Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 5/12/2008

Question
Hi.  This past weekend My fiance and I found a American Bulldog pup.  He is the cutest thing.  We brought him to the vet and he has no chip..We put up signs and no one has claimed him.  We decided to keep him cause we fell in love.  We brought him to the vet and she gave him his first set of needles as well as took a stool sample and checked him over..which he seems to be in good health.  He is doing great with the crate training.  Hasn't had one accident inside the house and we have a trainer coming to the house this week to set up some training sessions for him.  The vet said he looks to be about 7-8 weeks old.  Anyways my question is....I have 2 other dogs.  A 17 year old miniature poodle (who could care less) and a 2 year old toy yorkshire terrier.  (she is the most loving baby)...I just want them all to get along.  My yorkie seems to be backing away from the bulldog quite a bit and she is quite jealous.  I talk to the yorkie all the time and play with her..one on one...so she knows she is still my baby.  I also let her approach the bulldog on her own free will.  I dont' want to force it upon her.  Is there anything i can do to make them bond...or is it just time?? I know the american bulldog is going to be much bigger then her and it just worries me for when that happens...The male american bulldog will be going to obedience school...but should i school the yorkie as well.even though she is completely trained...a great dog with a great personality???  Please help.. I have never had a male dog nor a big dog in my life...but i love him already and can't seem to let him go.  The yorkie is past her puppy stage (being 2)..so i know when he goes to bite at her ankles its the puppy in him..but my yorkie looks almost sad now...she was my little girl...always in my arms which i am still trying to give her the same attention..just wish she would almost protect her little brother and take him in...what can i do??

Answer
Jenny - Sounds like you are doing everything right!  Don't worry, with a little time they will all get along.  He is new to the pack and the Yorkie needs to accept him into the family pack.  This will take some time... It will all work out!!  
Make sure you neuter him at 5 - 6 months old... That way he will remain a family pet and will NOT try to run away .... and meet a girl friend..  He will be very loyal and stay home if he is neutered.

My friend wrote a wonderful book on Welcoming a new dog to the family pack :  here is the link - You can get it from Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1419675788/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link

Next, your boy will be big and it sounds great you are having a trainer come to the home... Excellent choice.
As for the yorkie, the trainer will be working with the two of them.. Even though you are paying for one dog she/he will be working indirectly with the two of them...

Your baby is not sad.  Just a little out of sorts right now.  Not sure about this new Pack member with No manners... Do you know what I mean...


Good luck with all.

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