I'm Forcing bonding!

[magoo]

Hi there!
I've got 2 dogs right now - that are making my life hell... I recently read a book about prison - and how people bond under confined situations - so, I'm trying it out with my 2 dogs - I know a lot of you will be angry at this... I will let you all know how it turns out - and KNOW that it is completely supervised(with myself and 2 BIG MEN - who are sweet,) I have my 2 (- not so much liking each other dogs) tied together right now with an old collar - it's been 20 minutes and so far - so good...
Anywho - it's a complete experiment - I'll let you all know tomorrow how it went - if'n you ask!!!
J - with the maybe good/maybe bad experiment...

[Roberta Eliot]

Your experiment is called flooding. I don't think it's a very good idea and you will probably see some fall out and/or regression.

Instead, I suggest you try heavily rewarding both dogs for tolerant behavior. It takes vigilance and patience but it well worth it in the long run.

Good luck!

-- Roberta

[David Crandall]

I agree with Roberta. When we started having aggression problems between our two dogs, we tried keeping them together, with the same theory in mind. After cleaning up one too many blood stains, we decided it wasn't the best method.

Dave

[Renee]

Magoo -

Please see my post on this under the two or more dogs forum. This experiment will backfire on you and it will hinder your progress...

[magoo]

Thanks everyone for posting a reply!
I knew when I did it that it was risky at best - and weirdly enough it "worked." I put worked in quotations because it only worked in NEUTRAL territory. They are FINE together outside and FINE together on the porch - Magoo is not willing yet to share his space - and I realize now that this will take more time than I am able to give (Everyone please cross your fingers and hope for a family for Heineken!)
Thanks again - the crowd!

[magoo]

While it wasn't the best circumstance bonding - it eventually "worked" I live with 2 dogs - who are now both as territorial as one with twice the noise! I certainly wouldn't recommend this method for anyone who has never been around animals - but for me it cut a much needed corner...It allowed me to get them in the same room together for more than a minute - and it seems they've bonded against ME - which is ok for now, sadly, I don't have the time to train them BOTH properly - one at a time - OY! Either way - in case anyone is paying attention to this string... "Flooding" worked for me short-term - i.e. - I got them to bond right away - but now I have to monitor their time together and award them both equally, and constantly, to assure peace...
If anyone more knowledgeabel than I is looking at this post - I have a question...
Magoo (my first dog) wants to get in the way of affection (half the time) the other half he ignores me/doesn't care..
My question is - who should be pet first to avoid conflict? NEITHER get fed or a treat first - until BOTH sit down - is this wise - I think I'm following NILIF rules - although sometimes it takes up to 10 minutes for them both to calm down... I'm in a quandry - I don't want to upset pack order...
Julie and the Clan

[Kendall Aliza]

Keep in mind I am no expert so I would wait for Renee or someone to respond...
As far as pack order goes, you should be their leader and that should be the end of it. It shouldnt matter which dog gets pet first because neither one of them is the leader of the pack. If I had to guess, if you are petting your second dog and the first one becomes jealous/demands your attention, you should simply leave the room. This will train the dog to realize that not only will he not get your attention but youll leave his presence as well. Again, I am just taking at shot at it. I would also dig through the two dogs or more section of the sight. I am sure you will find a wealth of information regarding this matter.

[Renee]

Exaxtly kendall..........imp lement NILIF because you are the benevolent leader. Don't worry about who to pet first.... We don't want to "support" one dog over another because this is how bullies are created and can escalate tension in a multi-dog household...

[magoo]

Thanks! I will pet them both at the same time - or neither - depending on how nice they're being! I just wish they could understand English!
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