[Septi]

I recently adopted an adult stray dog, a non-neutered male (also, this is unconfirmed as of yet, but I have strong suspicion said dog turned out to be a border collie). This is my first own dog. However, I'm walking my wife's two dogs every day. Said dogs have had a certain disapproval towards my dog, before I adopted him. My dog seemed to be friendly towards the smaller one, a non-neutered male, but he responded by growling and attacking. The bigger dog, a female, has big fear problems, so we avoided contact.

But now I have to separately walk three dogs, which is terribly time-consuming, and another consequence is that my supposedly border collie is getting less time and attention than he needs. I'd like to help them get to know each other, so that we'll be able to walk together. My wife will help by keeping her dogs on a leash.

So, what should we do when the dogs are near each other other? What signs should we watch out for, and if they will be agressive all the time, will subsequent walks help?

P.S. Wife's dogs are untrained, my dog seems to know "off" command. Training is underway.

 

[dustinshaw98]

I think they'll get used to each other around the house in time. Yes, I think regular walks will help tremendously.

 

[Septi]

I think they'll get used to each other around the house in time. Yes, I think regular walks will help tremendously.

They are not in the same house, that's the thing. We tried walking them all together today. They behave the same as they used to. Small male dog growls and attempts to attack my dog, my dog growls in return. Female sometimes sniffs him peacefuly, sometimes barks and attempts to bite. We didn't allow anyone to get bitten.

 

[Crantastic]

Do you actually go on the walk? Often walking in a pack can help dogs accept each other. Whenever I dogsit, the first thing I do is take the new dog for a walk with my two. You could try parallel walking if they can't be close to each other without incident. There's a sticky here: http://www.dogforums.com/dog-training-forum/6755-meet-me-middle-best.html

 

[Septi]

Do you actually go on the walk? Often walking in a pack can help dogs accept each other. Whenever I dogsit, the first thing I do is take the new dog for a walk with my two. You could try parallel walking if they can't be close to each other without incident. There's a sticky here: http://www.dogforums.com/dog-training-forum/6755-meet-me-middle-best.html

Thanks, that's some interesting reading We'll definitely try it next time.

 

[Sasha1/2]

My family fosters rescued dogs. We kept our first foster, Corky. He is slow to warm to new dogs, so we let him set the pace. Typically it takes 4--8 weeks for them to get along. Prior to that we use gates to keep dogs separate but let them meet. Also, when dogs are together we bring out favorite treats so that the experience is positive.

 

[spotted nikes]

I have taken in a lot of strays, and I always walk my dogs briskly for about 30 min, then the new one, then go home, get the my dogs, and walk all of them briskly for about a half hr/40 min. It helps having them all a little tired before introducing the new dog to the group walk. I usually have my dogs on the left and the new one on the right, so I have a little separation .I walk briskly, and don't let them stop and sniff (each other or the ground). They seem to bond during the walk. Once home, I usually go out back, and drop the leash of th enew one while I walk around the yard with mine, so the other can walk up behind and sniff as we're moving. Then I drop my dog's leashes. I've never had any problems doing it this way.
As a side note- I DO pick up all food and toys before introducing a new dog, just to avoid any resource guarding, since I don't usually know how the stray is...

 

[Sasha1/2]

Spotted, that is a good plan. Tired dogs are happy dogs!

OP, check out this link
http://www.dogforums.com/dog-training-forum/6755-meet-me-middle-best.html