AboutLorie Hartwick Expertise I have been an accredited dog trainer and obedience instructor for the past 20 years. I am also a certified AKC good citizen instructor and tester. My approach on training is a proven method of do no harm lure reward system. This method gets you honest results in a short amount of time.If you have a problem or just need advice on anything from finding that perfect companion, to house breaking, puppy to adult training or AKC good citizen training or test I would be happy to help.
Experience Dog trainer with 20 experience, AKC instructor and tester of AKC good citizen test.I work with local rescue groups as animal behaviorist.
Education/Credentials Animal behavior study, accredited dog training certificates, AKC accredited for the good citizen training and test.
Expert: Lorie Hartwick Date: 6/27/2008 Subject: Second Dog
Question QUESTION: Hi Lorie,
I have a year and 3 month old Boston Terrier. He is a very good dog and I is is well trained. He is well socialized but does have his likes and dislikes towards other dogs. He has playdates with the ones he likes. I am very lucky in that regard. However, I am looking to adopt a 4 year old French Bulldog. He is very well trained also. He is much calmer than my Boston. We had them meet at his house and it was ok. A few growls here and there but not bad. Then we have the French Bulldog come here and we walked them and then he came into the house and spent the afternoon with us. Again, a few mishaps (as my Boston loves to play quite rough). All in all, it was pretty good. I would just like some tips on how to feed them. My dog eats different dog food. Sleeping arrangements...my dog sleeps in a bed on the floor next to me. I was planning to put the French Bulldogs on the other side of my bed on the floor. My Boston Terrier is very active and I hope I made a good decision. I just fell in love with that Frenchie. When my dog is annoying him I will spritz him with water. Is that ok? Any advice you can offer would be so greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance. Annette
ANSWER: Annette,
Feeding should be done in a way that everyone has their own corner. You sit between them at first so no one roams to someones side, over food most dogs will challenge one another so make sure everyone stays on their side.
If the Frenchie is new to your house hold I would suggest that his sleeping place be a crate for a few days or weeks. This way your dog gets use to him being in the room and they can do no harm. Once they are use to sleeping in same room then let him out of the crate.
Spraying with water I do not recommend, go with a can of pennies. An empty soda can (you will need to duck tape the top) or a empty water bottle (save lid). Fill either with about 16 pennies, replace top. When your dog is annoying (as you put it) shake the can. The noise will stop your dog from doing what you don't like and you can correct him from doing so. This is so much simpler to use, spraying water can lead you to a bunch of more problems.
Hope this helps
Lorie
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QUESTION: Hi again,
Excellent advice and I will absolutely use the pennies in the can. Also, I was thinking of using the crate for the first few days, however, the Frenchie is 4 years old and sleeps on his bed in his owner's kitchen. If you think I should crate him for a few days, I will. I just don't want to upset him too much. Thank you for such a prompt response; you are terrific! Annette
Answer Annette,
I would use the crate for a week or so. The Frenchie might feel safer in it, what if he for some reason he gets nervous about being in a new home and chews up your room. (believe me this is not far fetched)
So your just giving him a safe place to be while he gets use to your place, if he seems ok in a few days great, let him out but leave the crate in the room so he can have a choice to go in or not.
You are welcome and let me know how things work out.
