Well, we did it - Now I've got questions!

[Melissa Irr]

We picked Cricket up last night. She's a complete and total cuddle bug! We are guessing she's got some dauchsund and who knows what else mixed in. She was raised around big dogs, so she and Izzie should get on just fine. She's about 3-4 months old and she's got bat ears just like Izzie. :) People at the PetSmart were asking if they were related.

So far, Izzie has been an absolute dream. He's been very gentle with her, allowed her to play with any of his toys - even ones he was playing with - and when he was eating she ran over and popped her nose in his food bowl (she got there before we could stop her) and he just kind of looked over at her and gave her a little room...He has tried to play with her a couple times, but I think she's still a little afraid of him and the whole new situation.

My question is this - what can we do to make this transition as easy as possible for her and to foster a friendship between the two of them?

Thanks much!
Melissa, Izzie and Cricket

[Susie B]

Keep an eye on both of them when they're together. Watch the signals they give each other, I think that part is fascinating. It sounds like they are off to a great start.

Good Luck :wink:

[Jill Ramsey]

Melissa,
It sounds like they are doing great so far!! What we have done with Finnegan and Fischer is:

Fischer is not allowed to eat anything out of Finnegan's bowl. They do share the water.
Fischer is not allowed in Finnegan's crate. (even though he does sneak in there). That's Finn's space.
When they are playing, if either gets too excited or crazy, separate them. If the puppy starts running around (puppy zooms), it can mean she needs to take a nap. They can easily get over tired.
Just keep an eye on them when they are together. Have fun!!!

[Andre Mendizabal]

And just remember to give each a special quality time alone with you. Like a walk or training, a time that's just for each of them to spend with you... and enjoy, it seems Izzie its a perfect gentleman and you guys will be just fine!!!! you will soon find out the magic of having too dogs, its amazing!!! :p

[Chris Smith]

Congratulations!!! I've been looking for "sibling" for Nalu who is 11 months old now. So far, I haven't found a match, but I'm being patient and hoping we'll find the right dog.

Please post pictures of Cricket and of Izzie and Cricket together.

[Amber]

Chris,

Have you looked on www.petfinder.org? You can find adoptable pets through shelters and also look on the classified ads in your state and surrounding states to see if there are any other animals that people have found as strays and are fostering or pets that people have to put up for adoption for one reason or another. I had to put my hedgehog up for adoption recently and I put an ad on this site.

[Susie B]

Petfinder is where I got my rescue in January. :D It's a great start to finding a pet.

[Melissa Irr]

That's where we found Cricket!

Btw, things are going alright. She still seems a little scared of him. She'll walk to him and kind of bark and then run away crying. That's alright, right?

[Luciann]

Yes that is okay. She is adjusting. And Izzy sounds like he is enjoying being a big brother...

[Susie B]

She's still young and you've just brought her to a strange place with another dog show doesn't know. :confused: I'm sure she'll be fine once she adjusts to her new home. I was a nervous wreck all weekend when I brought Missy home and she was a year old! I'm still a worried Mother wondering if they're playing nice and whether I left anything out that they may be possessive over. So far, almost 6 months now, we've been fine and Missy is well adjusted and just graduated from advanced obedience on Monday.

Congratulations on your new addition and good luck! :-D

[Sharon Alcon]

You know her face, but the picture is small, looks pit bullish??
You know one thing we did when we went from 1 to 2 dogs is the separation thing. Dakota was alone for the first 2 years and then we got Max. We would still take just Dakota out and leave Max home alone and visa versa. Dakota knew what is was like to be alone. Max would grow up always having company. I had a friend that had to take one of her dogs to have surgery and the 2nd one cried for like 2 days because it had never been alone. So I sometimes will let one in the house and one outside, or take one in the car and the other stays home. It has worked out well, Max is comfortable if he has to be without his buddy. I also give Dakota perks for having senority, he gets his dinner put out first, he gets his treat first, when hellos are given he gets his first. I didn't want him to think he lost all his status when this little guy invaded his house, I did not want him to resent Max.