Im currently going through a similar experience with my new dog (getting him used to being with my other dog, who is a dominant female). Also, my mom rescues, so I see this happen a lot.
Many dogs, as mentioned, will lash out when they're feeling scared. My best suggestion is to keep things VERY low key for the first few days. At this point, them fighting is probably making her even more insecure. Then, when she feels a little more comfortable with her surroundings, you can try to let them work it out, as long as them seem to be making progress, she isnt being scared, and he isnt being nasty. I've found a bit of vocalization in the beginning is normal. As far as it escalating, unless you sit there and hold them back from eachother while they're all worked up, I dont think that it will make it worse to separate them at all. Just stick your guy in his crate till he's calm again, and let the new girl get her bearings again.
I've been keeping my dog in her crate while the new dog hangs out. That way, he has space. Then when she's calm, I let her out and they play a little and then lay down.
Yesterday he was acting very intimidated, and today, they're playing. So obviously that works if the dogs arent actually aggressive, and are just trying to work it out.
As far as a transition from country life, Ive found that to be a legitimate problem. When I first got Charlee (dog #1), she was so scared of everything here. She ran backwards from bikes and was scared of cars.
It all has to do with exposure in small amounts. Getting her confident.
Also, it might help to call the previous foster parent and get some info on her, such as if she ever had any problems with aggression in the foster's home. Probably not, but it never hurts to check. The foster parent has had her for a few months, so she knows the dog better than anybody.
Rescue is all about finding a great home for the dog, so I bet the foster parent will be more than willing to help you out in order to ensure that its a good match.
Many dogs, as mentioned, will lash out when they're feeling scared. My best suggestion is to keep things VERY low key for the first few days. At this point, them fighting is probably making her even more insecure. Then, when she feels a little more comfortable with her surroundings, you can try to let them work it out, as long as them seem to be making progress, she isnt being scared, and he isnt being nasty. I've found a bit of vocalization in the beginning is normal. As far as it escalating, unless you sit there and hold them back from eachother while they're all worked up, I dont think that it will make it worse to separate them at all. Just stick your guy in his crate till he's calm again, and let the new girl get her bearings again.
I've been keeping my dog in her crate while the new dog hangs out. That way, he has space. Then when she's calm, I let her out and they play a little and then lay down.
Yesterday he was acting very intimidated, and today, they're playing. So obviously that works if the dogs arent actually aggressive, and are just trying to work it out.
As far as a transition from country life, Ive found that to be a legitimate problem. When I first got Charlee (dog #1), she was so scared of everything here. She ran backwards from bikes and was scared of cars.
It all has to do with exposure in small amounts. Getting her confident.
Also, it might help to call the previous foster parent and get some info on her, such as if she ever had any problems with aggression in the foster's home. Probably not, but it never hurts to check. The foster parent has had her for a few months, so she knows the dog better than anybody.
Rescue is all about finding a great home for the dog, so I bet the foster parent will be more than willing to help you out in order to ensure that its a good match.
