Of course, first a basic equipment: collar, leash, tow line, chest harness (preferably a safety harness, so that the dog can not slip out of the harness in case of possible panic). border collie australian shepherd mix a feeding and drinking bowl, a dog bed and of course dog food. For the car ride I got a dog box and a few utensils from a friend.
After a long car ride, we finally arrived home on October 22 at around 22:00. With Wilma in the trunk. She spent the ride quietly in the dog transport box. The excitement grew: How will the merger with Loriot go?
Table Of Contents
Bringing two dogs together
The optimal merging of two dogs is best done on neutral ground (for both dogs). That is, the dogs should neither have been there yet. The four-legged friends should be led separately from each one. First of all, both dogs run a certain distance with enough distance to each other. Running reduces stress. Depending on how long the car ride was, this is also necessary for the new dog. So both dogs can shut down while running, sniff a bit and still perceive each other. If this works well, the distance between the dogs can be reduced. If there is also a relaxation from both sides, the dogs can be taken to the tow leash.
Whether the first dog needs a tow line depends of course on how he generally deals with conspecifics and whether he can be called up. In order to be able to intervene, a tow line is always recommended. While walking, the tow line can now gradually give the dog space and allow contact with the other dog. It is important that the merging takes place in the movement. Persistence can rather lead to tensions between the dogs. So it’s best to always keep moving. If the meeting has gone well, the common way home can be started.
The merger of Wilma and Loriot was mixed. Loriot was not thrilled to give up his place as a single prince and showed Wilma clearly that she was not wanted. He hasn’t seriously injured her to this day, but he pounced on her a few times with bluster. I was trained to manage the two dogs and to see in which situations it gets dicey to take Loriot out in time. And I admit, it wasn’t easy for me at the beginning and some tears flowed. I had the feeling that Loriot was too much and that I had taken Wilma to the wrong home.
But the moments when Loriot played with Wilma gave me hope and were incredibly beautiful. I had never seen Loriot like this before.
With Wilma I really chose the right. I don’t think I would speak a word to Loriot today in her place. But for Wilma, it was a matter of course to dance around him shortly after an attack by Loriot and ask him to play. She’s so great!
Acclimatization of the new dog
It is important to let the new dog arrive. How long a dog takes to arrive properly is very different. In any case, it is advisable to give the dog at least a week in which nothing happens, except the everyday routine and a lot of cuddling and spending time together, because this strengthens the bond.
Many dogs are the first 3-6 weeks (some even several months) in the new home once “guest” and are extremely inconspicuous. Suddenly, behaviors appear that they have never shown before. Here it is then, depending on what it is, to work on it and to steer the behavior in the desired path.
Wilma settled in quite quickly and got used to the daily rhythm. When she moved in, I still had a main job, which I was able to do in the home office thanks to my boss. So I could sit at the computer in the morning and Wilma learned that after the morning round rest is announced. In the afternoon we go for a big walk. This is followed by another break and in the late evening another evening round.
Are animal welfare dogs house-trained? How do I get my dog house-clean?
Yes, there are dogs from animal welfare who have previously been in a family or in a foster home and have learned to do their business outside. Most dogs, however, do not know it. The procedure here is like a puppy: After each eating/drinking, playing and sleeping as well as about every 2 hours, the young rat terrier puppy is brought outside to his release place and praised extensively when he does his business there.
If the dog has made it into the apartment and we catch him in the act, he can be quickly led out or carried to continue the business outside in the best case. If, on the other hand, we discover the uncleanliness at a later date, there is no point in punishing the dog for this. In this case, I recommend cleaning the place well with vinegar water, so that the smell does not additionally motivate the dog to do his business there again.
It is also important to observe the dog well. If he starts spinning or looking for a place, he has to be fast and lead the dog out.
Wilma was not housebound when she came to me. Loriot, who came to us from the shelter at the age of 9 months, was already house-trained. So I was allowed to carry out the stub cleanliness program with Wilma. After about 3 weeks she finally did not go into the house anymore.
How I look back on 1 year with WIlma and 1 year with two dogs:
Wilma is a great enrichment for me and for Loriot. Today I can say with a clear conscience that it is good for him. I wouldn’t say Loriot finds Wilma stunning, but he likes her. He waits for her when she doesn’t come for a walk and he is happy to see her again when she was away with. me. They both have similar interests, such as hunting. They can stick together superbly – even if it is forbidden.
Loriot has learned to communicate more clearly and finely. If something does not suit him, he does not have to drive directly out of his skin, but can also growl, bark or show his teeth. He had previously completely skipped these possibilities or shown them so minimally that it was difficult to perceive. In this way, Wilma can defuse the situation by simply leaving or stopping what she is doing. The two have found a good way to communicate with each other.
Another plus is that Loriot has learned through Wilma to become more relaxed when it comes to resources. He had shown a pronounced diversity of resources. Today, he can take a good step back and endure it when Wilma has a toy or chews on a treat for a little longer. Nevertheless, it is also important for me to be vigilant and to keep an eye on the situation.
I haven’t met anyone who didn’t like Wilma. She is open-minded and knows how to inspire people for herself.
She often accompanies me to my group lessons and usually behaves very inconspicuously there. She is very docile and wants to work. I wanted just such a dog and hope that we can spend many more years together.
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