Two Dog Household

[dafzichu]

Well, it looks like when Mindy and I return home after the new year, we will be bringing Buffy with us. Because Bunni has to be separated from the other dogs and my grandmother can't navigate the gates, Buffy is coming with me and Mindy, so the gates can come down. I am also away from home for only 6 hours at a time as opposed to my mom who is away for 11 hours and my grandmother would not be able to let Buffy out during the day.

Do you think I am going to encounter any problems bringing both of them into my house? Mindy has not spent more then two consecutive days at our house (we've been living at my parents' since right after I got her and she got out of the hospital) so I am guessing she does not see our house as her house yet. Because she doesn't identify the house as her turf, I am not anticipating any problems with bringing Buffy with us. Buffy is 15 y/o (Pomeranian Mix) and they get along perfectly well here at my parents' house, so I am hoping for a smooth transition into a new routine. I admit, I am a bit nervous, when it is just me, I have never had two dogs before.

My mom is a bit upset. We didn't want to have to do this, but my grandmother's back pain has regressed somewhat and I have to get home and back to work. Buffy is older and my mom would like to spend as much time with her as she can. Although she isn't currently sick, alot can happen when you are that age and my mom doesn't want to her (god forbid) die away from her real home. I tried to reassure her, Buffy will have it good. She enjoys Mindy's company and I doat on Buffy the same way I do with Mindy so she will be well taken care of. I do understand how my mom feels and I wish things were different and Buffy could stay, but I will take the best care of her I can.

 

[TossBranAbi]

Since they get a long well now, I wouldn't anticipate any problems either. The only thing I would worry about is that since Mindy has been at your house before, even though she may not see it as her own, she is probably comfortable there. Assuming Buffy hasn't been there before, she is going to be stressed out over the move. Not sure if they play or not but if they do, Mindy may be ready to play right away wheras Buffy will take a few days to adjust. If Mindy won't leave Buffy alone and tried to play when Buffy doesn't want to, that could cause a scuffle.

Sorry your mom has to be away from Buffy but at least she can rest assured she will be well taken care of. Best of luck to you all.

 

[SherylM]

I am sure you won't have any problems moving both dogs into your home since they already get along. Though Buffy might be a little stressed at first I'm sure she will settle in with you and Mindy there to ease her mind. Do you mind if I ask why Bunni has to be separated from the other animals? Is it because of her disability?

 

[dafzichu]

Do you mind if I ask why Bunni has to be separated from the other animals? Is it because of her disability?

We made alot of mistakes with Bunni and her brother Brutis . We didn't socialize them properly and we weren't good leaders. Brutis was very dominant and aggressive towards other dogs and sometimes Bunni. I think all these things combined have made her a very skittish, reactive dog. Although we have seen her play with other dogs, we use alot of caution. She has a history of fighting with Buffy, so I think it is best they don't meet again, especially considering the size difference.

We have begun to have both Bunni and Mindy in the same room on leashes. Bunni is very nervous and tense, but will relax with time and Mindy is very submissive with her, rolling on her belly and with her head down licking Bunni's face. Last night they were laying side by side, butts touching, it was a great thing to see. Because of Bunni's disablity, she could never be with Mindy without her cart. Mindy is just too crazy. We are hoping to get to the point where they could play together outside and go for walks together.

 

[dafzichu]

Ahhh...the first day in our new multi-dog household.

Things are actually not going all that badly. Mindy is being a devil, but she is excited, this is almost like a new place for her too. She peed on the rug twice, right in front of me (grrrr) and she is being a little more pushy with Buffy then I would like her to be. So I am just going to turn up the NILF with her, make sure she understands that even though we are in a different environment, Mommy still runs the place. Because she peed she doesn't get free roam of the house until she proves she can be trusted to potty outside only.

I am sure we will all get into a nice routine in no time.

 

[SherylM]

Oh, I get it now.

Hopefully it won't be too long before you're back into a routine. Good LUck!

 

[catcrazy56]

I am sure Mindy will be fine once she realises this is her home and Buffy her new roomate god know with all my fosters and puppies there are alot of smells in my house and everyone has to mark it Ruby marked my house even though she wasn't housetrained you could tell the difference I still have to take her out as soon as I feed her or she pees by the bowls its a marking thing.