How to introduce a new dog into a house with a dog already there?

[randomnoble]

Hi Y! community, I need your help!

I recently adopted an 8 month old Siberian Husky for a nearby animal shelter. Now, I already have a mixed Pitbull (named Oreo) who I also adopted from an animal shelter about a year and a half ago as a 3 month old puppy. When I adopted him, I was told he had a 50/50 chance he would not make it past 1 year old due to a heart murmur. Also, he was already neutered at 3 months old, which I thought was pretty strange.

Regardless, Oreo lost his pug buddy last week and it was obvious to notice he was depressed. So I decided to adopt a new dog to help him get over the grieving process.

Now Oreo has never been the type of dog to start fights, he's the type that would run away with his tail in between his legs in case that circumstance comes up. Luckily it hasn't because he's usually a very playful, friendly dog. However....

When I brought Xena (the husky) to the house after her spay operation, I introduced both through the fence. Everything seemed ok. The next day I thought I could have them meet face to face, but when I did this it was obvious that Xena was demonstrating dominant behavior over Oreo in his own backyard! Xena has already bitten me once, almost bit my mother, and growls whenever Oreo approaches the food. I obviously intervene when this happens but I honestly don't know how to deal with a grown dog.I do not know Xena personal or medical history.

So my question for you guys is... what the heck could I do to have Xena and Oreo co-exist peacefully? Is it possible? Have I done something wrong in the introduction?

My original plan was to run with both dogs, that way they could bond together but since Xena is still recovering from her operation, I can't do it until another 2 weeks. I''m really thinking about returning her to the shelter to get a smaller dog, or possibly another pug.

Please Help! I appreciate any critiques and advice!

 

[MamaBas]

I think you may have approached this all wrong, with respect.

1. You only lost your previous dog last week and there's no doubt as dogs do grieve, that he is grieving still and adjusting to his new status as the only dog in the house.
2. The Husky b itch is recovering from her spay surgery, so probably not in the best state physically, to be coping with a new home and another dog.
3. You say you know nothing of her personal history - hum. Did the Shelter not do a temperament test on her, to find out a bit more abut her? I am actually more concerned about her biting humans, than her relationship with your current dog at the moment.

Fact is, eventually the b itch is more likely to rule, as is usually the case so her attitude towards your boy could be expected.

If you are prepared to allow a settling in/recovery from surgery period, all I can suggest is you'll have to keep them apart other than when you are right there to supervise what's going on. And feed them strictly apart too - food is a trigger. If she did come from a Shelter, I think you have to contact them and tell them the difficulties you are having and maybe taking her back, so she can perhaps go to a single-dog home, may be your best option. There's little point upsetting Oreo more than he is already after all!!