Pet Lovers

[sceniccoast]

@Flopsy 

I just love your Sweet Snowball, what a handsome fella.  

Poor little guy's been through a lot lately & I suspect he's insecure, missing his former mom, adapting to new parents, teeth removal, etc.  Maybe it's just a matter of time for all these adjustments?

Thank you both for adopting him & giving him his big brother, Toby.  i'm glad you love Snowball & have welcomed him into your home.  Best of luck with his future teeth removal & calming down with Toby.  I hope you have many happy & healthy years to share together.  

[KingstonsMom]

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@Drythe wrote:

@Flopsy 

Happy Days to you and your new baby.  Thank you for caring.

As many have said, Snowball has many reasons to be anxious right now.

Two things we do

     Take extra care to reassure Toby that he’s not being replaced, give him a bit of extra time, and while snuggling Snowball, I would be sure to make eye contact with Toby once in a while, say his name, and talk your usual silly talk with him.

     It would be great if you and DH could tag-team with the love, and hugs so no one feels left out.  One dog on each side is a good idea too.

     Finally, I always give the dog who was there all along his food bowl, or treat first, even if they are both standing right there.  If you have assigned beds, never let the newbie take over the other’s bed.  If invited it’s all good, but being kicked out is no fun.

Relax and enjoy the joy of your blended family!

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@Drythe 

All very valuable advice!

[KingstonsMom]

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@Foxxee wrote:

Congratulations on Snowflake.  What a little cutie.

Had you thought about starting a training program  yourself or taking him to classes?

Dogs are happier when they know what their owners expect from them.  Training also keeps them safer.  I'd expect him to be pretty smart since he is half Poodle.  He'd probably learn quickly.  

You would learn how to correct him when he does things you don't want him to do. Bedtime is bedtime, not the time to jump up and down on the bed.  

His clinginess can be corrected as well.  He might be having some sort of separation anxiety.  He might be afraid you will leave him like his former owner and never come back.

You could try leaving the room periodically during the day leaving him alone with Toby for short periods of time.  Then return letting him know you will be back. You need to do that consistently until these symptoms subside.  Don't reinforce this behavior if he begins to bark, cry, or howl by entering the room when you hear him start.  Ignore it.  I know that is very difficult.

With a bit of training and time, he will learn you will come back when leaving the house. 

You already have a dog, so I don't want to assume you don't know anything about these issues.  

Small dogs often have dental disease, worsening as they age, so losing his teeth is not surprising.  Even the best dental program, brushing their teeth every night and regular cleanings may not stop it.  

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@Foxxee @Flopsy 

While I agree with your post, in my opinion, as a former dog trainer and behaviour specialist, I think it's too soon for formal training yet for Snowball, given all of his recent life/health challenges.

Currently his mind is flooded with confusion, abandonment issues, feeling insecure, medical issues, fear and anxiety.

Those are the most important issues in his mind right now and once those feelings are resolved, I think you'll find a lot of the anxiety behaviors will      stop too.

Until then he won't be receptive/capable to learning new things, Poodle are smart.

I would wait for those feelings to seem more resolved, before considering training him in a class type setting, that can make a fearful, anxious dog even more so.

Keep us posted as to how it's going, please!

[Flopsy]

Thank you once again everyone.  You all have some great suggestion.  Trying to integrated a jealous loving 8 year old with a fairly laid back 14 year old is a challenge but  ideas of sitting each one each side, lots of praise and future training are things I'm taking and using.  Today I went out for 2 hours, Snowball went crazy when I came back (my husband came out of his office thinking someone was being murdered lol).  I'm trying to ignoring welcome until he calms down!!!

Toby is being a true gentleman, I took for granted how easy he was but then he had a dominant "brother" with us until Christmas 2020.  They grew up together so that was much easier.

I do have a previous prescription left with me with a different name of vet and owner.  I think the previous owner may of passed away due to research.  I have contacted the vet but they may not give out any medical history due to confidentiality but I would love to know his history.  Whatever the outcome, our Snowball is our Loveball. 

Thank you all once again.x