May 31, 2009
How to introduce a german shepherd to a Siberian husky?
Yesterday, we ruscued a 1 year old 40 lb siberian husky. We have all the things needed for it as we already have a 120lb german shepherd. The shepherd is extremely protective, and we are worried about how it will act to a new dog. They have seen eachother, but havnt made contact. What do we do? The husky is the most friendly, obedient dog i have met. It is a very large dog kennel right now. I was thinking we could let the shepherd in while the husky is in the kennel?
Please help
When we rescued the husky, we didnt think about how it would get along, it was beautiful and we wanted to save its life.
We are not bad owners, and if it does not work, we will find the husky a home to a friend we know will take care of it.
Even if you dont know much about dogs, please tell me your stories or anything that worked out. ANY help will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!
BTW: Both dogs are fixed, and the husky in kennel trained. It is not going to be easy to introduce them in a nuetral area!
They are BOTH females, i am very sorry i did not mention that.
As some one who has made mistakes in introducing two adult dogs in the past and has since corected her wrong doings and sucessfully introduced several new dogs I do have some advice.
DO NOT INTRODUCE THEM IN THE HOUSE, or even on your property. Any dog, but especially a herding/guardian breed like a German Shepherd will be protective of its home, property, and family. Bringing a full grown Husky into the house is pretty likely to set off even a well socialized GSD. The Husky will then get deffensive, and you get the picture its not s good start.
Get two people, one of you take the GSD, the other the new dog. Take the husky to a park, or a nearby friends house, even for a walk. then the other takes the Shepherd. Introduce them on totally neutral territory so they see each other as just another dog to make friends with, not a threat to their territory. Let them get to know each other there. Do not be forcefull with it. Its not that hard, just go for a walk. Its fine if it is an area the GSD has walked before, he would run into dogs on that walk anyways with out being territorial. It does not have to be a remote place, just not one that she will not feel the need to defend
Kenneling the new dog is a good idea afterwards if they do not totally take to each other as they can still sniff each other and get used to one anothers presence with out the risk of a fight. Even if they get along. Kennel the new dog when you are not home for the first little while until you are sure they will stay on good terms. Be sure to keep things positive, dont punish the GSD if she is reluctant at first. be sure to give her loads of attention. Keeping her well exercised will also lower the tension.
Dont give up if things dont go well at first. My border collie and collie HATED each other for the first six months. It takes time and training. Its not unusual for two dogs not to take to each other right off the bat. Contact a behaviorist if you have any further issues.
Filed under Siberian Husky Rescue by admin
Comments on How to introduce a german shepherd to a Siberian husky? »
Best thing to do is take them to neutral territory .. .i.e. a park down the road and keep them both leashed and see how they interact. I wouldn't bring a male dog into another male dog's home and cross my fingers. Introductions should be made slowly and if the dogs don't initially get along, separate them in the household until things calm down.
References :
As some one who has made mistakes in introducing two adult dogs in the past and has since corected her wrong doings and sucessfully introduced several new dogs I do have some advice.
DO NOT INTRODUCE THEM IN THE HOUSE, or even on your property. Any dog, but especially a herding/guardian breed like a German Shepherd will be protective of its home, property, and family. Bringing a full grown Husky into the house is pretty likely to set off even a well socialized GSD. The Husky will then get deffensive, and you get the picture its not s good start.
Get two people, one of you take the GSD, the other the new dog. Take the husky to a park, or a nearby friends house, even for a walk. then the other takes the Shepherd. Introduce them on totally neutral territory so they see each other as just another dog to make friends with, not a threat to their territory. Let them get to know each other there. Do not be forcefull with it. Its not that hard, just go for a walk. Its fine if it is an area the GSD has walked before, he would run into dogs on that walk anyways with out being territorial. It does not have to be a remote place, just not one that she will not feel the need to defend
Kenneling the new dog is a good idea afterwards if they do not totally take to each other as they can still sniff each other and get used to one anothers presence with out the risk of a fight. Even if they get along. Kennel the new dog when you are not home for the first little while until you are sure they will stay on good terms. Be sure to keep things positive, dont punish the GSD if she is reluctant at first. be sure to give her loads of attention. Keeping her well exercised will also lower the tension.
Dont give up if things dont go well at first. My border collie and collie HATED each other for the first six months. It takes time and training. Its not unusual for two dogs not to take to each other right off the bat. Contact a behaviorist if you have any further issues.
References :