How to get my new bully puppy & older small dog to get along..

erikashea

My husband and I brought our new baby bully Bianca home nearly 4 weeks ago (she was 7 weeks).  We have a 7 year old chihuahua/mix male Sam who has always gotten along famously with other dogs however he is NOT happy with her one bit.  We are super discouraged because we thought they would be great friends.  I didn't take into account that Sam has never really experienced puppies Bianca is not very aggressive with Sam but is relentless trying to get him to play with her.  He has NO interest in playing with her and is being aggressive towards her.  Does anyone have any suggestions to get them to play together?  I know this is strictly a bully forum but am just curious if anyone else has had this problem and if there's any suggestions?  

fullofbull

We have the Exact same problem!!!  Male (n) Chihuahua, Jordie same age as yours and Hates Hannah!!!

And he always liked other dogs and puppies, but can't stand her.  It is frustrating.  Won't play with her at all.  She was 8 weeks when we got her and is now 11 mos.  It never got any better.  She still tries to play with him constantly and he just barks at her (from the couch) which sends her into a "mad moment" run.  To her, that is playing.  She is very respectful of him and would never cross him.  When outside, they hike together and are fine.  Seems to be just in the house and when we are around.  Although I would Never leave them alone together!!!  Poor Jordie lives on the couch now!!  LOL

Our solution............get another bullie puppy for Hannah!!!!  She needs a sister!  Tea' arrives in 6 weeks and we can't wait.  Great excuse to get another........hahaha.  And they even look alike (in markings)

erikashea

Oh no, there must be hope!! Sam and Bianca are the exact same, fine outside taking a walk but Sam is miserable once we get back indoors it absolutely breaks my heart for him.  Did you try any dog trainers in your area?  I am currently looking into one that comes to the house.  

giovitas

Well, in my case, Trica (my new bull puppy - 7 weeks) has recently got home (1 week) Cuco (a 5 year old male standard poodle) is still adjusting... I hope. It's like my poodle it's trying to play with her; but she's not sure what to do. And then he runs away from her. Maybe he's not sure what to do with her. It's like he's afraid. And I thought he'll play with her right away because when we take him to the park he's nice and plays with other dogs.

Up today, he's not aggresive with her. It's like they distribute the house and have their own areas. I don't know, if when Trica learn how to get downstairs is going to be the same. But at least is not like the first two days, when every time my poodle get nears her and then runs away from her crying, like a spoil baby. However, I don't think he's depressed, he's still eating, playing and having his own routine.

I'm doing everything in the books, videos, and forums, since the day I brought her home. I'm giving my old dog more attention and only then play with the bull. Giving the older dog it's space and recognition. In front of the puppy, only play with the older dog; so he will not see the puppy as a menace.

And every day I see some progress; it's little, but there is. However, the difference is that Cuco is not aggresive with her. Their contact is strictly under supervision; until I'm sure they are safe.

philsergeant

The unfortunate reality is that the chihuahua is going to need to adapt to the newcomer. After the Bullie becomes 2 to 3 months old, he will have little to fear from the Mexican terror. Meanwhile you will need to watch that he doesn't tear the puppy's eye out. Someone told me once that chiwawas are just PitBulls, in disguise, if you turn them over you'll find the zipper to their Wawa suit. But eventually he will need accept that there's a new sheriff in town. Eventually they will be the best of friends, but they will need to work it out between themselves, with supervision ... Keep letting Wawa know that  he is loved, but you won't stop the Bullie from playing... If he gets too rough or aggressive let him know YOU are boss and that he needs to be considerate of the little one. If you are besotted with Chihuahuas then you really shouldn't have got a Bullie... That's why the Poodle has an easier time with it, he has less of an ego than the WaWa.  You might sense that I am not too fond of chihuahuas, true, my Mum used to have one when I was a kid, and they can be loveable.... but after you've had Bullies... well, nothing compares.  Don't give up, it can work out with lots of patience and a rhino skin.

