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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Californian FB"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Your post reminded me of one I submitted not too long after we brought
our second basset, Sophie home to our only-hound and spoiled rotten princess,
Diva. She reacted the same way and it made me feel SO BAD that she was so
mopey and sad and blue! I thought I was doing something wonderful, giving
her a playmate and she acted like I had just asked her to pack her bags and hit
the road!! Lol The best advice I was given by a fellow drooler was
to make sure that your first pup, in your case Cowboy, knows by your actions
that he’s still #1 houndie, i.e. he gets treats first before giving one
to the new pup, he gets dibs on momma’s lap if he so chooses, etc. Most
importantly, to spend some time with each of them individually whenever you can,
not only for Cowboy and your relationship with him, but for the new pup as
well, so that he will be able to bond with you in his own way. Trust me,
the guilt thing killed me, and we all know that there is no better creature on
earth at the sad, droopy, “woe is me” face than a basset hound, but
in the end, they get over it and it all works out. What worked for us was
for me to be aware of Diva’s need to adjust to the new arrangement and to
sharing her mommy, and to reassure her that she is still my baby and will still
receive the same love she always has. I also made sure to spend some one
on one time with Sophie when I could so she would be afforded the opportunity
to bond with me the way Diva had. I felt like it was unfair to deny her
this because she happened to become part of the family after Diva. And,
lastly, I allowed the two of them to work it out on their own without my presence
or intervention disturbing the natural establishment of their pack. In
other words, I just left them alone! Now, they are both very clear about
who is Alpha and who will step aside if asked. I found that interfering
in their play or minor squabbles over a toy or whatever kept them from learning
to work it out on their own. It’s been about 8 months since we
brought Sophie home, and the good news is that Diva finally did “get over
it” and now the two of them are absolute best friends. Bringing
another basset into the house was the best thing I could have done for Diva and
for our family. We are all much, much happier with our little pack.
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Californian FB"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Sorry it was long winded…snooters and drool to all who need
it. Happy 4<sup>th</sup> of July everyone!!! <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Californian FB"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=4 color="#007122" face="Californian FB"><span
style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Californian FB";color:#007122'>Jessica L.
Sutton</span></font></b></strong> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Californian FB"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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