Well, the puppy is probably scared and stressed. I'd give it a week, at least, and see how the relationship develops. Sorry i can't be more helpful.

 

So, again sorry for the long post. In summary:
1) Is it ok that the puppy seems to be bossing Cato around? Should I intervene in this at all?
(see response to 2)

2)what about when Cato DOES correct Bentley (such as with the food this morning) is this ok?
It's normal for Cato to be doing that and you don't need to intervene as long as you know the situation won't escalate. As long as one dog backs down, which Bentley did, he is learning proper dog etiquette. But at the same time, it might be worth teaching both dogs to be tolerant about food with each other. This is a good video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwPPIxC0J5s

3)Is it ok that Bentley barks and growls so much when they play? Is he being aggressive or just playing?
Some dogs are vocal when they play. As to separating them, some people here like to end play time when things get to rowdy, but other people let the dogs work it out and teach each other when enough is enough. As long as you are supervising them I don't see harm in either way.

4) is it ok to seperate them when I think the play fighting sounds change?
Again, up to you to decide if play has escalated into something more serious.

5) why on earth was Bentley acting so crazy in his crate. Should I be crating Cato whenever Bentley is in his crate? I really don't want to have to do this, because Bentley is in his crate alot (successfull potty break, followed by up to 30 mins free play time, back to crate, repeat) and Cato is used to having more free time.
Dogs act differently when they're confined, or if they are in a place where they have a sense of territory, ex. in a car, in a house, in a crate, on a leash. While another dog (in this case Cato) is offleash. But what you can do is condition Bentley to not react. Calmly reward him in his crate when he is calm. Don't let Cato get close enough to elicit a reaction because 'going crazy' can be self rewarding if it makes Cato go away. Instead, continue rewarding for calmness as Cato GRADUALLY gets closer to the crate. At the same time, reward Cato for ignoring Bentley. Eventually, and this will take time, Bentley should be fine with Cato passing by because he will learn that calmness earns him rewards and Cato wants nothing to do with him. And Cato should learn not to bother Bentley in his crate either.

Also, I want to add that I will take any and all advice, and will try whatever you guys suggest. I work a job where I am off from October til about April or May, so I will be around almost all of the time, and have lots of free time.
Thank you so much if you made it this far.

Honestly, no idea why you got a new puppy when your hands will be full dealing with Cato for the next 1-1.5 years. And Cato's crazy period should be hitting riiiiight around now too.

 

Basically quoted for truth. Not only that - but it sounds like this was an impulse buy and not at all thought out (in regards to "wanting a second dog but didn't expect it this soon).

 

Thank you for the suggestions and the answers to my questions. They were very helpful.

In regards to getting a puppy before I should have, I started off the post by saying we made mistakes. My spouse brought home the puppy yesterday without my knowledge (we had talked about adding an additional dog in the future, but not now) however someone he works with had adopted the dog and found out his wife didn't want it. I spent all of yesterday and most of the night reading about raising puppies together, whether it be littermates or puppies close in age, and how much work it would be, but that it was do-able, IF you had the time and patience. I was still very wary, so I tried to contact that place he got the puppy from, for additonal info and left a message but got no response.
So, my question is, at this point what would you rather I do? Ask for advice on a forum full of dog lovers who's opinions I respect, or try to find yet another home for this puppy? I thought, since I have lots of free time, I might as well try and make the best of it.
I guess I was wrong yet again

 

I spent all of yesterday and most of the night reading about raising puppies together, whether it be littermates or puppies close in age, and how much work it would be, but that it was do-able, IF you had the time and patience.

Yes but you don't have two puppies, you have two Siberian Husky puppies.

All I can say is I wish you good luck and survival.

 

I think they will be fine after a bit. It may be a rough yr or so but you will get it.

 

I think it's a fairly natural impulses to get more animals and since you pretty much just get dogs whenever, impulse adopting/buying is a pretty easy trap to fall into.

Not gonna lie, I only skimmed the questions part of the post and don't really have much advice. It's obviously going to be more work taking care of 2 puppies than one but plenty of people have done it. I've bought several things on a whim and they've all served me well. My own dog was pretty much an impulse buy since I went to the shelter to "just take a look" and came home with a dog with no preparation. Turned out to be a perfect dog for me and I learned quick.

