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225 days ago

PookeyDookey 29 post(s)

We have just introduced an 8 week old Alaskan Malamute to our family. We have a 14 month old Mini Schnauzer/Brussels Griffon (22 lbs). They are both males. They are getting along so far, but I am worried about fighting in the future - especially when the pup is 90+ lbs. Any experience or advice to prevent this?

224 days ago

FreedomKat 154 post(s)

Are they intact? If they are you might have problems. Figure out which one you want to be the dominate dog and be sure to give strong signals which one is the top dog and always feed that dog first let that dog out the door first and so on, that way they know who is top dog. That is the way I do it and I have never had a fight.

224 days ago

PookeyDookey 29 post(s)

The 14 month old is fixed and the new puppy will be when he is old enough. Thanks!

224 days ago

itsallmine 107 post(s)

Before I adopted my second male I did some reading on the different boards and am now learning as I go. The constants I've read while not addressing one certain breed were that both dogs should be fixed, the dogs will usually work things out on their own and barring any all out fighting you should not intervene in their day to day testing of each others limits, otherwise they will never get them established. I can personally attest to this idea, Buddy would get tired of getting bumped into and tired of Orbits puppy antics, I tried and tried correcting one or the other and it never worked until Orbit got his rump nipped (somewhat hard), since then he is more careful of Buddy's location and his mood and there have been no more problems. It only took once. Orbits still a pup and ready for rough housing 24 hours a day so I'm not sure he has any limits, yet. I've read of situations where two dogs have never gotten along so I guess it does happen but what I've learned is that people, including myself can really mess things up and it's best just to supervise them and be ready to step in as supreme pack leader if things get out of hand. There may be some breed specifics involved here I'm not sure but once the pup grows and gets his confidence up be ready for some fun times lol. Good Luck

224 days ago

TinaValant 840 post(s)

So much depends on each individual's personality and drive. When introducing any dogs, best to have them meet outside, on neutral territory. Kat is right, if they are neutered, raging (esp male) hormones will be under better control. ItsAllMine also brings up great points, it's not always immediate, and letting them have some space to make their own relationship. Jack had to learn the hard way, about cats ~ a scratch on his sensitive nose was all it took.

224 days ago

CarlaGenender 291 post(s)

I predict that your Mini Schnauzer/Brussels Griffon will assume the alpha role - this often happens when two dogs of greatly different sizes but relatively close in age live together. Also, he was there first. My only caveat on letting them work this out for themselves (which will happen whether you want them to or not) is that once the Malamute starts to get substantially bigger than his brother, you need to make sure the smaller dog doesn't get hurt. I have always had two male yorkies. The first two pair were close in age, but because one of the second pair lived over five years longer, the older one was 13 when we got Zack. He was almost half the size of Zack and he was elderly, so we designated a bed that was just his so he would always have a place where he could go to not be pestered and where he could be safe. We accomplished this by going out and getting a new bed for him, and from the time that bed came into the house Zack was taught it was off limits. It worked out great. Good luck.

224 days ago

Kitsune 125 post(s)

I think having them both spayed/neutered makes a huge difference. I am still on the fence about getting a pal for Kitsu. Shiba Inus are very dominant and almost always have to be the alpha male. Even when looking for a female, we need one that will allow him his alpha status. I have been looking into this for awhile. and we are stilling mulling it over. In the meantime I have been hearing over and over that getting both fixed before they share a space is a good idea. Let me know how you do!

224 days ago

PookeyDookey 29 post(s)

Right now it is all fun and games, but when things get too rough, I intervene. The puppy is learning that when I make a certain noise, to back off. The pup will get fixed asap. We are trying to make Archie the Alpha and he already thinks he should be. Your comments made me feel better since some articles I've read make it seem like having two males is impossible. And since he is already ours, we have to make it work.

223 days ago

TinaValant 840 post(s)

Good idea ~ let them work it out, under close supervision. Especially since the pup is going to outgrow and significantly outweigh Archie. We didn't have an alpha, until #4. Rudy and Mack are very easy going. Chloe was too shy around everyone. Then Lacey arrived, and ~ Who's the Boss! While you can not "make Archie the alpha", allowing him some privileges, as Carla suggested, like having a private spot to get away from the pup; will certainly help to build his confidence. If the pup is getting too crazy, put him on a lead, in the house.

