some adoption questions!

[Jdaniel]

We are fostering (hopefully to adoption) a 3 year old male doxie. We currently have a 1 year old male. Here are some questions:
---What is the best way to establish who is alpha, etc?
---How do you make the everlasting bond between the two?
---Our 1 year old sleeps in the bed with us, and the 3 year old newbie seems to prefere sleeping alongside the bed. Is this okay?
---Our current doxie has seperation anxiety. What is the best way to make sure our new guys doesnt get it?
---How aggressive should we let the 2 guys play?

LOTS OF QUESTIONS :-) ANy advice is welcome!

[Rusty's mom]

1. What is the best way to establish who is alpha, etc? [COLOR="DarkRed"]You are the alpha and they will sort the rest of it out between themselves.

2. How do you make the everlasting bond between the two? That is something that they will build and could take some time. We have 3 and there is only an 'everlasting' bond between 2 of them. They all get along very well but don't all share that 'special bond.'

3. 1 year old sleeps in the bed with us, and the 3 year old newbie seems to prefere sleeping alongside the bed. Is this okay? Why not - if he prefers to sleep on the floor that's fine. He may, after he's been with you awhile prefer to sleep in the 'big bed.'

4. Our current doxie has seperation anxiety. What is the best way to make sure our new guys doesnt get it? Separation anxiety is not contagious. The separation anxiety your current doxie has may lessen with the addition of your new one. We've found that separation anxiety has been cured by having multiples:D Also, you could try Rescue Remedy for your little one. You can buy it at any health food store and it's for anxiety

5. How aggressive should we let the 2 guys play? It usually sounds much, much worse than it is. I draw the line at having one torment another and can tell when it's play fighting or the real thing. Our company often can't and will think that the crew are fighting when in fact they are only playing. And I NEVER, EVER let them 'fight it out' when it's serious. I'm the alpha and it's my home. Every once in a while Holly and Hobbs will go at it - and they get broken up immediately. And yet they are the two who are sooooo close. Very strange:blush:

I've just posted my opinion and I'm sure you will get a lot of help and insight from our more experienced dashie owners.

Kathy - mom to Holly, Hobbs, Dickens and forever mom to Rusty and Duffer at the Bridge

[catstamm]

I agree with your opinion 100% Kathy....need I say more ....nope Kathy covered it all :D