More than one

[Twinkerbean]

We added Popper to our little brood not too long ago. I think Dante is worried that he is being replaced. He seems to like playing with Popper, but I am finding little "gifts" from Dante right in the center of the house. This seems like a jealousy behavior.

I have started crating Dante at the same time I crate Popper. I feel sort of bad, Dante had the run of the house, even at night, but now has to be crated when Popper is crated. Only because I can't trust him out of my sight.

Has anyone experienced anything like this? Are there any other behaviors I should worry about?

Tracy Popper and Dante:flush:

[Molly's Mom]

I wouldn't associate the "gifts" with jealousy as much as I would Dante trying to show HE is in charge. We had a similiar problem with our Molly, when we first brought our second dog Sammy home.

Molly and Sammy took an immediate liking to each other, playing like they had known each other forever. Together they acted just fine. Sammy is a pekingese, so by nature they are rather laid back and come to you when they want attention. You know dachsies ALWAYS want attention, so Sammy was content with Molly taking the lead.

However, Molly had to insure that she was the boss, especially at night. For the month that we had Molly, she had always slept in the bed with me, and when Sammy came along, I knew he wouldn't sleep alone since he had a sister with him previously, so I put him up on the bed too.

Molly then took to peeing IN the bed, rather than letting me know when she needed to go like she had been doing before Sammy entered the picture.

Like you, I had to change Molly's habits as changing the sheets every night was not acceptable. We tried crating, but putting Molly in the crate was more trouble than it was worth, with all the barking all night long. Now the puppies have their own room and bedtime. Every now and then, for a treat, they are allowed to take a nap with me on the bed. While Molly is eager to cuddle up and sleep, Sammy would much rather take the time I am not watching to jump off the bed :bounce: and find trouble.

Considering your dogs are getting along well, I wouldn't expect too many other problems. I'd continue to crate both dogs so Dante will know what is expected of him, but I would watch for a few days just to make sure he doesn't take it out on Popper. I know it seems a bit cruel at first to change the first dog's routine, but once they realize that things are going to be different and you aren't going to put up with this behavior, Dante will accept the new rules.

[Twinkerbean]

The crate training seems to have helped. I think it also speeded up the process for Popper's potty training. He was "out", in the house for quite a while and I didn't find any mistakes from either one of my "pups". We have a doggie door, so they can go when they need to. So I am a pretty happy doxie mommy.:raz:

[Molly's Mom]

Yep, I think it's much easier to do the potty training after one of the dogs "gets it". Molly was so young when we got her that she didn't quite understand what to do when she was outside. Being outside meant eating leaves and running around, not going to the bathroom. Then, we got Sammy, who is a month older, and he immediately realized that when we go outside, we do our business.

Soon, we noticed we have 2 different kind of dogs. Sammy is treat oriented, while Molly is attention oriented. We can train Sammy to do something first by offering him something to eat. After he does it, we lavishly praise him, making sure Molly sees it. Eager to get the same praise, Molly will follow in his footsteps and pick up his habits. That's how we finally got the outside potty training under control.

[Twinkerbean]

I let Dante sleep out of his crate last night, Back to his bed time afghan. He was really excited. This morning I did not find any "gifts". I am so proud of Dante.:angel:

I did worry about him bein gin the crate for longer. He scratched up his nose a day or so ago. I guess he was really agitated about being confined. He is turning into such a good boy. I guess he finally figured out he needs to be an example to the youner pup.:dog:

Thank you for your advice and encouragement. I wonder if it will be worse when we finally get the female my kids want? :circle:

Tracy Dante, and Popper

[Molly's Mom]

I'm glad to hear things are going better with Dante. He probably figured that in order to stay out, he better be good. Our dogs really want the run of the whole house, but there are too many things that cause them to get in trouble. Plus, we have a 14 year old cat that is terrified of them. First thing they do when they are allowed to roam around is to run upstairs and find her. Oh, and leave gifts upstairs for us. That's why we have a room just for them, but they seem to think that's okay.

Having a boy and girl myself, my guess is that if you got the girl, they would do okay. Not wanting to add to the puppy population, we got both of our pups fixed as soon as they were old enough. That was a definite help in maintaining our sanity. ;)

Are you already thinking of another dog? I think I need to move to your house. I'm a real animal lover and would have the whole house full of them if I could. However, after the 14 year old cat, the 2 puppies, and 5 fish, I'm now banned from bringing any "live creature"into the house!

[Twinkerbean]

Dante was the first dog my husband would let me have after 7 years of marriage. However we have 4 young children (all girls ranging from 6 1/2 to 1) and they have a lot of love they want to give.:dizzy:

I hesitate to mention why I want a female, given the popular political view point of most members of this board. So I guess that pretty much gives it away.:angel:

Tracy Dante and Popper