Just give it time. Things are always more overwhelming at first.

 

Thank you very much for responding. They are getting along much better now. I know it may not last, but for now I am happy and can breathe easy for a moment

And I have lots of time, and can supervise any "together" time they have. I was just feeling overwhelmed and thought this was a good place to voice my concerns.

 

chelle2513, just know you are in for a bumpy ride...Wishing you luck!

I would also love to see pictures of your new addition.

~Erica~

 

Please ignore all of that "alpha" stuff. The hierarchy in a house is fluid. You can't force your dogs into the roles you think are right. I generally let my dogs sort things out themselves, only intervening if things start to get heated. Sometimes the papillon gives the AKK what he wants, and sometimes he gives her what she wants. It depends on the situation and the resource.

Anyway, some links about the wolf/alpha thing:

De-Bunking the "Alpha Dog" Theory
AVSAB Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals
Misconceptions of the Mythical Alpha Dog
L. David Mech's site (he wrote a book on the original wolf research that led to the popularization of the alpha theory; he later did studies that disproved much of it)

If I were you, I'd make sure to do a lot of training separately, crating separately, feeding separately... but do some training and walking together too, to help strengthen the dogs' bond. Make sure they both know their names, and play games where you say a dog's name and treat that dog while the other one watches -- I did this with mine, and now I can toss a treat across the room, say a name and only that dog will go for it.

NILIF is great, as well. And Ian Dunbar's Training Textbook for all the basics.

(I have to say, I find it kind of amusing that your husband was like, "Oh, you surprised your wife with a puppy and she didn't want it? Give it to me and I'll surprise MY wife with it!")

 

Lots of great advice. I'll probably reiterate a bit through this.

I'd like to start by saying GOOD LUCK! But, I understand how things like this happen. You seem to have a lot of time (Did I read somewhere you worked from home or were a SAHM?) and it isn't going to be that hard if you have the time. Just a lot to remember/follow when you're new to dogs.

Also, you didn't mess anything up yet from the sounds of it. The dogs are young, there's no reason to let them meet outside, neutral territory, go for walks or anything like that first. I've never done that with any puppy I've brought into my house with adult dogs, and there's no need for it if you know your dogs are friendly and non-territorial. I bring the pups in and sit them down right away and everyone gets on just fine.

As for your questions...

1) Is it ok that the puppy seems to be bossing Cato around? Should I intervene in this at all?
Perfectly fine. The pack structure can change, and they'll challenge each other, especially being the same breed, and very close in age. Just because Cato was there first, doesn't mean he'll end up top dog, regardless of age. As long as no one is being BULLIED, it's ok. I let the dogs take each others toys if they aren't guarding them to an extent. If a dog is happily lying and another comes to take his ball, I make them give it back. I just don't want to encourage resource guarding.

2)what about when Cato DOES correct Bentley (such as with the food this morning) is this ok?
It is OK (better a growl than a bite!) but should not be necessary. You should never let the dogs go into other dogs' bowls while they're eating, it's extremely dangerous and can start fights, along with creating a resource guarding dog. Please, for their safety, crate them or separate them by a baby gate or door/room when they eat their meals. I've trained my dogs to sit and wait for their food in a line, then I release them to eat their own food, and when they're done, if other dogs are still eating, they walk away from all bowls and go lay down. This will come with time and training, but I NEVER let a dog rush another dog at it's bowl for everyone's safety. None of my dogs guard food and I want it to stay that way.

3)Is it ok that Bentley barks and growls so much when they play? Is he being aggressive or just playing?
As long as there's no yelping indicating pain, it is fine. If it was aggression there would be blood and yelping and Cato would not want to play. Some dogs play a lot more rough and have different styles of play than others.

4) is it ok to seperate them when I think the play fighting sounds change?
You can separtate them whenever you feel like it. If my dogs are rough housing inside and won't settle, I'll crate one or two just to give my head a break and mind a break. As long as everyone is getting what they need, it's totally up to you. Sometimes, they just all get crated for a short nap during the day. It's your decision.

