[Julie Beth]

I've had Blondie (cocker spaniel) for 10 years (she is 11.5). She was abused and abandoned when I adopted her from Sav-A-Life. With work she started opening up to other people and dogs. But she has been my only dog until I took in a stray JR Terrier X (Tango) in October 2008 (just a few months ago and he's about 1-2 years). Blondie was terrified at first and would just shiver anytime I let Tango in the house. She started tolerating him as long as they weren't near each other but I would find that Tango tried to warm up to her and wanted to sleep near her and sometimes Blondie never knew! But for the last few days Blondie is starting to shiver again anytime Tango is nearby or anytime I talk to Tango. Some people told me it would take her about 6 months to get used to him but it's about that time. I don't want to force him on her but I don't want her to be always scared.

Any advice on getting Blondie to stop shivering and be okay with another dog?

Thanks.

 

[SaveTheDogs]

Hmm... have you tried rewarding Blondie with her favorite treats when she's near Tango? I would start off slow and jus randomly give her a treat anytime the dogs are near each other. Then move on to purposely bringing Tango around Blondie. Maybe sit on the floor with Blondie, dogs are always more comfortable when your on their level. Start loving on her and have someone or yourself bring Tango in the room and immediately give her a treat. Keep her attention on you at first. When she notices Tango, if she doesn't start shivering, keep rewarding her and keep bringing Tango closer. If she does start shivering, try to calm her as best you can by doing whatever she likes (baby talk, rub her belly, scratch her ears). Eventually, she'll start seeing Tango as a type of "treat jar" and she'll be happy to be around him because she'll know good things are coming.