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. 

[jimmy*part4]

There should be only 1 top dog in every pack and that's the dog owner. Allowing a new dog to come in and take over as pack leader will cause the dogs that previously didn't have problems, to have problems.

There aren't any # 2's in a pack. There's the pack leader and then there's the rest of the pack.

I see people make the mistake with affection mentioned at 1:55 in the video (most common mistake imo)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Yv99TwwKeXU <<<great videos for people training!

I vote you keep the dog, lol. 🙂

[boris1gary]

bright. ooooooohhhhhhhh she is gorgeous. I know Boris would hate being an only dog (no other dogs), the dog whisperer, who i think is from another planet (only joking) reckons that dogs don't think back to before like humans do, so following his opinion the other dogs wouldn't be sitting around whinging about the newbie and harking for "before" like we might.

wish i hadn't seen her now, Boris would love her.

[jimmy*part4]

reckons that dogs don't think back to before like humans do, so following his opinion the other dogs wouldn't be sitting around whinging about the newbie and harking for "before" like we might.

That's right. Dogs live in the now and that's why they are so forgiving. The dogs that are whinging are doing it because the new dog is here....now.

[jimmy*part4]

[darksideofthemoon]

It's okay, she is just demanding top dog status and given her age why not?  

The other dogs will accept it and won't worry about it.

I have a miniature poodle of 11 who dominates my big Blue Heeler.  She growls and pretends to jump at his throat.  He doesn't care, but will let her have how own way.

It's all just part of the pecking order, it will be fine.

[kengillard]

agree with Darki .....good luck.

[bright.ton42]

Oh thanks everyone, as you can see I really do want to keep her and most of you think it will work out

so that has given me a lot more confidence.  

Today wasmuch  more peaceful, dare I hope she is finding her place in the pack which is equal to the others and subordinate 

to me the Top Dog, lol.  That's my aim so they will all be happy.  

[darksideofthemoon]

There will always be a pecking order bright.ton, but you will be Alpha.  After you I think she will rule but then the others will just accept that and get on with their lives.

Don't fuss or interfere if there is a scruffle, they are simply reinforcing the order and no hard will come of it.

They will all be fine 🙂