how do I introduce my boyfriends 3 year old male american bulldog to my 8

[Nicole]

year old female Chihuahua? We tried introducing them once and it didnt go well. My Chihuahua (peanut) was the problem. The american bulldog (legend) had no issues with her, but peanut growled and nipped and him so we seperated them before Legend had any time to retaliate! Peanut has never had any problems with any other dogs before but for some reason she did not feel comfortable around Legend. My bf and I are moving in together soon and we need our dogs to get along....please help!!!!

 

[fladabosco]

Take your dogs to a neutral place to meet again. If you can find a dog park or fenced area with no other dogs that would be good.

Let the animals find each other and stay out of their way. If you hover over them they are going to look at you for clues about how dangerous the other dog is. If you are worried or barking commands at them they will think it's war! Dogs know how to meet each other. They may bark and snarl or they may ignore each other. But it's important that you don't make it stressful for them, even if they look like they are not getting along.

As soon as you think they can tolerate each other take them for a walk together. When they think they are part of the same pack they will get along. But remember to give them space and give them time, and don't make it a nervous experience for them.

 

[Lelee]

Books and articles about Chihuahuas say that they are Breed snobs. That is they only like their own kind. She knows what you have in mind and she prefers to be a diva or at the very least a princess. His dog will be no problem and your Peanut will have to have her own heated bed and toys and food and she will be fine but not friendly. Is she spayed ? That will help her temperament and probably extend her life. Cancer in the reproductive organs is the most common cause of death. My Chi Mia was 17 1/2 years old when she died. I have had a dozen Chihuahuas, two at a time for 55 years. I now have a six year old neutered former stud and a two year old spayed rescue. You can order a small heated bed for about $75.00. It will make life easier and at her age nicer. Mia was getting grey by her sixth birthday and she really was more active after I got her heated bed. It is a pink fluffy shoe and I bought the dog bed pad separately. My little Trevor has a suitably Masculine plaid.that came heated. I ordered them on the internet. Just let your diva Peanut have her own space and she may come around a bit. My friend has two Chis and a Chinese Crested and a small size pug. The Chihuahuas sleep together in the same bed and if the CC crowds in they get in the little girls bed under the covers. Good luck !