5) why on earth was Bentley acting so crazy in his crate. Should I be crating Cato whenever Bentley is in his crate? I really don't want to have to do this, because Bentley is in his crate alot (successfull potty break, followed by up to 30 mins free play time, back to crate, repeat) and Cato is used to having more free time.
They definitely don't need to be in their crates at the same time. Mine never are! Bentley is guarding his crate, or being territorial of it. Space is a big thing for some dogs and in their crate they should feel safe and not be bothered. I never allow my dogs to sniff/bother other dogs while they're crated, whether they're mine or other people's dogs. Again, it's better to leave sleeping dogs lay than risk increasing their guarding or starting it. You can start feeding treats to Bentley while he's in the crate as you have Cato come and lie down near it to change his behavior hopefully and make him realize there's really no threat to dogs coming near.

Along with your questions, you're going to want to step up training a bit. You're going to want to do as much alone time/one on one time with each dog as possible so that they respond and bond to you and not each other. That means a lot of crating and rotating for the first 4-6 months (until training and bonds have been established) while you specifically train one at a time, take one for a walk, etc. So you'll have to start scheduling your time accordingly. I'm not saying they can't ever play or rough house... but they need to listen to you while doing it and not be so rewarded by each other. A lot of engagement and play will strengthen the thought to them that you are the best thing since sliced bread.

 

Thank you all so much for your replies. I feel much better today, I was really feeling down yesterday after reading a couple responses, I'm sure it was me feeling defensive and being overly sensitive since I already felt like I had made mistakes. Anyways, the responses today made me feel like I'm only half crazy instead of totally looney lol

@Crantastic and DJEtzel, thank you so much for the advice. I am crating them separately, and will definatley step up the training. I asked my Vet yesterday when I picked up Cato's heartguard for trainer recommendations, and have a list of people I am going to call tomorrow, so I will have some guidence with training them at least. I already do training with Cato, and we do the NILF. I did separate training with him today, and he of course gets walks everyday too, so those were just him and I, since I wont take Bentley walking around the neighborhood until he gets his next shot, around Dec 1st. We are working on some training with Bentley, mostly just getting his attention focused on us, and sit right now. And we only have him sit before he comes in the door from being out, not before going out (that's too hard right now, with us sometimes having to rush out the door with him to potty) I will def start feeding them separately too. They have their own bowls, and I was just filling them and putting them both down and letting them eat, however Bentley finishes first, and I was trying to stop him from going to Cato's dish yesterday, but I missed the one time and was surprised to see Cato just let him start eating it, then (mistake again) I was curious so wanted to see what would happen the next time. Today, I fed them totally apart from each other. Great advice about the names, and treating them! I will definately try that. I'm not sure that I touched on everything you both said, but I do want to thank you again for taking the time to offer advice and answer my questions. Also, Crantastic, as for my boyfriend....sometimes I have to admit I have NO IDEA what is going on in that head of his lol He does have a good heart tho. And DJEtzel, yes you were correct about my work situation. I am self-employed and only work from April until October, so I am done now and when I do get back to work in April, I set my own hours and could even take turns taking the dogs with me. So I will have plenty of time to work with both of them.

Things are going much more smoothly today (I'm almost afraid to say that) they are getting along and have been, I'm pretty positive it was all play that I was seeing and that Bentley is just much more vocal and noisy than I'm used to.

@MissPenny and LadyBugAnbuddy here are some pics! Thanks for asking to see them and for the good luck

The first 2 pics are just Bentley, the next one is the two of them relaxing together, and the 4th one is the two of them playing with a toy together. Also, one more question, I think my pics are too big, and I don't want to get in trouble for that, so am I choosing the correct link on photobucket? The image link? Or should I resize them first or something?

 

Oh gosh ..... He's so cute!!! I can understand why your OH couldn't say no

 

I'm sure people answered most of your questions. I would add this. You're a dog owner and you sound better than most. You bought a dog and whether it was implulse or not don't beat yourself up over it. Millions of dogs are killed each year in shelters. Your adopting one means that one of those dogs can be saved.

