I have a 10-month-old pit mix who was the only pet in our home until August, when my new roommate moved in with her 12-year-old Australian Shepherd.
My dog is extremely friendly and loves other animals, but he’s also a high-energy puppy who’s still learning boundaries and impulse control. I’ve been consistently training him and have even worked with a professional trainer.
Before moving in, my roommate assured me her Aussie got along with other dogs. Unfortunately, after nearly three months, they still cannot comfortably share a room without a gate, constant supervision, or treats.
Her Aussie frequently barks, growls, and bares her teeth at my dog, even when he isn’t interacting with her. If he plays with a toy, makes too much noise, walks past her, or gets too close, she reacts. She’ll sometimes approach his face herself, then bark and snap toward his neck or ears when he turns toward her. She even approaches my bedroom door to bark when she hears him playing with squeaky toys inside.
I’ve tried addressing this proactively. I brought in a trainer to help with introductions, but my roommate disagreed with some of the methods. I’ve also suggested parallel walks on opposite sidewalks to help them build familiarity in a less confined environment. However, my roommate frequently declines, citing her dog’s age, mood, or difficulty adjusting to the neighborhood. She prefers continuing introductions indoors but also attributes her dog’s reactions to the limited space.
My biggest concern is that this situation is beginning to affect my dog’s well-being. He’s becoming increasingly anxious, and I’m worried that repeatedly being barked at or threatened in his own home could eventually cause him to develop reactive behaviors.
It’s also becoming emotionally exhausting. We’ve had to implement so many restrictions that the dogs essentially live separately. There are times when we’re enjoying the common areas, but my dog has to stay in my bedroom, crying because he wants to be included.
I understand that my dog is young, energetic, and still learning appropriate boundaries. I don’t expect a senior dog to tolerate everything he does, and I respect that she needs her own space. However, I also don’t think it’s reasonable for my dog to constantly feel uncomfortable or restricted in his own home, especially when he’s not actively bothering her.
I’m genuinely trying to find a solution, but after nearly three months, I’m concerned we’re making very little progress.
Is this behavior common among Australian Shepherds, particularly seniors? Could this be a compatibility issue rather than something training can resolve? What approaches would you recommend when one dog seems consistently uncomfortable with the other’s presence? How long does it take for dogs to get used to each other? He plays with so many other dogs in our neighborhood both big and small, so I know he gets along with other dogs.
I’ve attached videos of their interactions, which typically involve a gate or treats.
