Bif: I have a two-year-old collie Gordon Setter mix named Ty that I've had since he was eight weeks old. He's reasonably well behaved and a good, affectionate pet. Now, I've just gotten a 1-year-old Jack Russell terrier name Max. He belonged to a friend who couldn't keep him any longer. Ty and Max always played and I thought Ty would like the company. They've been together for two weeks now. The two of them got out a few days ago and were on the run for a full day and then some. They finally came back at 5 a.m. Now, Ty is starting to run away when I got to work, jumping the fence for the first time. I'm keeping them inside and kenneling Max. I'm also getting bigger fence but is the underlying cause Max? How do I introduce the new dog so Ty doesn't feel threatened. (I feed Ty first and only let Ty on the bed etc. already.) What else should I do? -Dana Oland, Boise, Idaho

They have been together two weeks. The introduction is over, and it went well. They ran away and came back together - they're like brothers already. Yes, another dog can teach your first one new tricks like jumping the fence! A new fence is good. I hope they don't know how to climb! I don't think Ty feels threatened at all.

return to Question Topic: Adjusting two dogs to each other

go to top of the page