How do I get my dog to accept my roommates dog?

sicily and wednesday did NOT get along at first. like at all. We started by exercising them together. they were so bad that we had to walk like 50ft away from each other. slowly we got them closer together on walks but kept them focused on the brisk walk and not each other. they knew the other was there but couldnt focus thier attention on the other dog.

When we let them off leash in the house together we would monitor thier interaction very carefully and separate them at the immediate moment they got snarky with each other. Gradually it would take longer and longer for one to get pissy with the other and now they are great together, we have to separate a potential spat about once a week but do it before anything escalates.

Lara,

First, and very important! Always keep them separated when you are not around to supervise. Two same sex dogs is not a good idea, but if you have to deal with it can be managed. I have had this same problem with our two females (terrible fights). They are pretty much separated now 24/7 by a tall gate permanently mounted to the wall. They are not jumpers, so this works for us. We do walk them together, Tony has one and I have the other, but even though they used to play together, they could never be trusted not to fight. Misdirected aggression was a big one, plus resource guarding.

There is some great info on BADRAP's website on introducing dogs. I will try to find it and email it to you. Check out their website www.badrap.org They have some of the best info on pit bulls.We have learned so much from them.

Hey Lara. I have been watching some of Cesar Millan's tapes and he recommends that dogs be taught to "bond" as if in a pack. He recommended taking them for a walk with each other, one on either side of you. Keep them both at your side and let them get used to the idea that you are all in a pack and that you are alpha. In this way, if the dogs start to fight when at home, you can step in as the alpha dog.

I really recommend you take a look at his book or at a video of his. I think his pack training is amazing especially for "gladiator dogs" (pit bulls, dobbie's, german shephers, rotweilers, etc.

Good luck!

Try taking them both for walks together. Buy a sqirt gun or water bottle put them in each room, when they act up quirt them. Your furniture will dry. We have two dogs in our home and they both want the upper hand. I have a big crate in my living room so I put the youngest dog in the crate and the other dog I put outside as a time out. Now I have the upper hand I say stop and they usually do.

Well I have to agree with Linda she is a wonderful dog trainer. I would also spend time doing things together like walking the dogs. Avoid any treats and feeding together. each time they are in the room together give them high valued treats. and plenty of exercise will help also.

At first you should prevent the dogs from being aggressive with each other then work on teaching the dogs to ignore each other by rewarding each dog for being in the same room but having them lay down. Talking with a good trainer can help.

You really need to intercede in the behavior of the other dog before things get out of control. I am sure there are all sorts of flags going off that is not being seen. Definitly contact a behavoirist so they can evaluate what is going on.