[dsweeney0313]

I got a husky puppy about 2 weeks ago. She gets along with my mom's pomeranian but my yorkie refuses to have anything to do with her. He tries to fight her and not be around her. When I go back to my house it's going to be just them. How do I make this work?

[kiyomi]

It's crucial to avoid fights during the early stages of your dogs' new relationship. Pick up all toys, chews, food bowls and your current dog's favorite items. When dogs are first forming relationships, these things can cause rivalry. These items can be reintroduced after a couple weeks. Once the dogs have started to develop a good relationship.

Give each dog his own water/food bowls, bed, and toys. For the first few weeks, only give the dogs toys or chews when they're separated. Feed the dogs in completely separate areas. Pick up the bowls when done feeding. Some dogs will compete over bowls that recently contained food.

Keep the dogs' playtime and interactions brief to avoid over stimulation and over arousal, which can lead to fighting. When the dogs are interacting, interrupt any growling or bullying behavior with a phrase like "Too bad" and then quickly separate them for several minutes. Then allow them to be together again. Be sure to sincerely praise your dogs when they are interacting nicely. Be sure to spend time with each dog individually. Take heed as to not make one dog feel they are favored over the other or are being neglected. If your dogs are very different in age or energy level, be sure to give the older or less energetic one his/her own private space.