How can I get my small dog to be friends with a large dog?
A reader asks…
I have a small dog (4 yr old Pekingese male) and my boyfriend has a large dog (3 yr old Akita male). We would like to introduce the two and see if they could become friends. Neither dog is aggressive but the problem is the Akita is so big & the Peke is so small. We have no idea how to approach this.
They have met once – me & the Peke on one side of a fence & my boyf & the Akita on the other. The Akita got a little hyper because he was so excited to see the Peke & barked a few times. The Peke seemed scared & growled a few times whenever the Akita came close.
The Peke has been bitten by a larger dog twice before. The Akita is really playful but doesn’t know his own strength.
If anyone has any ideas or advice, I would be very grateful! Thanks!
(Scroll down to read answers)
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The size of dogs is only an issue to us humans. To dogs, a dog is a dog is a dog. Introduce them on neutral territory, and try, as much as is safe, to let them sort things out themsleves. Do not baby the peke, nor reprimand the akita for things that ‘might’ happen….if you allow them both to act as DOGS, then all should be fine.
First of all, don’t introduce the dogs with any type of barrier between them, like a fence. Dogs can then “fence fight”, and feel protected since the other dog cannot get to them and they can be as aggressive as they want.
Go to a neutral zone, a park, parking lot, somewhere that is not the home turf of either dog, and let the dogs sniff each other. If the Peke wants to hide at first, let him do it. Don’t force the dog to visit if they don’t want to.
Although you’ll have both dogs on leash, make sure you and your boyfriend don’t have any feelings of anxiety about the meeting, or these will go right through the leash to the dogs, and they will also become anxious. While this is harder than it sounds, it is critical.
Just relax, and keep a close eye on the dogs. If it’s just a matter of barking, let it go. If there’s any threat of physical damage to either dog, then separate them, otherwise, let the 2 of them work it out. Typically males are not as aggressive as 2 females, but a little more feisty than a male and female.
They will vie for position, to see “who’s the boss”, and that’s okay. It may take several neutral zone meetings, but they will learn for themselves on how to play.
If they need help, and if the Akita is trained, have the Akita lay down. Keep in mind, however, this is a submissive position, which he may not feel comfortable. Slowly walk the Peke to the dog – the Akita will not seem as large since heighth will be similar to the Peke. Don’t allow the Peke to put a paw on top of the Akita, but let them both sniff each other.
Have either had basic obedience training? If not, i would start there. Your peke needs to know that the akita is under control in order to feel safe.
I would not have them meet face to face to start off. I would have your boyfriend exercise the Akita first to remove some of his excess energy. Then the both of you, take the both of them on a nice long walk together, having them both heel, you may need to keep a slow pace the pek, which is why the akita should already be a little tired. Mid- way through the walk have them walk next to each other, still heeling. When they seem comfortable walking next to one another, allow them to sniff each other for a few minutes and continue to walk. At the end of the walk i would keep them on loose leashes and let them interact. Your boyfriend has to correct the akita’s overly excited behavior that could harm the peke, until he learns to be gentle around small dogs. It might only take a day for the akita to catch on (they tend to be smart), it might take a month (some are known to be dog aggressive). i would have plenty of treats at the ready to reward good behavior and make the experience positive for both dogs.
They may never be play buddies simply because of the size and energy difference. I would always exercise the akita before their rendezvous. I would also practice basic obedience and have him in a “sit-stay” or “down-stay” and allow the peke to approach him. I would not have them off leash around each other until you are certain they are comfortable with each other, even then i would keep a close watch.
EDIT: Letting “dogs be dogs” could lead to injury as it often does, especially because the peke already sounds insecure, that makes him a target and could be the reason he has been bitten twice before. There needs to be rules for ANY two dog’s being introduced regardless of size. The owner’s need to take leadership, not bystander positions in this situation. Walking them together will allow them to become comfortable with each other’s presence under the leadership of their owner’s BEFORE allowing them to do their own thing.