So as some/most of you know we are going to be adding a rescue to our family this weekend. My husband, myself and Kota are traveling to North Carolina to my parents to meet with the foster mom who has Skyler. We have been talking back and forst via email and text about Skyler for a little over a month just so we know everything there is to know about her before we move her 400 miles and it not be a good match. I personally am not worried but I know that things happen.

From what Jen has told me about Skyler, I know that she is very timid at first and it will probably take a bit of time before she fully warms up to my husband and I, and that I am not too worried about either because we'll love her regardless. She currently lives in a house with several other fosters so we know she is good with other dogs but I worry that Kota is to hyper and outgoing. It sounds silly to say kinda of but I am almost afraid that Kota will scare her or make her more withdrawn. Is there really a good way to introduce the two of them in hopes that they don't just completely hate each other?

I know Kota will be super excited at first but I am pretty sure once we get them both home and life returns to somewhat a normal state that Kota will be jealous as she is kinda spoiled rotten. My husband and I have talked a lot about making sure that we give them both ample amount of attention, but Skyler is going to require a lot of work/time just to even make her comfortable and I don't want Kota feeling left out in anyway what so ever.

I guess with all that being said, I was just wondering if anyone had any advise on introducing another dog into the family without much issue. Also, we have to transport the 2 back to Kentucky just a short 2 days after getting Skyler. Should we let them both have free run of the back half of the jeep together like we do Kota, or kennel one/both? I just want this to be as stress free for Skyler who I know has some separation issues and things of that nature, but also don't want Kota to feel like she is being replaced.

Maybe I just worry to much, that may be it.

I introduced Kay to maya and Sophie on a walk. Kay didn't really know what to do with them when we brought her home. Maya and Kay got into ALOT of fights (still do) because they're both really dominant. Kay would growl at her and tell maya off when her play got to rough. Then after one of their big fights outside in which Sophie and maya had her on the ground she became scared of them. She would growl when they came near and hide when they tried to play with her. But she soon learned they weren't trying to kill her and opened up again. Now I don't have to pull them apart when they get into fights, they'll end it themselves and it only lasts 10 seconds at most. It'll settled down here once they figure each other out.
I'm sure it'll work out for you. Even if Kota gets super excited Skyler will figure out that she means no harm. I'm sure someone will have some good advice to give you

That's great news! You must be so excited. I always think it's better to introduce a new dog on neutral territory and then take them for a walk together. Hopefully they'll hit it off right away. I would also kennel both of them in the back of the car, just to be on the safe side. Hopefully they will be fine together, but since they won't have had much time to get to know each other, it's better - imagine if they had a disagreement while you were driving on the highway and couldn't do anything about it. Hopefully that won't happen, but better safe than sorry.

I hope it all goes really well!

I suggest you introduce then when you drive to NC. We introduce blaze and kerian to each other at the shelter before we brought her home.. Blaze looked as us in the car with a look on his face as to why we are bringing her with us.. It has worked out for us they are still working on who is the alpha in this house but we have told her and re inforce the fact that we are not either or them.

I would take them to a different place and introduce them to each other and see how things go from there.. it is going take some work but you can make it work. Just take you time with them.

I wanted to add that it will take time we are still having issues with Kerian and it has been almost 6 months. It will depend on what her life was before you got her. Just work and the training and stick to your plan.

Thanks guys!

We hadn't planned on taking Kota with us to NC, so that maybe Skyler could become semi comfortable with us before bringing Kota into the picture but Jen recommended we bring Kota because of Skylers personality and from her experience with rescues. We will all be staying at my parents in NC so I feel that would be pretty well neutral ground for both, plus they have about a 2 acre fenced in yard that will be nice for them to run in.

I understand completely that they are going to butt heads a lot, and Jen has already told me that Skyler likes to get a bit dominate with the newer rescues she brings in, but not so much with the dogs that have been there longer. That is understandable but I just hope that Kota doesn't get to mad about it. I am actually really excited to see how Kota acts because she LOVES to play with other dogs, so I know she will love Skyler at first. Since they are the same age almost exactly and pretty much the same size, I have a feeling Kota will very very happy. As far as the drive home, it will be both my husband and I so even if we decide to no crate them for the drive, which we will have to see if both crates will fit, then at least one of us will be able to play the mediator if they get into it.

We are excited to get her though, and are more than ready to take on the challenge. I really believe it will be good for Kota, because she is a very social pup and loves to play with other dogs. I think she will be much happier once things settle down and she has Skyler to play with all the time. Plus on those days where I am so exhausted after work and don't feel like playing fetch for hours, I can just turn them lose to entertain each other. Wishful thinking huh!

Another question that is probably going to sound very strange... Kota sleeps with us at night, and is a total cuddle bug. She sleeps right between my husband and I. Jen has told me that Skyler is also her bed buddy and sleeps right with her every night also. How should I go about all that since I know 2 50lbs huskies are not going to fit in bed with my husband and I. Again, I just don't want anyone to feel left out or getting to jealous.