my 11 month old staffie male was stolen in early spring. recently i rescued a 15 month old staffie boy who was very timid at first and full of scars. he really transformed into the most loveing dog, happy and gentle, although other dogs staffies and bigger, boysterous dogs tend to growl at him, he doesn't growl back, just gets timid and lies down. i am working with him on confidence, bring him together with gentle dogs and he plays great with them, his best friend is a vizsla boy who taught him how to swim) yesterday i found my stolen staffie (with the help of all the people who looked out for him, i got a call yesterday by someone who had seen him and located the flat he was in and the police helped me get him out). so now, both of my dogs get on like a house on fire outside, no problems at all. but in the house its a different story. they compete and already had a go at each other at feeding time (i now feed them seperately). however, they can both sit next to me without a problem, although not at night when they become competitive as to who sleeps where. when sepereated they howled, after all, they both want to be with me. has anyone any advice as to what's best? castration is an option, but which one? as yet there is no top dog (although naturally my forst staffie would pobably be that, he's always been an alpha dog) because i tell them off strictly at every growl. i love them both and will spend a lot of time training with them, as i have always done, but i have no experience in this and want to avoid making things worse. any thoughts really apprechiated. thanks

Firstly, well done for rescuing your boy and spending so much time teaching him how to become such a loving dog. Secondly, I cant tell you how pleased I am that you have your first boy back. What an amazing stroke of luck, you must be over the moon if a bit overwhelmed!

I know its not much help but give it time. They will get used to being together I am sure. Dont make any rash decisions about castration as it may not be needed given time. Try and settle into a routine and see how they go. It might be worth taking tham both to training to teach them how to be together. I would say that your biggest problem will be the 2nd dogs lack of confidence as dogs ofetn bite through fear so keep working at that. Give loads of praise and keep bigging them up when they are good together.

Sorry cant be much help.

How is your boy settling back in after so long? Did he recognise you? I cant imagine how I would feel if my boy was taken. Im so pleased for you!

Congratulations x

It's very early days yet, and your original dog has been through a lot recently.  Please don't tell him off when he growls, you may teach him not to growl at all, and then you start to find 'sudden' attacks 'with no warning' because you've trained him not to give any audible warning at all :(  If you watch very carefully, you will probably see some canine body language going on even before the growl - he may stiffen slightly, turn towards the other dog, and probably stare at him briefly.  It is these signs you should be acting on, if they kick off when you are fussing them, stop paying either of them any attention at all.......  With regard to the sleeping problem - are they both sleeping (or trying to) on your bed?  Could you crate train them both so they can be in your room with you, but safe from each other?

thanks for your encouragement. last night was peaceful, i don't allow them on the bed (anymore) but have their bed on each side of mine and they can be close but far enough away so i can reach out to them if needed (hte timid one often shakes when dreaming and a few strokes help calm him). no growls at all today and taking away the toys has really helped too. the rescue one seems to want to have all his attention now from my first dog. i think they are starting to become friends. their temperament is so different, one timid and the other boisterous, and i just need to make sure that the timid one wont get intimidated. today truly has been great, lets hope for the best!

Hello

I trully hope everything works out for you, how lucky you are finding your other dog!!!!

I hope they both bring you and themselves much love and happiness :)