223 days ago

PookeyDookey 29 post(s)

We are trying to show Tonka that Archie is the Alpha. There is no lack of confidence where Archie is concerned which may get him into trouble one day. So we are making it clear that Archie is # 1 in the daily activities like suggested. I talked to my vet today and he said the fact the he is a puppy and is going to grow up around Archie will make all the difference. Most importantly, he has to know that I am boss. I'll let you know how everything goes!

214 days ago

aussie6pk 141 post(s)

I have some experience with this, but don't know if you are still looking for opinions....

214 days ago

PookeyDookey 29 post(s)

Anything to help me help them in the future. So far so good though.

214 days ago

aussie6pk 141 post(s)

Personally I have found that unless you have a very dominant dog, having 2 is not an issue, regardless of sex, although I would definitely say 2 males is easier than 2 females. You know us girls....:)) Normally 2 dogs will switch the role of leader back and forth, depending upon the situation, although one will be the alpha whenever push comes to shove. Just an fyi....a pup that young emits a pheremone so older dogs know they should not hurt it. This is why many people think dogs just 'know'....well, in essence, they do, but they know via smell, not because of an actual age thing. It's always best to follow these guidelines: 1. Remember YOU are the alpha. If you are a leader they will respect you and not have as many issues with one another. 2. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. Introduce the dogs appropriately and treat the adult dog with respect. Like one other person said, feed first, pet first, etc. Remember this does not mean they get MORE affection, just first. 3. It's the pup you need to teach to respect the dog. Males are not typically the teachers, so they will put up with a boisterous puppy and then get mad. Normally this won't be an issue until pup approaches 4-6 months. If pup stayed with his litter until at least 8 weeks and was properly socialized (by both mom and humans), that will help tremendously. 4. Make sure the adult dog has privacy and his/her own toys. Like children, they should share, but should not have to share everything. Hope this helps!!

214 days ago

PookeyDookey 29 post(s)

I agree with everything you said. Thank you so much!

160 days ago

LindaOffshore 29 post(s)

Everyone has such good advice. Just let the dice roll and it will sort itself out. But I do suggest to make sure both dogs are neutered. I have 2 females and 1 male...I was told a female Mal will never get along with another female of any type...WRONG.....they are glued at the hip. We call them Tango's harem.

160 days ago

PookeyDookey 29 post(s)

Archie is neutered. Tonka is 4 months so he will be neutered in a month or two. They are doing well.

Will my 2 males get along?

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225 days ago PookeyDookey 29 post(s)	We have just introduced an 8 week old Alaskan Malamute to our family. We have a 14 month old Mini Schnauzer/Brussels Griffon (22 lbs). They are both males. They are getting along so far, but I am worried about fighting in the future - especially when the pup is 90+ lbs. Any experience or advice to prevent this?

224 days ago FreedomKat 154 post(s)	Are they intact? If they are you might have problems. Figure out which one you want to be the dominate dog and be sure to give strong signals which one is the top dog and always feed that dog first let that dog out the door first and so on, that way they know who is top dog. That is the way I do it and I have never had a fight.


224 days ago PookeyDookey 29 post(s)	The 14 month old is fixed and the new puppy will be when he is old enough. Thanks!

224 days ago itsallmine 107 post(s)	Before I adopted my second male I did some reading on the different boards and am now learning as I go. The constants I've read while not addressing one certain breed were that both dogs should be fixed, the dogs will usually work things out on their own and barring any all out fighting you should not intervene in their day to day testing of each others limits, otherwise they will never get them established. I can personally attest to this idea, Buddy would get tired of getting bumped into and tired of Orbits puppy antics, I tried and tried correcting one or the other and it never worked until Orbit got his rump nipped (somewhat hard), since then he is more careful of Buddy's location and his mood and there have been no more problems. It only took once. Orbits still a pup and ready for rough housing 24 hours a day so I'm not sure he has any limits, yet. I've read of situations where two dogs have never gotten along so I guess it does happen but what I've learned is that people, including myself can really mess things up and it's best just to supervise them and be ready to step in as supreme pack leader if things get out of hand. There may be some breed specifics involved here I'm not sure but once the pup grows and gets his confidence up be ready for some fun times lol. Good Luck

224 days ago TinaValant 840 post(s)	So much depends on each individual's personality and drive. When introducing any dogs, best to have them meet outside, on neutral territory. Kat is right, if they are neutered, raging (esp male) hormones will be under better control. ItsAllMine also brings up great points, it's not always immediate, and letting them have some space to make their own relationship. Jack had to learn the hard way, about cats ~ a scratch on his sensitive nose was all it took.


