Mary and her latest Trendy Carol’s Jumper
The plans for taking on another Bulldog have elicited some debate and trolling recently, most have concerns about Mary’s welfare, but a few have worried about Weaver and Bun.
All have a point.
I have to underline , that I am a fair expert when it comes to introducing a new dog to an existing pack of animals. So far I have owned four bulldogs, five cats, 2 Scottie’s and five Welsh terriers and with no exception have I experienced a serious integration problem with any of them.
That doesn’t mean you don’t have to be careful, obviously you do , but you have to manage the troops with a pragmatic, dog based hand.
You certainly don’t treat dogs like little people.
Old dogs like Mary will invariably give off their own leave me alone vibes, especially to puppies who often don’t and can’t read the room when it comes to manners. Olive is four years old and already comes from her own pack with its own rules and regulations. She is not an alpha female either and has the benefit of being a bulldog .
Bulldogs are smart too. They understand concepts missed by other mutts.
When a lesson is learned , it remains learnt, so to speak.
Constance, Mabel, Winifred and Dorothy have all exhibited this strength of character, I doubt Olive will be any different.
Jealously and food envy can be the biggest of irritations and both can be dealt with by common sense and reading body language . Feeding must always be done individually.
Home must be a calm place too, where all members of the pack understand that you are the alpha and the chasing of small cats is a thing just not tolerated.
Like I said, I’ve never had a problem yet
But you never know……

Congratulations, John, should you decide to adopt another member into your family. As for integration, two very good friends of mine (both of whom unfortunately have already gone to the Other Side Camp) had a home filled with cats and dogs and gerbils and birds and even a huge pot bellied pig. I'm sure it wasn't always smooth sailing, but which life is? And wouldn't life be boring if we didn't have family. XO
ReplyDeleteThe first rule is that animals often just tolerate each other
DeleteOne tiny correction John, you didn’t own Albert!
ReplyDeleteYes, but he was a co tenant
DeleteCo-tenant is a better description. I miss that lad.
DeleteIf anyone can do it you can! Good luck :) I wouldn't trade my 2 cats for anyone or anything!
ReplyDeleteXx🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛
DeleteWhen you know what you're doing, go for it! I had a household of three cats and a flock of free flying parakeets and a cockatiel, all rescued. It worked fine. The cats were friendly and protective to the birds, notifying me if anyone got stuck, playing gently with them. Friends who'd said that could never work were surprised when it did.
ReplyDeleteYou have to be home too, to watch the chaos
DeleteYou've done it before, and you can do it again. All animals (humans included) have their own personalities and tolerance levels. They'll sort themselves out, with a little help from you. And they might all surprise you and become firm friends from the get go! xx
ReplyDeleteI’m not nervous not complacent
DeleteMethinks you're the expert in knowing the ins and outs of pack mentality and how to introduce the newbie. May peace, joy, and kindness in sharing food reign supreme.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Also, Mary looks adorable!
Deletemore hugs!
She looks old
DeleteIt seems to me that Olive has decided where she needed.
ReplyDeleteI am sure she is blissfully unaware
Delete"You certainly don’t treat dogs like little people..." But little people often get treated like dogs. Just ask Danny DeVito.
ReplyDeletelol 🐕
DeleteJohn, I have total faith in you! Go for it! Olive sounds like a great addition to your pack. I know she will bring lots of joy and more love to the cottage❤️ Take care and keep us posted. Love from Carol in Atlanta
DeleteFingers crossed. I'm sure everything will work out in the end:)
ReplyDeleteYou sound like exactly the right person to integrate a new dog to the pack, or family. Sometimes I think about adding a second dog to my family. At age 80 I hesitate. My pup is 14 now and we are happy together.
ReplyDeleteOf course you know what you are doing! xo
ReplyDeleteIt will all probably work out fine and if it doesn't, you'll figure out what to do.
ReplyDeleteNot your 1st rodeo John, you have all the relevant experience you need to make the right choice. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteIf you feel there's a bulldog-shaped hole in your home, then there is. Only you really understand the dynamics of your own animals.
ReplyDelete