Help with getting old/new dog to get along

[darren]

We have a 2 year old Cavalier King Charles, and just adopted a 2 year old spaniel mix yesterday. So far things have been okay, but the new one snarls and growls at my Cavalier whenever he gets near her when my wife and I are around. They dont bite, so Im not really worried about them hurting each other, but I do want them to get along better. I know this will not be overnight, but what can I do to help the situation? Any tricks, as I have never had 2 dogs at the same time. We have her fostered for a week and then we will adopt, or let her go back to a small dog rescue and try again, but I think we can make this work. Any thoughts.
What bothers my wife most, is that our Cavalier is the simply the frendliest dog in the world, and he cant understand the snarling, he really dosnt even know what it means, and cant understand why this new dog dosnt want to play.

[timtwo]

YEAH!! to you for giving her a home. I have brought home so many different animals (dogs,cats,rabbits,squirrels,goats) that my dog hardly reacts any more. It is always the newcomer that has to adjust. And why not? They don't know we're friendly. But I do have some suggestions.

When I bring home a new animal, I have a cage or carrier it can stay in even when I am in the room with them. I often use this if I have dog that I am fostering. It lets the dogs stay in the same room, in sight and smell of each other, and keeps them both safe while the get used to each other.

Animals will react to your stress level. Talk calmly to both dogs even if they aren't getting along. It's kind of like working with kids. I expect them to get along, but if they don't I seperate them and they have to play alone. If they should start fighting, try to stay calm, seperate them, then reassure them.

Feed them seperately! Out of sight of each other if necessary. Food is a huge issue, especially with dogs that are new to each other. I still do this with my dogs because one is much larger than the other and I don't want to risk an injury.

For your wife, remember that your new dog has been in a strange, stressfull situation filled with new homes, people, and other dogs that may or may have not turned out to be friendly. I think your cavalier will continue to try and play and once the new dog feels more secure, they will become best buds.

Good luck

[excellrott]

Your new dog is scared and does not view this situation with ease yet. I would keep them seperated by a gate when you are not there to supervise. Don't 'there, there' the new dog. She will think you are rewarding the snarling. Once you have her in some type of training class, where you can bond and she can get to know the rules, you will have a lot less hostility. Let them get to know each other thru the gate and wait for the newbie to become a little more comfortable. Good luck.