In terms of the dog barking and growling when playing, some dogs are vocal and some are not. Growling and barking are not necessarily signs of aggression. Think of the people you know. Some talk a lot and some don't. Barking and growling can be aggression. It just depends.

Why not enroll them in some obedience training together.

It's pretty early and they're both puppies. They'll work it out.

 

Thank you very much. You made me feel a lot better and that is kind of how I felt too. I know I will take care of them both, and I sure didn't want to give Bentley back, because who knows where he would end up then.....I know he has lots of room to run around inside here, and will also get outdoor exercise and training and that we can provide him with food/vet care/ etc..

Aww, the two look so adorable together! I wouldn't be so hard on yourself. Yes, it's going to be a lot of work, but I also know a few people who have done the raising two puppies at once. You just have to have LOTS of patience, keep up with the training, be consistent, and give them lots of opportunities to burn off that energy so they can sleep and you can have some time to yourself!!! I wish you the best of luck!

Thank you They do look adorable together don't they lol

 

First time seeing Cato(Beside Avatar picture), he is so handsome! Bentley is a looker too! You have to adorable babies. I'm sure you will do wonderful with them.

~Erica~

 

Thank you

I really truly wish you the best of luck and hope it works out. I know how tempting it is, I also thought about getting another puppy when Bella was your dogs age, but I was convinced not to. I think it's one of those things that will either turn out super great and be amazing, or could also be potentially problematic and stressful for you. Hopefully it turns out good!

I don't have two dogs, so I'm not 100% sure, but I think some things to help them bond would be to take them on walks together, play games with them, like tug, and fetch (they might not know fetch yet) My point is to have them together but provide other distractions around so they are not just focusing on rough housing, etc.

I would let them play rough as long as they both seem okay. Look at the body language, if one has its tail tucked between his legs or is trying to get away then it's time to separate. However, if they are both play bowing and taking turns on their back, going back for more, etc then let them go at it. It's important for them to play and test out the boundaries.

Your going to have to keep a close eye on them until they are about 1-1.5 like the others say. Until then they are going to be going through all the crazy stages and for you it's x2. Good luck!

Thanks I'm trying to let them play and rough house, but I think I'm still being a little crazy over protective. Everytime they start playing I get up and stand right by them, just in case. But they both keep coming back for more, so I think it's ok. They both play tug with me, and with each other. I hope it's ok that I let them play tug with each other???? Cato is obviously stronger, but he doesn't pull as strongly with Bentley as he does with me, and when he gets the toy away from Bentley, he puts it right down in front of him, so Bentley can pick it up again. Cato plays fetch, but Bentley isn't yet, he will chase after the ball tho.

 

I really truly wish you the best of luck and hope it works out. I know how tempting it is, I also thought about getting another puppy when Bella was your dogs age, but I was convinced not to. I think it's one of those things that will either turn out super great and be amazing, or could also be potentially problematic and stressful for you. Hopefully it turns out good!

I don't have two dogs, so I'm not 100% sure, but I think some things to help them bond would be to take them on walks together, play games with them, like tug, and fetch (they might not know fetch yet) My point is to have them together but provide other distractions around so they are not just focusing on rough housing, etc.

I would let them play rough as long as they both seem okay. Look at the body language, if one has its tail tucked between his legs or is trying to get away then it's time to separate. However, if they are both play bowing and taking turns on their back, going back for more, etc then let them go at it. It's important for them to play and test out the boundaries.

Your going to have to keep a close eye on them until they are about 1-1.5 like the others say. Until then they are going to be going through all the crazy stages and for you it's x2. Good luck!

 

Aww, the two look so adorable together! I wouldn't be so hard on yourself. Yes, it's going to be a lot of work, but I also know a few people who have done the raising two puppies at once. You just have to have LOTS of patience, keep up with the training, be consistent, and give them lots of opportunities to burn off that energy so they can sleep and you can have some time to yourself!!! I wish you the best of luck!

 

"Thanks I'm trying to let them play and rough house, but I think I'm still being a little crazy over protective. Everytime they start playing I get up and stand right by them, just in case. But they both keep coming back for more, so I think it's ok. They both play tug with me, and with each other. I hope it's ok that I let them play tug with each other???? Cato is obviously stronger, but he doesn't pull as strongly with Bentley as he does with me, and when he gets the toy away from Bentley, he puts it right down in front of him, so Bentley can pick it up again. Cato plays fetch, but Bentley isn't yet, he will chase after the ball tho."

