third dog??

Teresa · Enlightened One

third dog??

TheStylishHound · Old Hand

Hi Teresa...congrats on the third fur-member! :) Very exciting.

This is my experience and what we tell people to do with our group and that is to introduce the dogs on neutral territory first before bringing anyone onto the yard/in the house. I would also have them all muzzled. When you bring them into the house, keep them on leash. Let the new dog sniff around and check things out and if you have a crate ready, I'd have that setup as well. It will be a very exciting and stressful time for all the dogs so try not to overstimulate any of them. I'd pick up any toys that are laying around in case that becomes an issue for anyone and give them all some quiet time/space. I would walk him around your house and not just let him go to sniff on his own also. Be with them at all times and also, when feeding, keep them separated if you can do that. During the day when you're gone, you can crate or if you can gate off an area with a baby gate I'd consider doing that. You can also muzzle them all when you go for the day. I think with time you'll see how they interact and will be more confident and comfortable with what is appropriate for them.

You absolutely want the initial meeting to be the most positive experience for all of them. The dynamics will change with a third dog but for they will work it out.

Good luck to you and keep up posted!

Dave · Enlightened One

Hi Tree, well done!!

Basic advice here, I'd take Tom out a couple of times in public by himself, you'll be able to see what he's like in public places and around other folks, other dogs and also in the car. After that I'd introduce him the Dave & Daisy, again in public but in a neutral place, not somewhere Dave and Daisy are used to, do this a few times and you'll get a fair idea how all 3 dogs will interact.

On the day you are due to take Tom home do the same thing, bring him along to meet Dave and Daisy in a neutral place, take them all a big long walk then this time instead of Tom going back to the kennels himself stick him in the back of the car and all 3 dogs go home with you (remember to muzzle them first time together in the car.)

Once all 3 dogs are home my usual advice is to let them get on with it, they'll soon fgure out the score, remember the 'resource' issue, you'll need 3 (or more) of everything now! I don't know any of the 3 dogs or how the dynamics currently work in your house but expect a few 'grumbles', possible points to watch out are feeding times or when they all have treats or toys, remember Tom will be a different dog from Daisy and Dave having never lived in a house before.

It's good that you have a few weeks off work to get them all settled into a routine however please remember that at the end of your holidays after you being around most of the time then suddenly being away all day will be a bit of a surprise to the dogs so what you need to do is over the weeks you are off build up the time the dogs are left till a point where they have built up to a similar time that they will be left when you are working, start building up the alone time 2 or 3 days into your holiday!

Final point for now is it's always easy to give the new dog more time and attention on first arrival, don't do this! Stick to your normal routine as much as possible and let Tom adjust into that, be aware of the time you spend with him in relation to the time you are spending (or normally spend) with Dave & Daisy!

Laura · Master

What we did with Rosie was when we went to collect her, we walked all the dogs on neutral territory, and then went back into Rosie's foster house so that they would settle before going in the car together. Rosie jumped in the boot along with the collie and 'The Boss' our little mongrel went in the passenger footwell. When we got home, Rosie went in the house first and was allowed to sniff around and find her bed. Then the other two were brought in with Rosie already there. We had a few grumbles and snaps, but nothing serious, and by day 3 the other dogs gave up and accepted Rosie.

So we had a pretty easy introduction, but I agree with what has already been said

and well done you for taking on another doggie.

Anyanka · Master

As with so many things, there probably isn't one 'right' way of doing things - it depends on the three personalities involved.

I would be inclined to start introductions in the garden, as the dogs tend to be more possessive, protective and territorial about the house.

emma · Guru

Teresa,

Well done you, I am sure that Dave and Daisey will be fine.

I know from my own personal experiences of doing this that the first few weeks are the testing time. I get mine from a racing kennel and always take our dog there first, we then let the two dogs into a run (not the new dogs territory just a run used by lots of dogs) we then observe. If all goes well we leave them for a few minutes but still observe from a nearby building, then if it is still ok we walk them both then take them home (muzzled) in the car (if they are tired they are more likely to settle). They then get on with it at home.

If you have a hierachy at home stick to it and treat Tom as the bottom of the pack. Therefore if you put Dave's bowl down first then Daisey's normally, then put Tom's down last.

Expect a scuffle or two especially between Dave and Tom. Let them sort it out but have a plant (water) sprayer handy. If they fight too much you can spray them to shock them out of it. I have also always found this to be a good training aid for the newbie. If he ****s his leg indoors (which is quite likely as it will all be new to him) spray his back end. I have only ever had to do this twice to get the message across. Immediately after let him out to make him realise where to go. Mop up with some kitchen roll and throw the worst in the garden This re-inforces where to go to the toilet.

I go with what Dave says about the time spent with them too. Be careful to spend more with Dave and Daisey otherwise you could unwittingly encourage a fight!

You are an experienced owner Teresa and I know it is a big thing but I am sure you can handle it - especially if you are at home for the worst of it.

Good Luck and keep us all posted, I can't wait to hear all about them!!!

Em and Chad xx

Teresa · Enlightened One

Everyone, thank you for your input. I will take it all on board and implement what seems to be excellent advice.

I really hope it works out with Tom, he's a gorgeous boy and deserves my sofa. Will keep you all up to date with his progress (or otherwise )

What an excellent resource this site is......I wouldn't have the courage to try a third dog without you all

JENNY · Big Cheese

Good luck with Tom. I'm sure he'll fit in just fine. Keep us up to date with pics!!!

