Can an old dog be taught new tricks? Really need help

[bright.ton42]

Ok I'm trialling a gorgeous pure Chihuahua for adoption, and have 2 little dogs already.  What happened is my friend trialled her from a shelter but she kept snarling at my friend's other dog who, being sick, got very upset.    Now   my friend has gone on a week's hol and I'm minding (call her Sofia)  and have fallen in love with her and would like to keep her.   Otherwise she will go back to the shelter. 

The dogs I own are a Chi X/terrier and a cavalier spaniel, very gentle and loving and socialised. .

Sofia the Chi is 9 years old and was surrendered because her owner died.  She loves people, loves walks, loves food, loves being here,     is just adorable BUT -    if my other dogs get in her way she sometimes gives a vicious snarl which really shocks them.   No attack, just this fangs bared snarl.  I reprimand her with a growly No, but am wondering what can I do to get her to get along with them, or is she too old?   

Although I've got a Chi he's a cross, so I've been researching pure Chihuahuas  and gather that they can want to be the only/top dog. But then I know of so many that have integrated well with other dogs.

Any suggestions, maybe particularly from Chihuahua owners?  Will Sofia  settle?    Would love feedback as I'd dearly love to keep her but don't want this snarly thing developing into a fight. 

[azureline**]

She may just need her confidence built up. If your dogs aren't retaliating in kind already, it sounds like you are doing the right thing.I don't have chi's but we have a rescue dog who took a bit of retraining over food issues and nipping children who had food.

[the_hawk*]

the little I know about dogs, is as long as your long term dogs are happy to allow the new dog top dog status all will be fine, if they dont then you will have a problem when they realise the new dog isnt going home.

[boris1gary]

I have 3 dogs, the youngest is a Chihuahua - Boris, the snarly thing is usually just a threat nothing more. He settled with the other 2 quite well but does probably consider himself to be top dog, the pack order they will sort out themselves. Boris absolutely loves the other 2, both were here long before he was. I would give her a go, it will just take lots of love and cuddles.

[jenni200011]

I also have a chihuahua named velevet..Velvet is not usually snappy but will occasionally snarl at another dog ..I think the breed in general which is so incrediably tiny use thier voices or occasional snarl as a signal that i am not in the mood or dont disturb me..They are aware they are tiny and nature certailnly helps them in survival by giving them confidence to speak out..Usually its a short lived growl or other doggy signal such as dominance stance or such..Velvet is very placid and will not bite but she will stand her ground..They really are better suited with other chihuhuas but many quiet docile breeds such as cavaliers..labs..ect do ok with them as companions ...Male dogs also be friend female dogs easier and that is the case with all breeds..some female and female matches are not the best..also chihuahus are not overally wrapped with boistrous animals..

[bright.ton42]

So it's seeming then that her snarls are more fear-based than anything?   I was kind of thinking that too.   My dogs are gentle and not boisterous  and I'm a bit more concerned about my Chi X Danny (the image of your little one Boris) as he seems worried (or jealous)   by her and today been staying in the bedroom a lot, unlike him.  I give them all a lot of love and cuddles and bend over backwards not to show favouritsm.  

I only have a week to decide whether to keep her or not so hope I get a sense of direction because as I said I love her to 

bits already.  

[boris1gary]

---

@bright.ton42 wrote:

So it's seeming then that her snarls are more fear-based than anything?   I was kind of thinking that too.   My dogs are gentle and not boisterous  and I'm a bit more concerned about my Chi X Danny (the image of your little one Boris) as he seems worried (or jealous)   by her and today been staying in the bedroom a lot, unlike him.  I give them all a lot of love and cuddles and bend over backwards not to show favouritsm.  

I only have a week to decide whether to keep her or not so hope I get a sense of direction because as I said I love her to 

bits already.  

---

More a general warning than fear, maybe little Danny might need a tiny bit of favouritism just to let him know "he is the best, as well", I would give her a go, 1 week is not a long time for dogs to adjust to a new family member - it does sound that it will all work out good. If it was me i would definitely keep her.

[jenni200011]

Yes its a hard call to decide what is best..The little dog has had quite a bit of change going on..She has lived a long happy life with her previous owner and  due to misfortune has  needed been placed in a kennel ..The kennel shelter would be very traumatic at first with lots of unfamiliar dog background noise..She has  then entered your friends house and been introduced to more unfamiliar dogs and now finally with you..So as you can imagine she would have alot of inner fear happening at the moment..She will adjust but it will take time and maybe a week will not be long enough to notice those changes..She does however need to find a permanent home and not be relocated too many more times.Hope things come together what ever will be for her

[ten*teeny*tiny*toes]

Probably not what you want to hear Bright, but I am concerned for Danny too. My gentle chi x is very put out by having my daughter's dog living here. DD's dog likes to be top dog, first in and out of the car and when DD's away its even worse, my Millie tends to stay downstairs and out of her way. Lexi is a silky terrier x and she likes to herd/ round her up. Millie has learnt to walk vewy quietly and slowly, even with those nails on the floorboards. She outsmarts Lexi everytime but I do worry that her home isn't as it was for her.

They may all get along great, I hope they do, but my main consideration would be for your two existing dogs. Sophie, ultimately, may be more relaxed and comfortable in a home where she's the only dog? I would like to think that there would be any number of people out there looking for a girl just like her. I hope it all works out, whatever way you go, just my two bobs worth.

[bright.ton42]

thanks for all the feedback it's really good to get it and much appreciated as this is very close to my heart and my dogs are so important to me.  . 

Ten Teeny i understand what you're saying , Sofia would probably be best suited to a single dog home.  I think she and Charlotte my cavalier are getting used to each other, how could they not as Charlie is so gentle and loving.   When I first adopted Danny my Chi X he hadn't been socialised and nipped at everyone and everything.    Over time with a good routine and love he has turned into a real softie and I never thought it would happen.  I'll have to watch Danny though    closely over the next couple of days as I don't want him to feel put out in his own home.    Here's a  picture of Sofia, she sure is sweet.