The trick for this is pull the one you think is being too rough away. If the other dog engages again and wants to keep playing then the dogs were into it. If the other one doesn't do that, then one was too rough. I'd avoid situations where one gets pinned down and isn't given the chance to get back up. The chance is the big thing. Some dogs play from their back. Try some obedience school. It's not that expensive and you have a decade of big dogs to come. It's well worth it.

 

You should hear cattle dog play, i need to record a video of Buddy & Josefina playing, because there is alot of growling & teeth clicking & snarling & tumbling, you'd be sure they were fighting LOL. I skimmed your post but i didnt see where it said how old this new pup is, if he is under 6 mos then yes he gets a "puppy liscense" to act "like a baby" but after a few months, the other dogs will rein in the slack & stop letting him get away with stuff.

another thing give them seperate eating/sleeping places, if your older puppy is ok loose then give him his own special bed & put the pup in a crate in your bedroom (he may howl & it will be horrible for a while but he will get used to it I have actually never had one make a fuss in their crate because i have done 2 things: tired them out during the day (both mentally or phsically) & put the crate in my bedroom facing my bed where they could see me/hear me throughout the night.

as always, pics are the toll you have to pay for advice

 

Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate it I posted some pics, they are on page one. I will post some more soon, but I feel like I haven't even had time to take pictures lol

I would LOVE to see a video of your dogs playing. Mine are actually getting much less noisy now, which makes me feel better (even if it doesn't actually make a difference Ha!)

They do sleep seperately, because the new puppy sleeps in his crate, and Cato sleeps in our room on the floor by the bed. But I am going to start working on him with Crate games tomorrow. He never really liked his crate (I know that's my fault and not his) but we are going to work on the games tomorrow, so he will *hopefully* like his crate. That way I will have more time to work one-on-one with each of them. I also feed them seperatley (at least now I do, I wasn't at first)

I think you guys saved me with all this great advice. Once again, I really do appreciate it.

 

What ADORABLE and handsome pups you have =]

I don't have advice really I just wanted to let you know that I think you're doing a great job. You're an amazing person for making sure both of these dogs will have a great life. That's very important and a lot of people don't do it. Congrats to you for being a good dog owner.

 

If Cato is ok with his staying out then he him a special bed thats "his" & use the crate for your puppy if that works better for you, if Cato is used to sleeping at the food of your bed (example) then I'd leave him be, change as little of his life as possible.

You can do this, it'll be an adjustment for everyone of course, but I think it can be done.

 

I am an owner of two sibes and I am very knowledgable about dogs, and the most valuable advice I can give you is research, research, research!!! You will NEVER do too much research and will NEVER know enough about dogs. Now, assuming you have already done lots of research since you already had the own Sibe, you should know siberians are VERY rough players. I promise you, do not worry. You can YouTube siberian huskies playing, and it looks and sounds bad, but its not. Huskies are very vocal and very rough. Know that, embrace that.

Also, since you have yourself two sibes of the same sex, you will be in for a handful. I have two girls, so I know what I'm talkin about ?. Siberians are not easy...so two is twice the trouble. Do not worry about the new pup being the boss. My Sheba did that the very first day she waltz through my door. She ignored all signs from my standard poodle to back off, so she learned the hard way, twice. I cannot stress this enough, do NOT reprimand your older dog from correcting the puppy. That's how dogs from hell are born . You have to remember to let dogs be dogs. They will figure out who is over who in the "chain of command", it doesn't hurt any feelings, just abide by how they have everything figured out.

When they both get older, they go through this rebillious stage. All puppies do it, and you have two sibes . Be prepared. Do research on their teenage years. Using the Nothing in Life is Free approach will do soooo much for you! I use it too, and my Sibe would be intolerable without it. People will tell you "your dog needs some ceaser millan!" PLEASE don't listen..

In regards to the one being more vocal than the other, story of my life. Sheba sings to me allll the time. Kennedy on the other hand, quiet as a mouse except during play time. Also, the crate is a dogs den. Their sanctuary, their space. Respect that.