224 days ago CarlaGenender 291 post(s)	I predict that your Mini Schnauzer/Brussels Griffon will assume the alpha role - this often happens when two dogs of greatly different sizes but relatively close in age live together. Also, he was there first. My only caveat on letting them work this out for themselves (which will happen whether you want them to or not) is that once the Malamute starts to get substantially bigger than his brother, you need to make sure the smaller dog doesn't get hurt. I have always had two male yorkies. The first two pair were close in age, but because one of the second pair lived over five years longer, the older one was 13 when we got Zack. He was almost half the size of Zack and he was elderly, so we designated a bed that was just his so he would always have a place where he could go to not be pestered and where he could be safe. We accomplished this by going out and getting a new bed for him, and from the time that bed came into the house Zack was taught it was off limits. It worked out great. Good luck.

224 days ago Kitsune 125 post(s)	I think having them both spayed/neutered makes a huge difference. I am still on the fence about getting a pal for Kitsu. Shiba Inus are very dominant and almost always have to be the alpha male. Even when looking for a female, we need one that will allow him his alpha status. I have been looking into this for awhile. and we are stilling mulling it over. In the meantime I have been hearing over and over that getting both fixed before they share a space is a good idea. Let me know how you do!

224 days ago PookeyDookey 29 post(s)	Right now it is all fun and games, but when things get too rough, I intervene. The puppy is learning that when I make a certain noise, to back off. The pup will get fixed asap. We are trying to make Archie the Alpha and he already thinks he should be. Your comments made me feel better since some articles I've read make it seem like having two males is impossible. And since he is already ours, we have to make it work.

223 days ago TinaValant 840 post(s)	Good idea ~ let them work it out, under close supervision. Especially since the pup is going to outgrow and significantly outweigh Archie. We didn't have an alpha, until #4. Rudy and Mack are very easy going. Chloe was too shy around everyone. Then Lacey arrived, and ~ Who's the Boss! While you can not "make Archie the alpha", allowing him some privileges, as Carla suggested, like having a private spot to get away from the pup; will certainly help to build his confidence. If the pup is getting too crazy, put him on a lead, in the house.

223 days ago PookeyDookey 29 post(s)	We are trying to show Tonka that Archie is the Alpha. There is no lack of confidence where Archie is concerned which may get him into trouble one day. So we are making it clear that Archie is # 1 in the daily activities like suggested. I talked to my vet today and he said the fact the he is a puppy and is going to grow up around Archie will make all the difference. Most importantly, he has to know that I am boss. I'll let you know how everything goes!

214 days ago aussie6pk 141 post(s)	I have some experience with this, but don't know if you are still looking for opinions....

214 days ago PookeyDookey 29 post(s)	Anything to help me help them in the future. So far so good though.

214 days ago aussie6pk 141 post(s)	Personally I have found that unless you have a very dominant dog, having 2 is not an issue, regardless of sex, although I would definitely say 2 males is easier than 2 females. You know us girls....:)) Normally 2 dogs will switch the role of leader back and forth, depending upon the situation, although one will be the alpha whenever push comes to shove. Just an fyi....a pup that young emits a pheremone so older dogs know they should not hurt it. This is why many people think dogs just 'know'....well, in essence, they do, but they know via smell, not because of an actual age thing. It's always best to follow these guidelines: 1. Remember YOU are the alpha. If you are a leader they will respect you and not have as many issues with one another. 2. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. Introduce the dogs appropriately and treat the adult dog with respect. Like one other person said, feed first, pet first, etc. Remember this does not mean they get MORE affection, just first. 3. It's the pup you need to teach to respect the dog. Males are not typically the teachers, so they will put up with a boisterous puppy and then get mad. Normally this won't be an issue until pup approaches 4-6 months. If pup stayed with his litter until at least 8 weeks and was properly socialized (by both mom and humans), that will help tremendously. 4. Make sure the adult dog has privacy and his/her own toys. Like children, they should share, but should not have to share everything. Hope this helps!!

214 days ago PookeyDookey 29 post(s)	I agree with everything you said. Thank you so much!

160 days ago LindaOffshore 29 post(s)	Everyone has such good advice. Just let the dice roll and it will sort itself out. But I do suggest to make sure both dogs are neutered. I have 2 females and 1 male...I was told a female Mal will never get along with another female of any type...WRONG.....they are glued at the hip. We call them Tango's harem.

160 days ago PookeyDookey 29 post(s)	Archie is neutered. Tonka is 4 months so he will be neutered in a month or two. They are doing well.