The Dog Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
New Dog in Town
When bringing a new dog into my house, I have always had someone just “stop by” with his or her dog. When they leave, they “forget” to take their dog, and everyone seems to accept the new dog. (This was when I had at least two or three dogs.) My current pet Sammie has never been the only dog here, but has been for a few months now. I’m adopting a second dog (Buddy) from our local shelter, the Animal Rescue Fund (“ARF”), and I’m uncertain whether it’s a better idea to bring Sammie to ARF to meet Buddy, or just have Buddy brought to my home. Sammie gets very protective when there’s another dog on the street, but we’ve never had someone visit here. We’ve visited one other dog, and Sammie was okay on their territory. Any thoughts? Thanks.
From: Adrienne on Long Island, New York
Dear Adrienne,
Thanks for writing. I’d strongly suggest the meeting take place at ARF, and not at your house. It’s a safe, neutral environment (it’s not really Buddy’s “home”), fenced and supervised, with trained people to help you determine the outcome (i.e., if the match is a good one).
The reason Sammie has not been good in meetings with other dogs is probably how you are handling it -- tight leash, tense body language, et cetera. I’d predict there should be no problems with a meeting at ARF. Keep in mind that 1) Sammie is female, and will always defer to a male, and 2) Buddy is young, and therefore will be subservient to an older dog. I also predict much happiness! Good luck!
Tracie Hotchner
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know, and from DOG TALK® The Radio Show, broadcast live, Saturdays, from 11-12 noon EST, on your local NPR affiliate. All emails are answered personally and then posted, sometimes in abbreviated form.