BOWGANG · Master

Tree

We found adding our 3rd dog - Jamie - very easy. We had met him at an awareness day and walked him with Gambol and Keera on what was his territory. He behaved very well as did the other 2. When we took him home for the first time he slept all the way in the car and the first thing we did was to let the 3 of them out into the garden. They were all absolutely fine as Gambol and Keera in particular are so laid back. We did however feed them separately as Jamie tended to inhale his food at the start! Over time he relaxed and came to realise that he was here to stay and we have never had any problems at all. I think it helped too that our 4 girls are here to smother them all with cuddles so nobody was ever left out!!

Good luck with no.3 and keep us posted with lots of info and pics.

Shirley and the gang

Jennifer · Big Cheese

when i added number 3, i had no bother at all. Mine all get on great and its so much more fun. The more the merrier i say lol

Looking forward to hearing all about him

Gail · Big Cheese

Best of luck with number three Teresa, Tom is a very lucky boy and i can't wait to hear how he settles in.

Christine Young · GAL Newsletter Editor

Well done, Tree, for taking on Tom! I have my fingers crossed that everything works out for you. Good luck - I'm sure he'll settle in well - and I'm looking forward to hearing more about him and seeing photos!

Christine

FAJ · Enlightened One

Just wanted to add my congratulations and good luck. I'm sooooooooo jealous - I want another but it's not really practical for us. Can't wait to hear how you get on and see loads of piccies.

Teresa · Enlightened One

Thanks again, everyone, for your encouraging words and advice. I am SOOOOOOO excited - boring Neil to death, I think

One more question (so far!).... We are hoping to collect Tom on Monday 11th September. Any reason why he shouldn't be booked in for his neutering op on the Thursday? This would give me a good week and a bit to ensure he doesn't chew his stitches.

Dave · Enlightened One

daves_mum wrote:

One more question (so far!).... We are hoping to collect Tom on Monday 11th September. Any reason why he shouldn't be booked in for his neutering op on the Thursday? This would give me a good week and a bit to ensure he doesn't chew his stitches.

Hi Tree, 2 schools of thought - let dog settle for a few months then get it done OR get it done right away - I always favour right away..

Teresa · Enlightened One

Thank you Dave. I was with the "sooner rather than later" thought - mainly cos I thought it would cause less friction with Dave (who has been neutered) to have another neutered male around.

Think I might get him done at the beginning of the second week. Then he'll have been with us for a week but I will also have a week to keep an eye on him before I go back to work.

Ta

Teresa · Enlightened One

Naturally, I've thought of another question !!

With three dogs, the amount of poop is going to be enormous!! I've thought about getting one of those chemical loos that you bury in the ground. Anyone got any experience of these or should I continue putting it in bags in the bin? Trouble with the bin is that the poop gets a bit heavy and I'm sure the bin-men are going to suss me out soon

Jennifer · Big Cheese

I've not had any experience of the poo bins that you put in the ground but there was a thread i read on another forum that they were crap, didnt work unless you had one yorkie sized dog. Certainly when i read about them, no-one had anything good to say about them

Isla · Enlightened One

I can confirm that opinion Jennifer. I bought one because I had the three and the garden was a bit like a minefield with two whenever we went out with the shovel! We duly followed all instructions, buried it but, alas, it cannot cope! We even tried double dosing it with the liquid stuff that you get in a bottle that is meant to help break down the waste. This also made no difference.

We now ingnore the bin in the corner and have gone back to more traditional means of disposal. Am now beginning to wonder if it would even manage to cope with whatever a yorkie would produce!

Dave · Enlightened One

Yeah I agree about the chemical loo's - for 3 greyhounds you'd need about 12 of em...

Teresa · Enlightened One

Thanks guys. That seems to comprehensively answer that question !!!

I'll back to poo bags and the good old bin men !

BOWGANG · Master

We also tried one of these things when we only had Gambol and Keera...they're a complete waste of money and I would agree they probably couldn't cope with a hairy rat..oops I mean a Yorkie!!!

Sorry to all you foks who like them but I'm not a small dog lover!!

Shirley and the gang

Teresa · Enlightened One

lol Shirley - I'm not a lover of small dogs either

Isla · Enlightened One

No, I'm not either. Especially after my trip to casualty at the teeth of my gran's horror!

Good luck with number three dog when he arrives.

Gail · Big Cheese

Teresa, any news on your new arrival yet, can't be long now before he takes over any remaining sofa's in the house.

Teresa · Enlightened One

Gail, Tom's adoption day is set for 11th September. Neil got some photos of him today so here's hoping this works !

Gail · Big Cheese

Not long now then Teresa. He is a real beauty and looks quite big in the photo's.

Bet your getting really excited. Can't wait to hear how he settles in.

Sunny girl · Master

he's lovely. Can't wait to hear more about him and see more photos.

Landess and Auntie Sunny

Teresa · Enlightened One

I can't wait !!!!! Am really excited about him coming home to us. Not having seen him for a few weeks, the photos make him look quite skinny - you can see his bones on his rump

I'll feed him up and he'll be extra cuddly then

He's such a lovely colour - a nice bright brindle I already call him The Orange Dog !

Isla · Enlightened One

Awww, bless. He's gorgeous. The photos are lovely and all I want to do is give him a big hug. He looks so sweet.

He is a nice bright colour - like my Tigger.