New OES in Home - Need Help
We, my hubby and I, just adopted Nola, a 2-3 yr old OES. She is so gentle and loving to me and my husband but there are a few "issues" with Sam, our 1 yr old Goldendoodle. 1- Nola has been growling when Sam comes near her bowl. Never food aggressive with either of us...we do the recommended "push ups" before every meal and she hasn't felt threatened by us one bit. It's when Sam comes near that she starts to growl. I started feeding them at the same time in separate locations. Is this ok? Will it create further tension or is it a peaceful conclusion? 2- Also, Nola has been trying to get dominant with Sam. She constantly tries to scare him off (chases him then stops and returns to lying down...) and gets in the way of our time (Sam and mama time). She will get inbetween me and Sam when I'm petting him or will jump on my back, bark, whine, cry, etc if she sees me petting him. 3- She wants EVERYTHING that is Sam's. This might be a human impulse to feel bad for Sam that he is no longer an only "child" but when Nola steals his toys or his bed I feel bad and I'm not sure what to do! Sam's not quite sure what to do either...he just looks around with a lost look in his eye. Should I interject or let them work it out? 4- Finally, their play is super rough! I expected this with 2 dogs over 60 lbs each but am unsure of when to break it up or tell them to stop. Right now I'm using the no sound rule...as in, if they are both playing and not crying, whimpering, etc then they are ok... I would love some guidance? reassurance? anything? Thanks! |
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| Welcome Kate and Nola! My rule of thumb on playing (and I don't have more than one dog - which means Harry is usually beating up on someone else's dog  ) is that as long as there is no yelping, cowering or angry barking (you will be able to tell) then let them play the way they are playing. These OES can be pretty wild when playing.I think Nola is insecure about her position in the house and doesn't want Sam usurping her. I would just correct the behavior and then do your best to praise her when she treats Sam the way she should. One of your dog's will certainly be alpha but there is a difference between being alpha and being a snot to Sam. |
Hi Kate - I'll offer my take on your new Nola issues  1 - Feeding - I feed all my dogs separately. For several reasons. They all deserve a peaceful, relaxed meal. Not feeling like another dog may hover or take your food. Picture it as if you were eating lunch, and someone stood and stared at you while you were eating.....not too comfortable of a feeling.  Even if it was friendly staring, it most likely would make you feel like saying "stop watching me eat!" I have some that are just food hogs - and will happily steal another more laid back eater's food. By eating separately, I know everone gets the right amount. Also if someone doesn't eat, I would know right away and be watching - maybe they were sick? 2 - The power issue with Sam is normal - they need to sort each other out. One will be more dominant, one less. It's the way of the world. However, I do not allow any struggles over ME. If I'm petting one, it's that dog's time and no butting in allowed. We do group hugs - with all of them there, but if I want to love up just one, the rest know the rules. Not that they don't try on occasion... 3 - Let them work it out. They need to figure it out. If one really needs a break - crate, gate or somehow give them their own time and space. Or take one for a walk, leave the other home; send one out running errands with a family member, leave the other home with you. But they do need to establish a hierarchy - it's the nature of the pack. 4 - Chewie has a goldendoodle mix friend - and yes, they play rough. Both are super energy, strong and fun loving dogs. Body slamming, wild games of tag and wrestling are the norm. (his rottie bitch friend Zameka plays rough too) Supervision is really all you need to do. Play may get loud too - vocal is OK, and as long as they aren't drawing blood, it is normal. Especially as they are doing the dance to determine rank and getting to know each other. Just make sure they are in a safe spot - no rough housing on cement, no furniture, kids in the way, stuff like that. We have "take it outside " rule here - as there just isn't room to really play indoors. We are getting better, but when I had the 3 now 4-5 yr olds playing when they were younger, it was a needed rule! And anytime it wasn't appropriate, they all know to stop it on command (like no games when I'm on the phone, etc..) It's your house, so you can make the rules that fit. It sounds like you have a good grasp on it - and congrats on your new family member!!  |
| thank you thank you thank you for your replies! It makes me think that I'm not so crazy and just a nervous new mom! |
| i take care of a goldendoodle 3 x a wk.. and they will play real ruff they gang up on my dreamer who is alot bigger then both of them . welcome to the forum these guys on here know what they are talking about.. hang in there take a deep breath sound they are just testing each other .. welcome and thats for giving nola a home |
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