Getting 2 dogs to get along

[Piotr]

Just wanted to give a quick update on Santa.

I updated the original post to say that she is in fact a male.
There is still a lot of tension between him and Belgi. Belgi wants to dominate him and jumps and even tries to bite Santa whenever Santa growls. It's impossible to let both of them be out of their kennel or cage and I really don't want Belgi to feel jealous or ignored by being locked up in his kennel when Santa is out. This is my first experience (I had a lost dog for a day once, but I had a separate room, now I don't) dealing with two dogs and I feel very overwhelmed by it. Their fighting is out of control when they are free together, so the only option is to let one out at a time.
I've only had Santa for two days but can tell he is extremely sweet and well mannered. Maybe he needs a smaller dog companion, as Belgi is twice as big and is very energetic, or just a home with a human friend. Also, Belgi's barking is very loud and though he usually doesn't bark, around Santa he does often (Santa just growls), which can create a problem, as was the case with a foster I had a while back.

I was thinking that I could even take Santa to a vet in Seoul that allows adoptable animals be displayed. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[Scarlet13]

Sound like you need to assert yourself as pack leader. Belgi wants to maintain order so he is correcting what he feels is naughty behaviour on the part of the puppy. You need to show him that it is you who should be correcting and naughty behaviour and not Belgi. My golden retriever Panda is just the same, totally good natured and sweet but when the little dogs play she will end it immediately, I even caught her telling off Terry the other day when he was wrestling with Oscar (Panda's brother) on the floor-she was dominating him too! I have to make a conscious effort to assert myself as the dominate female at all times, it can be tricky but it is very important.

[Karen]

I agree with Scarlet13. Also, since the two are so new together and still sorting out the pack hierarchy, I think you should bring them to neutral ground - a park or at least an outside space that neither can claim as their territory - and let them get to know each other there.

Both you and your partner should go together and have one dog each on loose leashes so as to have them under control and separable if they fight, but not tightly constrained. Reprimand for any fighting, and maybe reward them both with cookies for obeying any of your commands, but be careful not to generate competition. They should be able to get to know each other without competing for resources -which includes territory and affection. It will help to get Santa neutered as soon as possible, too.

Hope that helps.

[Piotr]

Thanks Scarlet and Karen!

I tend to freak out a bit too much, too soon. Last night they were finally able to sleep together on my bed. AMEN! Belgi was on one side of me and Santa wrapped around my head.

The reason I thought Santa was a she initially was because there were no testicles and the penis he has is so tiny that I couldn't really tell, especially because it was covered up. So, he is neutered.

They still fight, and I tried taking them to the park, like you suggested, Karen. They fought there as well. I will keep trying. Also, Santa understands Korean commands so I have to learn those. The progression to sharing my bed is really comforting, to say the least.

I'll keep you updated.

Thanks for moving my ramblings here, Karen. ;)