erikashea

Hahaha so true my little Sam thinks he is the bully!! Bianca is not one bit afraid of him she just tries to get him to play. She is so lovely to him, if he is sleeping she will try to nudge over quietly to get close. The problem is definitely him not accepting that he is not an only child anymore. Plus she is RELENTLESS trying to get near him. We recognize that he needs extra love and attention but we make sure to give her just as much.  We do separate them to make sure they get a break and each get one on one time with us. How do you feel about trainers? We are considering getting one only because it seems to be taking so long for Sam to adapt to her. They are great together on the leash, sit patiently side by side when they know their food is on the way and will drink out of the same bowl together he just doesn't seem to tolerate her any other time. He seems like he is terrified of her. Any ideas on how long it may take or does it just vary drastically? We're exhausted and just want our babies to be best friends!!!

Seon

I had and still have the same problem.  A couple of
years ago, I brought Trayler home and neither one of the wife's Pom accepted
him.  After a few months, I had to ask my niece and her husband to adopt
him.

After the 17yr old male Pom passed, I decided to buy Raider, but again, the
female wouldn't and still won't accept him after 7 months now. 

 

He’ll walk pass her and she’d attack.  He just scoots away and I have to
bring him to the other room and put the gate up.



I'm ready to call Caesar the dog whispe.

philsergeant

I am certain the Dog Whispe will tell you that the Pom is the one who needs to be brought under control and taught that it's wrong to snap...But at 17 years that a lot of tradition to be reversed, and you'd probably need to send her over to Cesar's "pound" to let 23 dogs tell Pommy she's no longer the big poop.... but at 17 I don't think she'd survive 23 bosses.... (I've never met the Pom obviously, but somehow she reminds me of Hilary Clinton  )  )

Seon

You're spot on Phil.  Poms are good lap dogs...for the wife.  But if I'm to celebrate our 50th anniversary in November, I'll keep Raider out of the Pom's radar.  Like that Rolling Stone's song ..."Time is on our side..."  b-(  .

Djammy

Please don't call Cesar! Ok, admitted, I make use of my right to NOT agree with many of his methods.
But that's as personal of an opinion as it gets.


On another "Off-topic", I keep wondering, why so many puppies seem to be given to their new owners at only 7 weeks old. I read that over and over again, not only in this forum.
I always thought 8 weeks is the minimum age to separate puppies from their canine moms.
Sorry that I can't be of any help with the real topic of this discussion. I don't have any helpful experience.
Just keep wondering about that puppy age thing ....
:-?

philsergeant

Djammy ..... It's called MUUUUUUUNIEEEEEE! So many of these "breeders" are soooo desperate to get their bucks out of a litter... I think there must be a little book that they share with the " most ridiculous excuses" as to why they have got to have the moola a couple of weeks early.... From "mama has turned on her kids and is going to eat them" to " her milk's dried up or gone sour", or, even, "our roof started leaking".... There should be a punishable law for breeders who do this for dishonorable reasons.... I hate how may laws we have in this country, but heck, if you can be prosecuted for leaving your dog in the car for 10 minutes... Then this should be stopped because it has long term consequences and is unjustifiable.

Djammy

@philsergeant

I was afraid, it's just that. Just asked, because I had a glimpse of hope it might be something else, such as some newer general recommendations, I've missed or so.

erikashea

:x

erikashea

As you can see they are getting along MUCH better!! I am happy to say Sam and Bianca are adjusting famously! I will say we were extremely disappointed to find out the breeder gave her to us too soon at 7 weeks as she didn't get the opportunity to learn bite inhibition. I will admit it is partly our fault as we didn't research when we should take her from her mom and litter mates. Money was definitely on the brain of the breeder! On the up side she is incredibly smart and is learning 'no biting' with the help of pinning (thank you guys for your advice and help!). She is well adjusted now, knows how to sit and is learning to shake with her cute little (big!) paw This is my first bully and my husbands second and I will say I am madly in love and she is insanely adored by us, won't have another breed! Thank you all for your advice and support, this forum is amazing. I will continue to post pics of our little gem

