Our 17 year old lab mix died last month. Our 16 year old lab mix was definitely lonely, but seems open to a new dog. She has been dog aggressive in the past to females and smaller dogs.
We introduced her today to a 1 1/2 year old lab mix that is slightly larger than her. She did well on the walk and even did OK off leash with him at the shelter. Since we've been home, she has shown her teeth a few times. We are keeping them both on a leash to avoid confrontations (as well as to make sure he is housebroken). He will be crated when no one is home as well.
I've read both things - keep them apart for a bit as well as let them work out who is alpha right away. However, since she is a senior dog we don't want to risk injuring her (nor him for that matter). Sierra used to like to play with Jesse by grabbing onto her neck while running next to her. Hard to read if that is what she would like to do (playing) versus hurting!
Tips and suggestions welcomed. We really like the new dog and want it to work out perfectly for all.
Thanks!
We introduced her today to a 1 1/2 year old lab mix that is slightly larger than her. She did well on the walk and even did OK off leash with him at the shelter. Since we've been home, she has shown her teeth a few times. We are keeping them both on a leash to avoid confrontations (as well as to make sure he is housebroken). He will be crated when no one is home as well.
I've read both things - keep them apart for a bit as well as let them work out who is alpha right away. However, since she is a senior dog we don't want to risk injuring her (nor him for that matter). Sierra used to like to play with Jesse by grabbing onto her neck while running next to her. Hard to read if that is what she would like to do (playing) versus hurting!
Tips and suggestions welcomed. We really like the new dog and want it to work out perfectly for all.
Thanks!