Our dog Max seems very unhappy with our new puppy. Poppy arrived last week and he growls at her quite a lot. She is really trying to play and make friends with him but he backs away. I am sure that this is normal behaviour and she has to learn the rules but would be grateful for any advice.
Hello Weensta, welcome to the forum, Im not an expert on introducing two dogs as unfortunately I only have one boy, also called Max however I am planning on introducing another dog into our home next year and because of this I have already spent two months researching how to do this. How old is your boy? Whats he like with other dogs when outside the home? Has he had doggy friends over before? If so what was he like? What's Max's play style like? I find that different dogs have different styles of play, some like to chase, some like to mouth and others are rolling around all over each other. Also how did you introduce Max to Poppy? Being a dog walker myself I have noticed that some dogs arent as tolerant to puppies as other dogs, some see them as excellent play buddies and others see them as a nuisance who wont leave them alone. Sorry about all the questions I'd like to try help you with this problem as I too may face something similiar in the future.
Hi there, thanks for your reply. My Max is only 2 so still really a puppy himself. We often have other dogs in the house and he is ok with this. Max does normally like a good game of chase and he has started with the usual front legs down to instigate so I think we may be getting somewhere. We introduced them in our garden and initial signs were very good. Then he realised she wasn't going anywhere!! I do feel as if slow progress is being made. She is learning that maybe he doesn't want his ears chewed and he has let her get into his crate with him as long as she just lays there and goes to sleep. It is very interesting watching the interaction between them. Max is very much a Mummy's boy so I guess that he is allowed to feel a bit put out by all the changes. Good luck with your puppy, I look forward to hearing how you get on
I Have 3 dogs and a puppy just now - none of them are enthusiastic about a bouncy nippy puppy who doesn't know really how to behave - one of the dogs just lies down and becomes very boring and just ignores puppy (she has a thick coat) - one of them will tolerate a bit of play and tries to teach her a bit how to play, is patient but I know when he has really had enough - and the third made it quite clear from day 1 (verbal woofing) that she was not going to stand for any nonsense or bouncing at all (zero tolerance). Puppy learns and I give adult dogs lots of space time away from puppy - which suits me because I want to bond with the new puppy so want lots of one-on-one time. give them time, they'll work it out, but give the adult dog lots of time away from the puppy
I wouldn't worry too much; they'll work it out. Make sure Max has somewhere he can escape from Poppy - those teeth of hers will be dreadfully sharp and he needs to be able to get away for some peace and quiet. Bet you in a couple of months they'll be best friends.
just take you time and leave the older dog plenty of ways to find some peace from bitey pups. Supervise closely at first but give them time to get to know each other. Make sure everyone gets the same amount of hugs and treats they do count them. When we first bought the new pup home midge my black female refused to eat and retired to the sofa and would not move for a week. after 2 she was encouraging him to play and starting to enjoy his games and company. Doug my older dog 14 took it all in his stride and taught the new boy the rules. I knew he was a member of the household when she screamed the place down when hurt himself(not badly) and the other dogs ran to him to see if he was ok and snuffed im all over to make sure he was.
Thank you for all your replies. Day 11 and there are glimmers of them getting on. Max will still growl at her if she jumps up and bites his ears or if she bothers him when he is trying to snooze but I guess I would be the same
Our present pup, Twiglet is full of bounce and nips. My 2 year old Lab, Tatze loves her and plays with her and lets her get away with far too much. My friend's 2 year old Lab, Zaba, who stays with us a lot, stood stiff and growled at first, then slowly - over a week or so - let her play a bit. Now he plays well with her but can always warn her off when she gets too much. Poor Tatze has to come to me to be rescued! I think, like the best school teachers, growly at first then slowly allowing more leeway is the best way to go!
Day #14 and things are improving gradually. He seems to tolerate her but not much interaction. I guess when I can take her out and about that might improve. He still gets up and moves if she tries to lay with him which breaks my heart The other day he was trying to dominate her and putting his mouth round her (not biting) he has always done this with my friends dog and they do it for hours. Every time Poppy stood up he would floor her with his paw but not hard and then mouth her. His tail was wagging the whole time and I was not concerned.