BulliesofNC

Those two look like best friends!

erikashea

They are getting there! =D>

philsergeant

I must say the Pommy looks quite cute... But their faces say it all.... Pommy: "I'm still in charge", Bullie:  "But I am getting there, I'm determined, and I'm cute as hell on top of it... Once I put this Pommy in his place I will have time to work on getting my ears to stand up, then I'll be irresistible"

erikashea

True! She's pretty irresistible now due to her cuteness, and that heart shaped nose gets me every time

fullofbull

Wonders never cease!!!  I found these 2 in bed together yesterday morning.  So there you go!!!

BulliesofNC

Alas, the eagle has landed!  It was just a matter of time. 

exiled

We've got a new bullie puppy for our nearly three-years-old bullie.  We're letting them loose together for short periods of time, but only while closely supervised by both me and my husband right there with them.  Some days are rougher than others, and when we see that, it comes to a complete stop.  Other days, though, it's a love fest.  It's only been a couple of weeks, but here is a picture of our older one going up to the younger one's crate while we were doing some cleaning.

erikashea

Wonders never cease!!!  I found these 2 in bed together yesterday morning.  So there you go!!!

aww what a moment! Doesn't it just make your heart feel full! Slowly but surely there's progress, so happy to see yours are coming around too =D>

erikashea

We've got a new bullie puppy for our nearly three-years-old bullie.  We're letting them loose together for short periods of time, but only while closely supervised by both me and my husband right there with them.  Some days are rougher than others, and when we see that, it comes to a complete stop.  Other days, though, it's a love fest.  It's only been a couple of weeks, but here is a picture of our older one going up to the younger one's crate while we were doing some cleaning.

oh happy days, thank you guys for sharing great pic!

Chicklit84

I don't wanna freak anyone out because this is my first Bull Terrier she's about 8 months old right now. My older sheltie who is small for his breed has treated my Bully badly from day one. He will play with her somewhat but in general he has bullied her by snapping growling and biting her by her eyes. I corrected and separated them off and on.I recently had another sheltie (who I had to put down for health issues and increasing aggression)that I got as a puppy with this same older dog who used to get into fights with him.I'm beginning to see that my older sheltie must be part of how these other dogs are turning out. I am as well I know.I have read up on dog behavior and realize that Bull Terriers aren't really appropriate for beginners but I'm going to try my best with what I have to work with now. Well out of nowhere seemingly Sophie(my bully) really got rough with Mario during a fight that seemed to escalate a few days ago.I learned how to grab the back legs to help separate two dogs in a fight safely.no one was injured until last night when another fight broke out. It happened so fast and Sophie had Mario by the neck at one point and wouldn't let go and was shaking him like she does with her toys.I was able to separate them and Mario came back at her again which ended with him yelping loudly and running off to the bathroom and his front leg was twisted and fractured.Sophie has some scratches by her eyes but seems okay.I'm probably going to get Mario's leg amputated and keep the dogs separate.it was about 500 dollars this morning just for x rays and pain meds.we have to talk with a vet specialist but Mario is older and I don't think having 3 legs would be the worst thing to happen.I don't want to scare anyone it's just that I'm new to this as some others might be.I've dealt with dog fights it's just that Bully breed type dogs are very strong and I've learned it can be expensive at the least to take a risk possibly with a much smaller dog.I don't know.I'm still kind of in shock.I did notice that my Bull Terrier began to spin and chew her tail one day after both of the male shelties growled and snapped at her.she was also scratched in the face by a cat at my parents house when I first got her.I've worried I've ruined her because maybe she's been traumatized

