My Third Dog

[Diana]

Hi, I have a lab aged 8 and a greyhound X aged 6 which were best friends for the past 5 years. We have recently introduced a 8 month lab x which they both love and get along with. The problem is that the two older dogs now hate each other to the point that they must be seperated all the time. They want each other to know whos in charge. Would love help with my problem.

[Diana]

Hi, I have a lab aged 8 and a greyhound X aged 6 which were best friends for the past 5 years. We have recently introduced a 8 month lab x which they both love and get along with. The problem is that the two older dogs now hate each other to the point that they must be seperated all the time. They want each other to know whos in charge. Would love help with my problem.

[Lyka_01]

I can't understand what's going on to your 2 older dogs...They have been together for a long time and now that you have new addition they hate each other???they supposed to hate the new dog that is the usual scenario...but to your situation that very unusual...

[uberglamorous]

Hi Diana! I have 3 dogs at home too. At first when we tried to put them all together in one place, they started growling and we were scared that they will fight and kill each other. But luckily, they didn't. What I did was when they started growling, I made sure to correct them right then and there. Simply put, if you make it clear to your dog that you are the boss and you don't want them to fight, then they will listen to you. Although of course, it takes a lot of patience. Also, I don't believe in physical punishment so never ever hit your dog.

[melody]

Hi Diana, it maybe possible that the older dogs are trying to show who's in command of the younger dog, possessing the right to protect. I suggest, if it's possible, to take the older dogs away for some time and bond them together again. Then afterward, you can take an older dog with the younger dog and socialize them together. Then do it with the other older dog. And then try letting the three of them go together, gradually increasing the time, until they are able to stay all three together without the aggressiveness.