Stephanie asked: I apologize if this seems long-winded.. I believe that there is a lot that contributes to the psychology of dogs, and I want to be thorough about mine.
I am eighteen and just moved into my own apartment, with my boyfriend. I brought my nearly 13-year-old toy poodle with me. She has been mine for over twelve years and she is my whole world. She has been showing signs of age for about a year, but she still has a lot of play in her. Sometimes she just won’t settle down until I get teh rope toy out and play.
She also has seperation anxiety. My mother has never had a job. Therefore, until I moved out and went to work, Gracie was never home alone. When she’s home alone, she howls all day.
I have purchased a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy that is six weeks old, and she will be coming home tomorrow. My poodle, Gracie, is aggressive toward other dogs, but I want her to have a friend and live out her last years happily, full of playtime. How can I successfully introduce them?
A lot of people have told me tghat a new puppy will revitalize Gracie and make her young again. I have done a LOT of research on Pembrokes and I know they’re energetic dogs, but my puppy was the most laid-back from the litter. We wanted an active dog to take on outdoor activities that Gracie can no longer do. Gracie will still be my spoiled couch-potato, and I will always put her first. Please, I don’t want Gracie to think we are replacing her! I am doing this so she will have a friend. How can I make her see this when she doesn’t like other dogs?
When I met the puppy I rubbed her down with a towel, and borught the towel home, so her scent has been in our house for a few days. Gracie has laid on the towel and either doesn’t mind it, or doesn’t notice it’s another dog’s scent.
Gracie likes my guinea pigs and most animals who are smaller than her. She’s never met a dog smaller than she is. She has no problem on a leash and loves going on walks.
I do know that puppies should nbot be brought home before the age of 8 weeks at the earliest. However, we’ve fallen in love and the breeder does not want to wait. I have researched, researched, and researched this matter. I know all about the neutral territory, let them smell each other, etc. I plan on introducing them in a nearby churchyard with lots of grass, and letting them sniff each other, then giving each a treat. Repeating this twice more, and then petting them both a lot.
My main concern is that Gracie will feel jealous..
Gracie likes my guinea pigs and most animals who are smaller than her. She’s never met a dog smaller than she is. She has no problem on a leash and loves going on walks.
I do know that puppies should nbot be brought home before the age of 8 weeks at the earliest. However, we’ve fallen in love and the breeder does not want to wait. I have researched, researched, and researched this matter. I know all about the neutral territory, let them smell each other, etc. I plan on introducing them in a nearby churchyard with lots of grass, and letting them sniff each other, then giving each a treat. Repeating this twice more, and then petting them both a lot.
My main concern is that Gracie will feel jealous..
Dove Cresswells Dog Training