philsergeant

Wow! That's a lot for a first post! But welcome and don't worry, if you are determined to find out how wonderful Bullies are, and are prepared to do what it takes, you will have a fabulous relationship with Sophie.
Yes, if older dogs are allowed to continue to mess with her she will grow traumatized. No dogs should think that they are in charge and can do what they will,,, they must know that you are boss and they must fear that any of their bad behaviour will meet with your disapproval and therefore they can not even think of misbehaving. Mario has found out how tough Bullies can be and you are lucky he didn't do any physical damage to Sophie while she was young/ incapable of defending herself. The emotional damage you are going to need to correct and make sure that she is respectful of Mario  once he is "back on his feet"  You don't make much mention of the second male Shelty and what his current disposition is regarding Sophie, so it's a little hard to compute the whole tri-fecta with the three of them.  But the biggest thing is having mental control over all of them.  Sophie, as all Bullies, will be significantly stressed through the experience and you must stop her spinning and get her calm and non-aggressive... Typically they will only be aggressive if they are afraid/ Tell us more, be strong and remember, love is what makes a Bullie grow.

Chicklit84

Oh my other sheltie Bear passed away.well I had to put him down because he had a sudden deterioration of his hind legs for some reason and a recurrent swelling on his face that kept coming back. He wouldn't play anymore and would only sleep and sit on the bed.he also whined a lot and his aggression increased.we never got a diagnosis from the vet but I probably would have needed some kind of scan done.but he began giving me a desperate look as he got worse and seemed sad to not be playing like the other dogs.he always had dog and people aggression but he finally began actually biting people and he nipped my brother in law even though he knows him.he also began ducking outside on walks and seemed terrified and didn't used to do that.I suspect it was some kind of cancer.he really tested me though with his strong personality and made me a stronger dog owner I think because I learned a lot.I had to deal with a lot of judgment and criticism for him at vets offices and so forth.I really miss him even though he made me frustrated and upset at times. I worry if I did the right thing putting him to sleep but he was so sick and his quality of life was not good anymore. it's funny because no one expects non bullies to be aggressive but I've seen plenty of all kinds of dogs who test the limits and some seem just mean haha.my parents had a little Chihuahua for a few years they adopted that bit a bunch of people. Sure they can't do as much damage but that Chihuahua bit people in the face and drew blood on at least one.I also met two women yesterday at the vets who talked about having dogs that didn't get along and keeping both.I wouldn't even consider rehoming any of my dogs.I just love Sophie she really is special.I dont think people are aware how unique this breed is.she's more than a dog.she kinda reminds me of a little piglet in a good way lol. I have to be careful because I love to baby her so much. She's just so cute haha.it's weird though.another thing about the spinning is she will do it while looking in my door mirrors.I dunno if she likes to look at herself or pretend there's another bull terrier.that would be cute but also kinda sad cus she must be lonely for another puppy.she will also play with her toys in front of the mirror

Quinnofhearts

It sounds like Sophie needs some personal interaction... Not only has she been beat up by other dogs, but it seems to have triggered some OCD (spinning) and it needs to be addressed. Bull Terriers require lots of mental stimulation and if they don't get it they can become destructive not only to the household but to themselves. There are many great resources online for helping treat/exercise Bull Terriers, but I think we need to get to know Sophie a little better first.

Another thing I'm sure you are going to learn about Bull Terriers is that they are not usually ones to pick fights, but they sure as hell will finish them. My bet is that Mario finally snapped that last cord with Sophie and she lost it. And if Mario didn't take the hint after being flung around like a rag doll, honestly I'm not surprised he ended up with a broken limb. I think from what you described he's lucky to come away with just that.

More than anything I think you need to step up and be the boss here. A lot of older dogs have always had the household to themselves, so when a new dog comes in it puts a lot of pressure on them to claim their territory. However, many humans forget to remind their dogs that this is the HUMAN's territory, not the dogs. Mario should have been scolded from day one. And Sophie should have been reprimanded when she was being too rough (as many bullie pups are). I hope you can restore some sanity to your household...bullies are crazy enough when they're "behaving." And I do hope that Mario is being treated for his leg and that he gets feeling better soon.

