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My new rescue dog is scared and growls at my other dog. How to help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 9 months old | 15 lbs

Two weeks ago we brought home a female 1.5 yo Boston terrier who was a breeding dog, but she kept having deceased litters so she was given up. We have a 2 yo Carolina Dog, mutt whatever you want to call him. He has been with us a year. The new female is in heat and taking a very long to adapt. She is terrified of everything and only clings to me. We get that she'll need time, but she curls her lips and growls at our dog. She seems to be just about over her heat cycle, and isn't easing up on him.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 14th, 2017

I am sorry you seem to be having trouble breeding your new dog Penny. I believe she simply needs more time in your home to adjust and feel more secure. I would try to following tactics and hopefully by her next cycle she will be ready;

I am very sorry that you are experiencing these issues with Penny. I will suggest a few tactics to help you both have some peace. The key is to helping Penny feel safe and secure at home, increasing exercise to help with anxiety and also increasing mental stimulation.

Increased exercise especially a long afternoon or evening walk
Chew toys
Puzzle toys
Interactive games like fetch and hide and go seek
Leaving the TV, a fan or a White House generating machine on
DAP- dog appeasing pheromone releasing diffusers
Thunder coats
Www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24037

Here are some further resources to help you, but also feel free to ask me any for their questions here on the forum.

https://www.petcoach.co/article/10-ways-to-stimulate-your-dog-s-brain/

https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-ways-to-make-sure-your-dog-feels-safe-in-your-home/

https://www.petcoach.co/article/10-signs-your-dog-is-stressed/

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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