Jealousy between two pets in a house

[Kristen]

Anybody here who has 2 pets (2 dogs or 1 dog and another pet) and has managed jealousy of one over the other when it comes to attention, food, etc.?

I'm thinking of getting another pet, not so sure if it's going to be another dog or a different one. I just want to know if you guys encountered any violent reaction from your current dog/pet when the new one comes in. Or should I let go of the idea altogether?

[RubyRoo]

STA70218.jpg

I have had mulitple dogs in the past, three being the most at one time plus a cat. The older dog then (and I am talking 20 plus years ago, had had a bad time being constantly attacked by other dogs, so he could be a bit 'reactive' if cornered or a strange dog came too close. Bringing a new puppy into the house, had to be managed carefully, which I would recommend anyway, and I kept the new memeber away from the older dog for quite a while until they were used to each other through a dog gate, and being walked together, although this wasn't very far, with a young puppy. It took time but they tolereated eachother in the end. Puppy got on fine and became firm friends with the middle dog. After the older dog passed, I got another puppy, careful introduction and all became good friends. I then had three 'entire' male dogs all living very happily together, with never a cross word between them.

I would suggest that when bringing a new pet into the home, a careful introduction is made. If possible and the new pet is a dog, walk them together before bringing in. If a new puppy, then short supervised times together, meeting in the garden/yard before bringing in. Do not leave new pet alone with older dog until you are well and truly sure that there will be no problems.

As for food, if you have dogs that are real 'foodies' then they are always going to be vying for the treat/meal first. For meal times, feed away from each other, and the food goes to the oldest dog first then the newbie. Treats the same, but if older dogs try to snatch from younger, then body block them before treating the younger dog. Do any training away from the older dog, so that this does not cause any problems or confusion.

If you are bringing a cat into your home, then make sure the dog is cat friendly, or will be with training. Maybe let the dog sniff cat through a dog gate or crate and keep them seperated for a while until they are comfortable with each others' presence. Have an escape route for cat, preferably up high where dog cannot reach it. Having had a cat with dog's, I found that the cat began to think she was a dog, and would try to come on walks, eat their food, and take their bones from them. They stood looking horrified, and were total wimps. The cat could always be found asleep with one of the dogs.

Hope that this helps, regards Jan

[Justontime]

I have bossy cats too RubyRoo they behave like that with my dog and her reaction is just the same.

[RubyRoo]

Really miss having a cat. So many in rescue needing a home, but 'him indoors' doesn't want another one.

Jan

[Orrymain]

Most of the time, I have had either 2 or 3 dogs at a time. There's always a little jealousy, but nothing violent, ever. I spend time with all of them, together and separately. I think that helps a lot.

[kernow]

There is always a bit of competition between pets, but if you are fair in the way you treat them and if you give them all individual attention when possible it usually settles down.They seem to work out a pecking order between themselves.

[Orrymain]

I do think that's best. I know one of my main worries at the beginning was feeding. We've always had to feed our dogs separately because they'd always want the others food. I sat out with these dogs for several days, keeping them focused on their own bowls. Fortunately, it worked ... until today. LOL Don't know what triggered it, but they decided to swap. I'm going to keep an eye on this, believe me!

[Syn]

I would love to bring another dog into the house, but my little/big man, Rat Terrier, really is just not ready, I don't think I am either.

I had a 22 year blue heeler and a 16 year red heeler, when Buster can into the family. That Old dog (22) was just going to eat him up! All grumbs and growls, and half hearted nips. Buster loved that old dog and would snuggle up to him all the time, through all the show. Deja Blue was his mentor, buddy, and best pal. He does act so very much like him even now. Its been 2 years since they both past on, our heelers...It was the same day, they were side by side with Deja's head laying over on Gator.

I will foster a dog once in awhile, while people get there house ready or fence put up. But Buster just isn't himself, and well neither am I. we really miss them.
He has dragged home 3 cats....look what I found!!!!can I keep it!!!!!.

I think another pet is wonderful if interduced well and safely. Sometimes you like haveing a four legged buddy to pal around with.

[Orrymain]

You do have to work on introducing a new dog. If it's done right, there is rarely a problem.

[Justontime]

I usually find that the first couple of weeks with a new pet are rather challenging, then all of a sudden it all seems to click and the pets have accepted each other.