Introducing dog aggressive dogs to resident dogs

[Jevans]

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My brother in law died on Saturday and we have now got his 2 staffies. One bitch spayed and one dog unneutered. They are 12 years old, brother and sister and always been together. We have a 7 year old sprollie and a 3 year old pointador, both bitches and spayed. The staffies are dog aggressive, the male more so than the bitch. At the moment they are shut in a separate room (not all the time) so that they do not make contact in the house with our dogs. We are starting to walk them together (staffies on the lead), does anyone think there will be a time when we can have them in the house together in harmony? Any tips would be most welcome.

 

[JudyN]

I am so very sorry for your loss, and respect for taking in your brother-in-law's dogs.

I'm not an expert, but some more information might help: How are the dogs getting on when out on walks together? Are the Staffies more relaxed close to them than with other dogs? Do they seem to be settling OK in the room that they're in and are they getting sufficient walks and interactions with you?

You might want to do some work on their reactivity in general, which may be easier when walking them without your other dogs. We have information on how to approach this here: Dog Reactivity

 

[Hemlock]

A very difficult situation for you all. My thoughts are with you.

As you've asked the question, the answer I give is "No" . Please be very careful. I know you are being so, but it's amazing how many people will give a version of "it'll be all right" and keep on until it's easy to doubt yourself. The two Staffords will be very upset and not quite themselves now, but as they relax and gain confidence with their new life, so the risk to your own dogs increases. I speak from experience not hearsay, as i have specialised in aggression as part of dog behaviour for many years.

Walking them together is good, and I assume the two new dogs will be kept on-lead as they are dog aggressive. Again, go with damage limitation and don't let them offlead unless in a fenced area and just the two of them - then you can play with them if they are happy with that. Staffs are usually lovely with people, but I can't tell you how many times I've had to deal with them not liking other dogs, including some tragedies. Nobody ever regretted being careful.

 

[Jevans]

A very difficult situation for you all. My thoughts are with you.

As you've asked the question, the answer I give is "No" . Please be very careful. I know you are being so, but it's amazing how many people will give a version of "it'll be all right" and keep on until it's easy to doubt yourself. The two Staffords will be very upset and not quite themselves now, but as they relax and gain confidence with their new life, so the risk to your own dogs increases. I speak from experience not hearsay, as i have specialised in aggression as part of dog behaviour for many years.

Walking them together is good, and I assume the two new dogs will be kept on-lead as they are dog aggressive. Again, go with damage limitation and don't let them offlead unless in a fenced area and just the two of them - then you can play with them if they are happy with that. Staffs are usually lovely with people, but I can't tell you how many times I've had to deal with them not liking other dogs, including some tragedies. Nobody ever regretted being careful.

Thank you