domain and so Sparky being here is him invading on her space, but we're trying to get her accustomed to him. The only time we really have an issue is when Tesla gets in a play mood where she gets a little jealous of Sparky and sometimes goes for him instead of the toys because he is the one that is moving. My worry is that when she does go after him she always goes to bite his throat - which is also the first thing she does to any new toy that she gets - and she'll hurt him because lets face it, he's kind of a smaller more compact dog. Because of this, we don't leave the two of them home unattended when we leave, one always gets kenneled. She is fine with him around eating, getting treats, on walks, at the park, and sleeping in the same bed, it's really only when she gets excited that we have to pull them apart, and it is 99% of the time instigated by her. I realize that its going to take time and patience, but I was wondering if you had any tips or pointers on how to go about breaking this habit.

Thanks!
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J

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• • • jayachbee

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Hi Jay, welcome! Did you have your dog posted on Craig's List? I'm grateful that you found our website, and that you are looking for solutions for Trey. Giving him away before addressing his behavior just pushes his issues onto someone else, who doesn't love him like your family does.

If Trey hasn't been to the doctor, you may be able to find some low-cost vet options. When the economy gets tough and we all pinch pennies. It's easy to overlook checkups for our dogs, especially when the Dr says, "let's run some tests." :eek: That has $$$ all of it, you know? In Tampa, because the vet offices are slow, they are running great specials to keep busy. Maybe you (or your wife) can call around to find someone who will give Trey a good check up without costing an arm and a leg…

I'm glad to hear that your daughter is in 4th grade (versus 4 years old), because she's at an age where she can respect Trey's boundaries. I don't think a basenji would simply chomp on someone without sometime of forwarning... unless he's sleeping, and wakes up grouchy? 😕 If that's the case, as long as everyone knows, I don't see her in imminent danger.

Hopefully you or your wife can spend some time reading up on the quirks of a basenji. It's one thing to visit a basenji, and another to live with them. 🙂 Like Anne said, the basenji breed is very smart and common training methods with other dogs don't necessarily work.

Does Trey get along with your lab? Are they bonding?

It is a lot of change for everyone in the house, including the dog.... mutual respect and love will go a long way. 🙂 I hope it's a happy home for all, even if times are tough.

I hope we can help you out!:)
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• • • 2BasenjiDad

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I agree with all the above. My oldest at 15 has spine issues and has been on rimadyl low dose for about a year with great results, he had pain before, but has had a very good year. Eddie (11) is on thyroid meds, he was a cranky-pants a couple of years ago and after thyroid meds, is a happier dog.
A vet visit is in order to figure out what has caused his change, 11 is still pretty young.
C

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• • • ChaseandZahrasmom

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@lvoss:

It sounds like you need to raise your value with Zahra. Hand feeding is great way to do this. Start handing feeding Zahra one of her meals each day.

I actually do this sometimes just to get her to eat, she really just has no interest in food unless you hand feed her sometimes or add something really yummy (melted peanut butter, wet food) to her food.

With DH being military and gone a lot I tend to have to walk them together or take them out on a bike ride seperate. I will try what you and your husband do though and start our walk out in opposite direction.
R

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• • • Robin_n_Jack

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My son has been afraid of animals his entire life. We didn't know it until we were visiting a friend when he was 1 year old and their cat WALKED across the room. He freaked out. From that point on he was afraid of any live animal, but loved stuffed animals. He is 6 now and we just got an 8 week old Basenji. We talked about it alot, (he has slowly gotten used to our friend's cat, but every time the animal made a sudden move he jolted). He was excited to get the puppy, and we sat with him while he got used to exactly what the puppy would do. It has only been 2 months and my son is so good with our dog that he is not afraid of the dogs across the street who are high strung little fluffy things that always sent him runnning and screaming into the house. When I asked him about it he said he wasn't afraid now because he had one now. We waited to get a dog until both of our kids were older and could handle some responsibility. It was the best decision we made. He is still uncomforable around large dogs and other large animals, but has made remarkable progress. I don't know how your nephew will respond, but as he gets older he may realize that he has some control over the animals and that may help. Good luck!!!
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• • • JazzysMom

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@Ninabeana26:

That's a basenji for ya right? :p

Yup, for "unpredictable" dogs, they sure are "predictable". 😃

Still think he's a big turd.;)
And honestly, if Jazz would just scoot over….......:rolleyes:
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• • • BDawg

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Thanks, we're hoping for a little brother!! We were hoping for first Truman (but he turned out to be a little overactive for us) and then Rocky (on BRAT), but they are considering local applicants first. This one retired show dog I'm considering now is local, but he has some other health issues I need to check into as well. And I haven't seen any pics of him yet. I can't live without my internet- sometimes it's hard for me to understand that the rest of the world doesn't feel the same. 🙂

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How should I get Tesla used to having another dog around?

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Old dog, old tricks

Aggressive Behavior as they get older?

Do you use crate covers to seperate your dogs?

Fear of dogs

"Stupid Dog" kind of night…...

Pet Quality vs Show Dog