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We are stronger together than we are alone!

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376sizematters jackieTaylorAdding a new companion to your existing canine family can be difficult.  Factors to consider are age, temperament, socialization, gender and energy level.  If you are considering a new dog vastly different in size from your existing dog, finding the right match can seem overwhelming.
If you have an aging Boston, the last thing you should fall in love with is an Old English Sheepdog puppy.  And if your pet is a laid back couch potato, don't lose your heart to a hyper Golden Retriever.  And if your existing pup is poorly, perhaps it's best not to add a new friend at all.

 

The same basic guidelines apply.  Do your homework.  Be honest with yourself about your beloved Boston's personality and your own willingness to make it work.  Then take a deep breath and set up your meet and greet!
Our 11 year old female Boston shares her home with a 13 year old Pit mix, a 4 year Rottweiler, a 2 year old Rottweiler, a 7 month old Rottweiler, and a 9 week old Rottie mix foster.  At times her home can be chaotic, but Jazz handles it all with a typical Boston's aplomb.  She remains perennially friendly and welcomes every new foster that crosses our door.
Despite her sunny attitude and calm demeanor, we do take some extra precautions when introducing jazz jackietaylorher to a new housemate more than ten times her size.

We introduce the dogs, on leash, away from home.  That way it's neutral ground and nobody's "territory".  The dogs are walked side by side about ten feet apart and careful attention is paid to make sure that the large dog seems calm and curious.  We not only look for overt signs of aggression, but also the type of hyper focus one sees in a dog considering something as potential prey.

If walking side by side goes well, it's time to offer treats.  Still keeping both dogs on leash and several feet apart, the new dog is offered a tasty morsel.  Then the small dog. Much affection and praise is given to both dogs.  Remember that this should be fun.  We're talking about a potential new family member and that should always be a joyful thing.

Assuming all is well, it's time to introduce the two potential buddies off leash with a sturdy fence between them.  Just like introducing dogs of a similar size, pay close attention to body language. Are they offering play behavior?  Is one of the dogs bowing or circling?  When they chase up and down the fence, is their fur down?  Are their ears soft?  Are their expressions playful and eager or is one dog (either size) showing signs of dominance or fear?
Continue to interact with both dogs.  Give them the time to check each other out.  Whether it takes ten minutes or several meetings, let the dogs set the pace.  Forcing interaction can be dangerous even between Bostons.  If the other dog outweighs your Boston, a lack of patience could be devastating.

When it's time for that first nose to nose encounter, have at least two people present for safety.  Make sure you feel calm and confident.  If not, the dogs will pick up on that and be equally tense.  Have treats ready as rewards.

 

Did you decide that this dog is your Boston's new "big" brother or sister?  It's time to get your home ready.
dogbowlmetal1You'll need an appropriate size crate and food dish, a sturdy leash and collar, and large toys.  It's important to remember that the chewies and squeakie toys that are perfect for your tuxedoed little friend can be choking hazards for a larger dog.  Tennis balls work for most larger dogs and are still a perfect fit for Bostons.  Our Boston drags around basketballs and even a Jolly Ball meant for our donkey!
Make certain to feed your new buddies separately.  Have a strong gate or even a closed door between them.  Food can bring out the worst in even the best dogs. 
Supervise play time for the first few weeks.  A large dog could send your Boston nose over (almost-sorta) tail just romping through the yard.  They usually sort this out eventually.  My Rottweilers actually lay on their bellies to play with our Boston.  But until then, you need to be the top dog and make sure neither dog gets too pushy.dustypuppies9

 

 

All in all, most dogs enjoy canine companionship.  And while there are a few more challenges to having both David and Goliath, it can pay off in a loving friendship for both the two-legged and four-legged members of your pack.