Now onto the food thing. FEED THEM IN SEPERATE ROOMS!!! I cannot stress that enough!!! Do NOT allow that puppy to eat out of the other dogs bowl!!! You need to keep feeding time strict and have the same schedule. One dog eats in this room, the other in that room. NO bowl swapping at ALL! My two girls aren't food aggressive with each other, but I don't care. Sheba eats in the living room, Kennedy eats in my room. Kennedy is always fed first. They both have to sit and I give them the "wait" command. I control all aspects of their food and they know it.

Don't worry, you'll be okay. I suggest contacting a local siberian rescue group and asking questions and getting advice from them. Also if you have a local breeder, a REPUTABLE breeder who knows and cares about the breed, they are a good source of information too.

FYI, it will get better, than worse, than better .

 

Yeah who puppies are now isn't who they will be later ... Josefina is a totally different dog from who she was at 5 mos to 1 yr both with me & with other dogs. So it's really all about redirection, prevention & management. If you see one of them doing something to the other & they aren't being told no you have to step in & give the offender a time out.

 

Chelle, I took this video for you today. This is moderate rough play from my dogs, and I rarely have to stop them unless I'm getting too annoyed from the noise. XD

http://www.facebook.com/v/10151144475077705

Hope that linked right and that this is allowed... This is a 3 year old German Shepherd, 1.5 year old Pit Bull mix, and 17 week old Border Collie, all males, one intact.

 

The link worked great and made me feel a lot better, thank you! I was wondering, when you do stop them, do you just separate them? Or do you have a command you give that they know means enough is enough? If so, what command do you use?

 

Also, sometimes the puppy will yelp and run away when he's playing with the pit. He instigates most play, and the pit stops when he yelps, so I don't coddle or correct anyone for this. Recon will run back over for more play when he realizes he's fine a few moments later. It's just dog communication.

 

With mine even if someone yelps I don't interfere because nine times out of ten the yelper or the "causer" uses calming signals to resolve the situation. When I intervene is when two dogs gang up no one or something like that (its usually Josefina that is the victim for some reason & my folks shepherd mix is the aggressor usually) so she is not allowed to participate in play anymore because she doesn't play she just wants to be mean.

 

Thanks again for all the advice and support. I'm not really worried about them playing together anymore. Even though Cato is bigger, he is so gentle with Bentley. He lets Bentley climb on him, and bite his lip etc, and he mostly just bites air or grazes him with his teeth. The only reason I would separate them is for my own sanity Bentley does very good in his crate, he likes it. However, I tried playing crate cames with Cato the other day, and he will NOT go in his crate. I had the best food ever (parts of a food roll-his fav) in the crate, along with hot dog bits, and I would toss it in, and tell him "in your crate" and he would get the close ones, but when I increased it, NO WAY. He ended up leaving food in there, he would stretch as far as he possibly could, without putting his feet in the crate. I have to figure something out, because when I tell them to stop, or settle, and they don't listen, I have no real "fair" way to separate them. It is mostly Cato who wants to continue playing, even after I tell him no. So, he's been getting short (about 1 minute) time outs in the bathroom. But I have no other place that I could put Bentley. We live in a colonial, and all bedrooms are upstairs, the downstairs is really open, and the bathroom is the only room with a door. I don't want to put Bentley in his crate, because I don't want him to think of it as punishment. I have been working with Cato to learn "on your bed" so at least then I wouldn't think I was punishing either of them, they would just be going to their own places to cool down.

Any ideas??

Also, I think this is kinda funny. The last couple days our cats have been coming downstairs more often (Bentley hasn't seen them much, because he doesn't go upstairs yet, and they don't come down that often) when they come down here, Bentley barks and barks at them. Well, Cato gets between the cats and Bentley and barks at/makes "husky noises" at Bentley. He even gets next to Bentley and play-bows, and keeps talking away to him. I swear he is trying to tell him, "it's ok, the cats are our friends, be nice to them" If Bentley starts walking towards the cats, Cato will cross in front of him to make him turn, almost like he's herding him. It is very silly to see.