Jodi Stone and Ben asked when we plan to let Freighter co-habitat with Thunder and Storm. The short answer is probably never. For the foreseeable future, we will never leave the three dogs out and unattended together. We have Chessies and two male Chessies can butt heads. Thunder is a laid back male, but as the puppy matures, you just never know. We have to be cautious. They can hang out together as long as we can watch them.
As for the introductions, I think how you do it depends on the temperaments of the dogs involved. Other people may have a different way to do it, but this is what we did. The first night we let all of the dogs sniff each other. We were surprised that no one tried to lunge at the other. Each kept a little distance…puppy to bigger dogs and bigger dogs to puppy. It was brief and we didn’t push it. We finally broke down and bought a dog gate so that there would be a barrier to allow Thunder and Storm to watch Freighter from a safe distance and for the doggies to sniff one another if they want. Many times there are three pairs of eyes watching the puppy: Thunder, Storm and Nestle.
After a few days, we started to let the dogs out together when we can be right there to supervise. Thunder seems most interested in the puppy, often hanging around and just watching him. It is if he is trying to figure out how to play with Freighter. If Thunder hears Freighter making a commotion, he comes to make sure he is OK.
Unfortunately Freighter tries to give Thunder puppy bites. Thunder knows all about those from Storm. When Freighter starts biting, Thunder leaves. Storm is finally warming to Freighter. She kept her distance for a few days, but now has started coming around with her tail wagging and lets him sniff and lick her face.
Yesterday, I had them out together in the snow. They were only out a little while because it was so cold. After doing their business, they were interested in checking each other out, so I let them.
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We have not tried to force any meetings but tried to just let the dogs come around when they feel comfortable. However until Freighter is bigger, we have to limit playtime because we wouldn’t want Freighter to get stepped on or hurt. We have tried to keep our regular schedule as much as possible. Of course the pup requires us to alter it a bit, for example Freighter has to be let out to go potty first. Still, we try to make time to give all dogs attention. So far it has all gone smoothly, but we know that as Freighter grows, the dogs will be tempted to wrestle and chase. Again, due to the difference in size, we will limit that until Freighter is bigger.
Freighter has been with us a week. He is a sweet, smart little dog. He is a lot of fun to play with which is something neither Thunder or Storm were interested in doing at this age. He knows his name and will come when called. Of course he is a Chessie so no doubt as he matures and becomes more sure of himself, that will go out the window. 😆
It sounds like your first has week as gone very well with Freighter. I think the way you have introduced him to Thunder and Storm is perfect. They all get to know each other while still having their space. We forget about those razor sharp little baby teeth they have when they’re puppies. Obviously it didn’t take Thunder long to remember that! Freighter sure sounds like one smart cookie and if that doesn’t get him too far his sweet adorable looks sure will! LOL!
Isn’t it interesting how quickly their parenting instincts kick in, and it sounds like Freighter is showing them respect.
When our neighbors got two pups a couple of years ago, the pups would come over every time we took the dogs outside. They would be jumping on Sophie and licking her face, and she’d stand there snarling and growling – a different kind of growl. If they didn’t listen, she’d give them a sharp bark. They’d immediately fall over on their backs in submission, she’d check them out, sniff and lick them, then go on, and the pups would be much calmer afterwards.
It’s so interesting to see how the dogs are all reacting to each other. In a couple of the photos, especially “Watching”, Thunder and Storm look like parents watching over their puppy. It sounds like both dogs are accepting their new companion – you’re handling things in just the right way.
These are all such precious pictures!
Woof! Woof! Good to hear the progress of Freighter. LOVE the puppy age years … Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
I totally understand what are saying about not leaving the dogs alone unattended. I do the same thing with the Newfs, for the most part. Having 2 intact males changes a lot. Even though the Newfs are laid back for the most part, being intact they can still majorly butt heads, and they have. We keep them separated, for the most part, when we are not home, I’m not willing to take a chance.
Freighter seems like he has grown so much already!
I think you are smart in keeping the dogs separated unless there is supervision. I know Sampson gets testy with other males and a bigger dog could definitely do some damage to a wee one, Thunder just walking away really impresses me. 🙂 I wonder if Storm will endure those razor sharp little teeth. 🙂
Thanks for the shout out, you are too good to me.
Happy weekend!
He seems real smart and of course the cutess is off the chart.
Blessings,
Goose
It’s so cool to see the pics of everyone hanging out together – albeit supervised!! Your new little family member seems to be settling in great!! Woohoo!!
Have fun everyone,
Your pal Snoopy 🙂
Sounds like you are doing the introductions perfectly, Freighter is lucky to be in such a great family.
Sounds like you have one great big adventure ahead!
Slobbers
xxx
Thanks for sharing the way you have introduced Freighter to the others. Sounds like a great way to keep from becoming too dependent on them while still letting him learn how to be part of the family. We’re always cautious with our male around other males, but I’ve never thought about what it would be like to bring a second male into the house.
Great thought out introductions. Glad it is going so well. Love the snow pics!
Sounds like you are making a great family for Freighter. He is a lucky puppy. Just like me!! I love my Mommy and Daddy and I know he will love you too!
Doggy Kisses,
Tanner
Thank you so much for this! I can’t tell you how stressed I am about introducing Mich to Mika and Montezuma. (Especially Montezuma and we won’t tell him that 😉 ) I agree, I think Mich will have to permanently be in his crate. I also bought a gate so I can leave the crate door open and let him have more space but not “shared” space. Monte is just too much of the Chessie man of the house and I can’t have him showing Mich who the boss is. Thanks again!
I think giving the older dogs their own space is important. When we block off the kitchen/family room for the puppy, we give the older dogs free access to our bedroom. This is not a place they normally get to hang out in unless it is bedtime. Needless to say it is a high value place. They usually watch Freighter a bit, get bored, and then off to their up-stairs beds for a nap. 🙂
What an exciting week for you all! Guess who won the Nylabone? You guys! Read my blog:)
How exciting! I never win anything!
Thanks for sharing how you introduced them! We’ve introduced ours in a very similar manner, except Scarlett who needed behavior modification. I think giving the pups time/space to adjust to each other is of utmost importance and it looks like you guys did a fabulous job!!! 🙂 We love seeing the pictures of little Freighter meeting his big bro and sis…adorable!
glad to hear it’s going well. he is such a cute pup!
It’s so much fun watching the dogs becoming friends.
Oh my gosh – he is so cute!
They look like they are doing well so far. 🙂 It takes a lot of time to get them used to each other. Great post and great pictures!
God BLess You!
The Collies and Chuck 🙂
oh my goodness – I have missed so much! You have a new family member! 🙂 Freighter is so adorable (and what a cool, original name!) – I can see that he is going to keep you busy and the 2 Brown Dawgs too – ha ha! I think you are doing so well with their introduction and supervising their time together – but you’re such a sensible, experienced dog handler that I wouldn’t have expected anything less of you! 🙂
Sorry we haven’t been visiting for a while but looking forward to little Freighter’s adventures and how the 2 Brown Dawgs cope with him – ha ha! 🙂
Hsin-Yi (and Honey the Great Dane)