Integrating a New GSD Into existing Household (Long Post)

[valerieallen]

Hi There

So We bought a 14 month male GSD. Beautiful temperament. I have two existing mixed breed females already established in the home. Amber is a 10 yo ridgeback mix about 65 pounds and Trinity is a 3 yo australian shepherd mix about 50 pounds. Both girls are rescues. Max the GSD is a tall boy and about 80 pounds at present. He towers over both the females. When we first brought him home we had them separated but through a large cage (bird aviary actually). I thought that would allow them to get used to each others smells and such before just being together. Well, four weeks later I still can't have everyone together. The issue is with Max and my older female, both are alpha. I have tried taking Max out on a leash with the girls both loose so he and the older female Amber can get over the both being alpha thing. It turns aggressive by both. I have tried walking both Max and Amber and meeting on neutral territory and it turns aggressive and then Amber gets scared and wants to leave. I have been told to continue walking both of them but keep a distance between them and then close the gap over time so they make friends outside the home.

Am I inhibiting the process by not just letting them all have at it and work it out amongst themselves? I don't want any of them getting hurt so I have been trying to manage and control when they are all together.

Looking for insight on how to blend all of us into a happy pack. Thank you for your time and input. I appreciate it greatly.

PS sorry for the typo in the title GSH instead of GSD (***I fixed it MRL)

[Mary Beth]

I wouldn't let them sort it all out because that would risk serious injuries. There is a big age and size difference between Max and Amber. For that reason alone I wouldn't attempt to walk both together. Give each their own time with you and their own exercise. Max needs more exercise and at a faster pace than Amber. I would also keep them separate and use gates, kennels, crates. Also have separate areas outside. If you have a trainer in your area, Max needs the training and the trainer may have so ideas to help on your home situation. My goal would be to get Max trained and make sure he gets enough exercise so that he can rest in his crate while I pay attention to the other 2 dogs.

[valerieallen]

Thank you Mary Beth. I appreciate your wisdom and advice. With the walking it is separate but together, about 50 feet apart or so and then closing the distance as time goes and they get friendlier. But I see your point. Yes I have a trainer in mind and When I can afford it I am sure he will be able to help us all tremendously. I am walking Max right now and training with him. My 14 yo son is walking Amber for me. Thanks again for your insight.