Jessie and Echo updates

[Jen Greaves]

For those who don't know, I have three dogs. Echo (youngest/husky) tried to kill Jessie (oldest/mut). Re-introductions didn't go so well. They were separated completely for seven weeks. Mind you I've only tried to do this for one day. They had about 10 min together twice. Echo was getting the love and attention while Jessie walked around (Echo is fixed now and teeth are intact!!). I let them sniff each other once and up went the fur on Echo's back and she growled and started circling Jessie, the same as before. I didn't tell anyone "bad" I just separated them and tried again later with the same result. A local trainer said that Jessie will have to stay in her "retirement" home with my parents for good. She said that once a female "has it in" for another female they always will unless the other submits, which Jessie will NEVER do. My parent have two dogs of their own and Jessie is fitting in well there but of course I want her with me. Is there anything else I can do? I'm going to try again to re-introduce them soon, I know that this is a long process and that after the first time of seeing each other again it won't be all "honky dory" but after seven weeks is it normal for Echo to still want to kill Jessie? I want to do what is best for Jessie and she is perfectly happy where she is but I still want her home without putting her in danger since Echo is quite capable of killing her. Is there a certain way they should be re-introduced? a process? steps? I have read articles about this but none of them said what to do when one dog still wanted to kill the other. Is there something that can be done to have both dogs living together??

[Amber]

I'm sorry to hear that it didn't work out! I was pulling for you. I hope an advisor comes here and helps you! In my opinion, and I'm not an expert, I think that you may just want to keep them seperated. I understand that you want Jessie at home with you, but if there is ANY chance of her getting killed, I wouldn't try it. I told you before that I thought Echo was the Alpha female...I still think this. Some dogs just don't get along with other dogs for one reason or another.

Just an afterthought...have you tried calming signals yet?

[Kevin English]

My wife and I just had to find a new home for a female that we recently rescued because of our existing female...it was the hardest thing we ever did. But, she has a GREAT new home and is going to be happy and safe. That's the important thing. Of course, as humans, we have our selfish wishes to have the dog we love with us (that's why we get them!). But I second the sentiment that you don't want to put your dog in danger. If she is happy with your parents, let her stay there where you know that she will get a good home with a lot of love.

Plus, since it is your parents, you can visit her to keep her in your life.

Kevin