erikashea

Oh no that's awful to hear about your sheltie!!! I hope it heals ok and both dogs are not traumatized by the ordeal. Bianca is not too rough with sam she just gets excited when they play. They are getting better by the day and sam is letting her get closer and closer to him when she is sleepy and wants a snuggle, progress!! I do worry as she's getting bigger she doesn't understand how tiny sam is and will try to pounce on him (playfully not aggressive). We've got insurance on both and hopefully won't have to use it for injuries

Chicklit84

Hey guys it took me awhile to get back.Well we had to put Mario to sleep NOT because of his leg injury but due to liver failure.I knew he had not been feeling as well but I didn't realize he was so bad off.I noticed he had become unusually grouchy though.And yes I know all dogs will eventually assert themselves when pushed.The point I guess I want to get across is to mix bullies with other weaker muscled doggies at your own risk.Let's be real when a bully lays down the law it's a lot more of a statement physically speaking not because they're viscous but just because of their power.It's something I've learned now to keep in mind and be more responsible about. I have been grieving over Mario but I don't hold anything against Sophie.She's a dog lol. My husband was kinda upset at her for about a week now he's warmed up to her again.Plus I could tell she misses Mario even though I think she prefers to be an only dog haha.Sometimes I think as they're growing they are even learning their own strength because she will run into me accidentally pretty hard and hit her head on tables chairs and the walls ow lol. I have to watch her she's like a toddler eating and getting into everything.She is very attached to me and gets upset if I leave her sight too long.It's kinda cute but I realize it's not ideal or practical.She used to cry all the time as soon as I left but not as much anymore but she will make some noise.I've noticed she's very sensitive and seems to respond the best to positive reinforcement like praise when she's doing the right thing.I've noticed a negative tone sometimes seems to make behavior escalate or become worse.One thing I really wonder about is she has a tendency to cower with ears down in so many circumstances during the day.No one has raised a hand at her around here.It's if I want to bathe her,put ear drops in,eye wash,or just to brush her or pick her up sometimes.I thought it wasn't such a big deal but one time when she did this she urinated a little bit and I realized maybe she was really scared.It's weird.Sorry for the long post.Just updating and rambling lol

philsergeant

Wow!  So, so sorry to hear about Mario... You guys have really been through the dog-wars.... I hope things settle down now....and I am sure Sophie will make up for it all.  Please keep up the reports.

erikashea

I'm soooo sorry to hear about mario,that's devastating! Ours are getting along really well now. Sammy actually goes looking for her and comes to get her out of her crate with us. Main problem is bianca is huge on snuggling and sam is not. She just wants to be close to him whether it's playing or cuddling. She is growing big and fast and i do sometimes worry that she gets a bit rough. Not intentionally she's just a bully! He has discovered he can run under her and that's much easier for him to 'get her' while playing which is super cute and funny to watch! He's got a big fluffy tail so she likes to grab it and pull him around, which i hate (and am working on correcting)because that's not his favorite! When he's had enough he comes on the couch to us to get away from her which we happily help because she's relentless with playing, bundle of energy! We still do not ever leave them unattended.

Quinnofhearts

I'm sorry to hear about Mario. I hope he is at peace now since he was getting grumpy. It's hard to deal with pups when you're an old man.

Otherwise it sounds like you've got a normal Bull Terrier. They're very sensitive and emotional, and I've learned that even raising my voice a little bit will hurt Quinn's feelings and she will go sulk. I think most owners are going to know that "sulky face" that BTs have. I try not to baby her too much when she's frightened or sulking cause I read somewhere that they can sometimes take it as reinforcement, but sometimes they just need a good snuggle. And the scared tinkles will probably go away as she gets older. Try to make things fun if you can and give her treats after things like ear drops etc !

Seon

Wow, sorry to read that he had to be put down .

philsergeant

@Quinnofhearts ... I hope that comment about it being hard to deal with young 'uns wasn't directed at this old man!!! 8-}

Quinnofhearts

haha I don't know, @philsergeant I guess it depends on how you feel about the whippersnappers! If you're not grumpy with them yet, you're not old! )