New Baby Staffy

[Georgieboy]

Hi DOLers,

You've been a great source of information and advice so hoping you can help me with some more advice.

We are picking up our new baby girl staffy in around 7 - 8 weeks and we have a 12 month old (his birthday this Saturday) male staffy at home. George is very layed back, relaxed and loves other dogs (even if they dont like him! he just falls straight on his back and goes submissive).

Growing up I've had two dogs before, but they were mother and daughter, so I've never had to integrate a new one into an existing 1 dog home.

Some facts on what happens at our place

1/ George has been doing obedience twice weekly since last October. I'd eventually like to trial with him.

2/ George sleeps on our bed with us (i know, probably a no no but we like it)

3/ George has been well socialised with all kinds of dogs from 12 weeks of age

4/ I'm planning on taking a week or 2 off when we bring baby girl home

We dont have kids of the human variety, George is our first fur baby, and (yep, you guessed it) Mildred (Milly for short) will be our second.

Any tips or advice on how to do this as seamlessly as possibly without too much stress for George or Milly will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[luvsdogs]

Congratulations on your future new baby.

It's usually suggested to introduce a new puppy on neutral territory, like a friends place, so George doesn't feel he has to guard his home territory.

I would take things slowly, let them interact with each other & watch George for any sign of not wanting the puppy in his face. You want to protect her from any little accidents. Also be aware as George gets a little older he may change his attitude to other dogs, I believe this happens with staffys. It has happened to a club member of my obedience club who has 2 staffys. Her 1st was a female who was a very laid back dog until after she got her male staffy pup. About the same age gap as yours will be. I think she's ok with her younger brother but her attitude has changed to other dogs, even ones she's know for most of her life.

It won't take them long to be best friends but I would still be cautious until the puppy has grown some & can stand up for herself. I have only ever introduced 2 puppies to 2 7 y/o dogs, the 1st didn't want anything to do with the pup for 4 days & then she became friends albeit a little roughly at times. The next time it was a little easier but Sooty was a bit more aggressive with Tilba than April was with Sooty.

It's also to not ignore George, he is still your big baby & needs to still feel loved. Also take them out separately for walks & outings a couple of times a week so they don't become so attached to each other that they fret if one has to leave & the other remain home. Same goes for training.

Also watch when you feed them, if George guards his food or tries to steal Milly's food. Don't let them play too much in the 1st few weeks as Milly needs her rest.

Good luck & can't wait to see pics.

I wouldn't let Milly to sleep on your bed as well because it could cause conflict with George.

Edited January 25, 2010 by luvsdogs

[Georgieboy]

Thanks Luvsdogs! I just want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible!