What if my dog doesn't like new dog?

[DiverDiva]

OMG, I never thought I would be posting this. I have found on petfinder a Boxer that I would love to adopt and DBF agrees (kind of - he's really nervous). We've been debating getting a second for months, but it took us years to finally decide to get our first. It would be about a 3-4 hour drive and of course we would have to take Oscar. Does anyone have any experience with this type of situation? If Oscar and the new dog didn't get along, I would have to say no, and I'm sure it would be horribly disappointing for all. What can I do to help make it love at first sight for all, including my beloved Oscar? He likes most dogs he meets at the dog park, and ignores the others.

 

[catcrazy56]

Mine were kind of unsure of each other for the first day but love each other so much now I think if they don't totally hate each other at first you will be fine. Boxers love Boxers as a rule here but there were 2 bw members here that tried to bring a male and female together and it didn't work but right from the get go. I would go ahead and try anyways it could be a match made in heaven make sure to introduce on neutral territory.

 

[meliss&kash]

You'll probably know real quick if it isn't going to work out! My friend runs a rescue group and this is what she's told me: the best first meeting is where the dogs meet each other, sniff, yet respect one another's space. Even if you don't see them play together doesn't mean they won't like each other. They will eventually warm up to each other. The best match is of the opposite sex - I'm not sure you mentioned whether it was a male or female? Make sure the first meeting is on neutral territory for both dogs, don't force them to play, and if they're getting too wild with each other, try going for a walk with them.

If you do get the dog, one way to ease the tension (especially if you are going to ride back 4 hours with both dogs in the car?) is to take them for a nice long walk together first so that they get used to being around each other, yet not in each other's faces. Also, for the first little while when you've got the new dog, it'll help Oscar if you can spend some one-on-one time with him away from the new dog.

Maybe this can reassure you: Last october I adopted a male boxer as a companion for my female. It was love at first sight - then again, he was young and super playful, so they were always together romping around, it was wonderful. Sadly, he passed away in December. After that, i fostered another male boxer. He was extremely rude with other dogs. He came here and it was pretty tense at first, until he learned some manners when playing with Kash, and then they liked each other a lot (she let him finish her cookies - that says a lot!). Eventually he was adopted, and a week later, I brought home another male boxer. He came here and was very very shy/reserved. He didn't play with Kashmir for about 1 week. Then he started gradually to come out of his shell. It's been 3 weeks now, and it's like they're best pals! So... my point is, if they seem ok with each other at first, chances are, it'll work out great in the end! I never thought I'd find another match like my first, but it turns out I was wrong - Kashmir likes them all!!

 

[greengas]

Even if they don't get along right off the bat, there still might be some hope. My boy Bosco goes crazy around dogs he doesn't know. I don't know what it is. He has had other dogs in his life and did fine- we also took him to dog parks when he was younger, training classes, no problem. It just seems that he loses his manners around dogs he doesn't know and becomes very protective. He is 10 and I think this has happened very gradually.

We recently fell in love with two boxers at the local humane society. I didn't dare bring Bosco there to meet them, because I knew it would be a huge failure. He just comes on way too strong and even aggressive. I took our two newbies home and it was not good. I kept them separated and let them sniff each other through the door, then I cracked it and he just went crazy. Finally my husband came home from work and said, enough of this, I just need to show him that they are ok and his behavior is not.

We got him to the point where he could sniff them and be in the room with them without a problem, but his hackles were still up (with him this totally means that he could show aggression if he gets too close). I was really thinking that we would be sending our new babies back- that this just was not going to work at all. I couldn't sleep that night and really was kicking myself for thinking this would work.

Well the next morning while on the phone boohooing about our mistake to my mom, within a span of about 10 minutes, Bosco went from hackle raised grumbling dog to butt-in-the-air silly pup. He just decided they were ok. It's been about 2 months now and things couldn't be better. They all snuggle together, play together, they get along so well. Bosco is so much happier now too- and he has decided that he doesn't want to be boss. There has been no aggression at all.

I don't know how common our situation is. It was not a fun 12 hours between the time that we brought them home to him accepting them. I don't know how we could have done it much differently with him though. I know that if I had brought him up to the humane society to meet them I would have gone home without our babies.

 

[Dezirsmyluv]

wow, I'm sure glad we're not the only ones in those shoes.
We have had Dezi for 3 years now, and she is absolutely wonderful, mindful and sweet. We had been thinking about getting her a brother for some time now, and finally on Sat, we met Sarge, a rescue from NCBR-Tx. He was so sweet and gentle. I didn't read any of these messages until now, and I now wish we would have met on neutral territory.
But none the less, he is settling down great, I just wish Dezi would stop being so vocal and aggressive at times, but maybe it's just her showing she is the alpha dog here.
We know Sarge was the dog for us just based on the reaction Dezi had with him outside in the front yard when they met. We've only had Sarge two days now, but they seem to be settling down quite nicely, she even lets him sleep in her other bed, and on the bed with us...during the day only.

I would say, but I'm no expert, see if you can have your Bosco meet the other dogs, just to see what kind of reaction he gets.
My. $.02

Vic