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How do I get these dogs to get along?
I have two dogs, a GSD and a lab, and my girlfriend has a glorified rodent of a Spitz. All of them are males, albeit with the literal OOM size difference, it's hard to believe they're the same species.
My GSD is reactive to other dogs, both as a consequence of his breed, and because he's used to seeing hostile strays who have no compunctions about barking or ganging up on him.
My lab is, well, a lab, so he would hurt flies and mice, but that's about it. He'll bark at street dogs, but he won't pick a fight.
Her dog is about as harmless as one can get, though you wouldn't know it from how he mouths off to others. He gets along fine in his dog creche.
She can't afford a creche every single time she comes over to my place, so she usually brings her dog along, to be kept on top of a wide cupboard where he can stay safe from the gnashing teeth of mine.
We've tried our best to socialize him with my dogs, but to little avail. The moment he comes down to ground level, they do their best to get him, or at least my GSD does. The lab is content to bark or growl, if her dog gets close.
I'm sure my GSD would absolutely masticate him, and even a nip would be dangerous given his tiny size.
We've been trying for months, offering treats to my dogs while we bring hers down, and rewarding them when they don't bark. It just doesn't work, or hasn't after a lot of trying. The moment her dog gets a bit of misplaced confidence, he starts barking back, which resets all the progress.
I've tried scolding and yelling, feeding all the dogs at the same time, some weird ultrasonic training tool, and yet I'm at an impasse. I just want them to get along, or at the very least not go for each other's throat. Any advice would be appreciated.
Honestly, it sounds like a classic case of tiny dog syndrome. Take with a big pinch of salt because I've never owned a dog, but I've read that you often get problems with tiny dogs who are indulged because they're cute and they take that as proof that they're top of the pecking order. The fact that you scold your dogs for trying to hurt him only adds to this.
Ideally, what you want is to make him realise that he's a tiny dog. It sounds like your lab is harmless, so perhaps you could let him interact with the spitz without the GSD present. The Spitz can wear himself out, realise he isn't taken seriously, and maybe calm down a bit. Then maybe you can reintroduce the GSD at a later date.
Obedience training for the spitz might also help.
https://holidaybarn.com/blog/small-dog-syndrome/
https://www.purina.com.au/dogs/behaviour/small-dog-syndrome
My girlfriend absolutely spoils him, so while I suspect you're right, it would be a bad idea to voice it haha.
When the lab and the Spitz are left together, they keep their distance unless someone forces them closer, at which point the lab starts growling and barking, and the Spitz either shuts up or starts barking back if he's being coddled safely. In more neutral settings, before the barking starts, the lab will happily sniff the Spitz without barking first.
I'll give your advice a whirl! Thanks.
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