Question:
I have a 7 month boxer/lab mix, Kayla. My friend is getting rid of a 5-7 year old miniature pinscher, Bruno, who is male, unfixed, urine marks, and growls at people when he's eating (which I think is a sign he has dominance issues).

Could these dominance problems be fixed if he is in a household with a big dog who should obviously be the dominant one? Also, how likely is the urine marking to stop if I get him fixed? Is getting him fixed this late in life a good idea?

Bruno apparently loves to play with big dogs (he was running around with rottweilers when my friend got him from the shelter), but growls at little ones. My boxer/lab also loves all other dogs, including the little fellas, and I think she would be happy with a canine companion. The problem is the minpin is in Vancouver and I am in Montreal and so they cannot meet first.

Does anyone have any advice on whether this would be a good idea or not? Will Bruno still urine mark if he is not the dominant dog? Will he still think he is the dominant dog since Kayla is still a puppy? Will fixing a mature dog have much effect on him?

Thanks!

Answer:
which I think is a sign he has dominance issues).
I think so too! Min Pins, as small as they are, are often VERY "hard" and dominant dogs and this one sounds like he is no exception. His intact status isn't helping either.

He will be dominant over your puppy and you cannot change that BUT if he is good with big dogs, and you are willing to work on his behavior issues then it might be a good match. His dominance over your dog must be reinforced by you or you will put both dogs in a bad position.

This little dog has been dumped more than once and that is hard on dogs. This is a dog who needs discipline and consistant training and is not a pet for an easy-going or lax owner.

He should have been neutered years ago, but it's never too late, especially in this breed which can live a long time.

His marking can be worked on, but wont' change overnight.

Here is an excellent link for helping you to deal with dogs like this:
Alpha Boot Camp

Since this dog is in Montreal, and if you decide against taking him, you can tell this person to contact Animatch for help with placing him. He may get a home where the person is experienced with this breed.
http://www.animatch.ca/

Answer:
Kayla, in my experience, just because a dog is bigger, doesn't mean they are obviously the dominant ones. Your dog is still a little pup, so she will be easily dominated b the little minpin, regardless of size.

Getting him fixed, even this late in life (which isn't late for a mini-breed as they tend to live longer than large breeds. He's still got a good 7 - even 10 years to go!) shouldn't pose any health or other problems. It'll probably fix a lot of the problems he's got now! Good luck, and good job for taking this little guy in!!

Answer:
Hi Kayla.
Bigger does not alway mean boss.
My mom-in-law had a male teacup poodle (he was tiny).
She rescued an aggressive Akita (he had already attacked a lab and a rotti.
not to mention the phone guy and a neighbor! )
We thought for sure Benny (the teacup poodle) was in BIG trouble !!
we brought Kita (male unaltered akita) into the house. and Benny ran up and attacked Kita hanging off his lip, I had to pry Benny off poor Kita!!
From that day forward Benny was Boss !!
Kita would steer clear of Benny, And hold his head really high when Benny passed by.
Size means nothing.

Answer:
I've decided for sure to bring Bruno out. Does anyone know what a good way to send him out here is? I was going to fly him but dont really want him to have to be in the baggage compartment the whole way, is there another way? Any good airlines?

Also, any advice on how to introduce him with the least stress on him and my other dog? Should I introduce Bruno to my home with Kayla theren or should I put her outside while he gets used to his surroundings a bit first?

Thanks!

Answer:
Someone else can answer your question about the flight, but for the introductions:

Both dogs should be taken to the park, and should not see each other until they are there. Let them get aquainted on this neutral territory, which neither will see a need to defend.

When they seem at ease with each other, then take both of them home. Since the Min Pin is a pushy little guy, keep him crated or confined to one room with a baby gate so that he will realize this home belongs to your dog. Do NOT give him run of the house.

Make him earn more freedom by good behavior.

Answer: