Dog Gurus: Help Introducing a New Pup

[MountainMan]

My bride and I are thinking about getting another pup. We have a 4 y/o yellow lab that is one of the easiest going dogs I've ever been around. However, when we watch my folks dog or he's around other dogs at the dog park, park, etc. He tends to get almost jealous and turns into a moron. He hates sharing his ball and will growl (not really aggressively, yet) when another dog wants to play/wrestle with him.

So, how would you guys and gals go about breaking him of those bad habits and then, how would you introduce another pup into the mix? Or am I just asking for trouble?

Thanks in advance

[MountainMan]

No dog gurus on this afternoon?

[bluelund79]

Does your lab hunt? I introduced my lab as a pup to my Dads lab and my Godfathers lab (litter mates who hunted together for 4 years prior). The male didn't approve of my male pup until my Dads female pup did. Easiest training we've ever seen was working a pup with seasoned dogs. It will take time, keep at it. Sorry, Im no pro, just been there before and miss sharing a goose pit with the crew back where I came from.....

[systemnt]

Butt first.

[MountainMan]

Bump

[Uncle Saggy]

Grant, sounds to me like your dog is alpha over you. Reel him in before you get another dog.

[MountainMan]

Grant, sounds to me like your dog is alpha over you. Reel him in before you get another dog.

I had thought of that too Curt, but he's good when it's just us. He listens well, heels, is never aggressive to me or my bride, just around other dogs and not even all the time. It's like he's jealous or doesn't want to give up attention.

[Sparkles]

Hump him until he pees. Never tried just heard it works.

[Deer Tracks]

The resource guarding needs to be addressed. Your dog growls to protect his highly valued items because he's figured out that it works.
You need to let him know that his favorite toy isn't his at all. It's yours and you allow him to have it.

Think of items or situations that trigger your dog's guarding behavior. Then, either take your dog out of that situation or take away the items. Either don't let him have a toy at the dog park or make him hand it over to you. You get to decide when he has it. Eventually he will see the toy as yours and won't worry as much whether other dogs want it. It's not his toy...not his problem!

When introducing a new dog to the pack, we crate the new dog where the other dogs can go up and smell him through the door. The new dog may spend a lot of time in the crate for the first week...going outside only a few times a day. We've found that this helps the new dog feel safe and helps them adjust to a routine.
The new dog is not allowed on furniture until the pack rank is firmly established. In fact, it's a good idea to keep both dogs off furniture for awhile.

If our resident dogs growl at the new dog, we immediately step right in and give a strong correction. When introducing a newcomer, you're dealing with two issues...establishing the rules and boundaries and asserting yourself as the pack leader with the the resident dogs and the new dog.

Back to high value items...toys and chews are triggers dog fights. So don't leave toys or bones laying around. The dogs need to learn that all of the toys are your toys and you occasionally allow them to play with your toys. Always take them back after play time is over.

[Johnny Dangerr]

Probobly will get worse until you neuter him.

Get a girl pup. He will be in love and get along fine. DO NOT get another boy...

[MicMac24]

Introducing new dogs

Sika is correct in the approach. Although putting a puppy in a crate to be introduced seems a little extreme. Not wrong just extreme. If the lab is only around the other dogs for a short period of time the dominance is never established so it has to test the waters to see where it fits in the pack continually. Once that is established the dog will calm down. They will still play and wrestle but typically will not hurt each other, even in the beginning. It is important that he knows you are the one who owns it all. I am speaking of Lab to Lab.
I would not try to introduce a Staffordshire Bull Terrior. Which in my opinion is a Pit Bull but some will argue that.

[MountainMan]

Thanks for the info all. He is neutered. Got that taken care of at 9 months old.

Sika, you are a wealth of information. Thank you. I've only ever had male dogs so I make very sure they know who's in charge. Just not like Dale does...
He's great with other puppies, as long as the ball isn't there. Other toys and chews he's ok with, just not his ball. I will start with the taking it away if he growls deal. Great idea.

[DawgOnIt]

Good advice given above. Don't make it more than it is - simply make sure your the Alpha of the group, take away toys if "true" aggression occurs (dogs do play, and sometimes it can sound mean), and give corrections when necessary (if appropriately timed!!!). Labs are the best when blending as a pack...

[Sparkles]

Can't have a dog thread with out that gettin thrown in.

[MountainMan]

Can't have a dog thread with out that gettin thrown in.

I was actually hoping someone would chime in with that. Makes me laugh every single time.