American Bulldog Message Board

threegunskennel

A female puppy(now dog) that I sold. She is almost 3, well her master was in a car accident last week and was killed. The wife called me today and told me that she will not be able to handle the dog and the 3 kids on her own and asked me if I would take the dog back. I told her I would. Now my ? is how do I introduce her and try and acclimate her to and with my crew. She is dog friendly but I am sure she is going to be very confused. Any suggestions gladly taken!!!
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If it's not an american bulldog...it's just a dog!

Melz · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:44 pm Post subject:

oh... I'm sorry I don't have much experience with this but I assume that some one on one time with the dog will be necessary at first. As far as introducing her to the others could be done on a crate and rotate type deal. Introducing her to one dog at a time in order to not overwhelm her.

I'm sure others will offer better input... logically though, I think that's how I'd do it, considering her age and what she's used to.
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threegunskennel · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:30 pm Post subject:

She is bringing her here tomorrow for a little while to see how she reacts with me and all my dos will be out of sight. I am going to try it and see what happens.... She was going to send it to a Rescue if I did not take her and I did not want one of my dogs at a rescue. I have plenty of friends that will take her if she does not work out here!
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If it's not an american bulldog...it's just a dog!

breed the best · Hot Dog Joined: 07 Dec 2008 Posts: 83

First, KUDOS for taking the dog back!

Personally, I would put the dog through a shut down period of just me and the dog getting to know one another and a tad of obedience. Once she was comfortable I would start introducing other dogs at short intervals. I do crate and rotate my dogs so she would more than likely become part of that schedule.

Wildline Bullies · Hot Dog Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 484

I will let you know what has worked for us. Obvioulsy all dogs are a little different and i know you know these animals well so you will have to"listen" to the dogs a little bit (posturing, nervous, excited ect).

We usually go to a neutral site and go for a nice long walk. Throughout the walk, we switch positions (who's in front, back ect) and distances the dogs are apart depending on how comfortable they are acting.

Basically we are trying to keep the dogs busy and their mind on something else, but to still realize each other is there and that the people seem ok with it.

Eventually as you are walking allow one dog to come up and smell the others butt and vice versa. Have treats and make it a "working walk" for lack of a better term. Eventually hopefully you can walk pretty close to each other so that they can really check each other out, but at the same time, no chance to lock eyes or anything like that.

Its no science thats for sure and you have to pay a lot of attention, but that has helped us tremendously.
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threegunskennel · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:36 pm Post subject:

Thank you all for the advise. I will keep you posted on my progress and anyone else that has good advise please jump in. I want this to work for everyone!
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If it's not an american bulldog...it's just a dog!

BullieGirl · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:27 pm Post subject:

Take them to meet eachother in a neutral "place"...not at your house. Get someone else to help...perhaps two people if you have a lot of dogs. Each taking the dogs to "this place" in separate cars. Do it as if you're bringing her to a play date\dog park. Let them meet, sniff, hang out and play etc... and then bring them all back to the house. Should help and good luck!
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threegunskennel · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 8:26 am Post subject:

OK!!! So far so good! I have introduced her to all my dogs except my Momma dog. I am worried about that one because of the pups so I am keeping them apart until the pups are a little older. The rest are doing great with her and she is with them.
She has lived a very spoiled life and slept on the bed since they brought her home and with 6 dogs I cant do that. I put her in a crate in my spare bedroom and she never made a sound all night.
She has not eaten but I know that will come in time.
One step at a time!!!!! Very Happy

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If it's not an american bulldog...it's just a dog!

Deuce's Dad · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 8:53 am Post subject:

Glad to hear everything is going good so far !! Best of luck to you !!

CaptainMorgan · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:42 am Post subject:

Good news. Sounds like everything is working out.
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Wildline Bullies · Hot Dog Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 484

Excellent!
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threegunskennel · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:46 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone! She is finally eating while I am typing this!!
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If it's not an american bulldog...it's just a dog!

CaptainMorgan · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:47 pm Post subject:

Very cool.
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IntoxicatingBullies · Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:41 am Post subject:

I just received word that a dog I placed almost a year ago might be coming back to us. The owner is going thru a divorce and cannot find an apartment to house him and his "bully" dog. I told him that I will take the dog back as I cannot bear the thought of the pup ending up in a shelter and eventually being euthanized.

I will have to introduce him back into our "pack". I will let you know how it goes. I've never had to deal with this before, so it will be a learning process for us too.

threegunskennel · Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:41 am Post subject:

Good for you! You have a heart also!!! All I can say is take it slow. This girl is doing great with it all. Today I am introducing her to the kennel with all the dogs in there. I have left the door open so she can roam in and out as she pleases. She is doing good with that also! She is a little timid with my Buckshot which is her dad but she is playing with the others! I still have not let my Momma dog see her! I think that will be a few weeks down the road when the pups are bigger! Good Luck and if you have any questions feel free to contact me. Not sure if I can help but it is always nice to talk to someone that is going through it! Very Happy

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If it's not an american bulldog...it's just a dog!