Please can we get some advice I have never had this issue before. We have a Chocolate Lab 3 years old (Female) a Black Lab 2 years (Male) New Puppy arrived yesterday a Golden Lab this time....Chocolate Lab is so so but the Black male who has never ever growled and loves other dogs is acting very much out of character snarling and being vicious he is a love bug normally. I am worried he will bite the Puppy. Any advice how to solve this issue please. Thank you in advance
First, don't worry too much! This isn't an unusual reaction. It's early days and things will get better. Right now the best thing to do is to totally minimise direct interaction between the pup and your older black dog. Make sure the black dog gets all the alone time (or non puppy time) he needs. Socialising dogs isn't about them having as much face to face time as possible. It's about creating good associations with the other dog. And for that some distance is often needed, at least for a while. Use baby gates, doors, puppy pens, leads etc to allow them space and time so that they can get used to each other without the pressure of close proximity. Reward all calm, relaxed behaviour from all dogs with treats and attention. Monitor their behaviour and if there's even a hint of tension separate them - eg. by picking up and removing the puppy.
Hello! I had the same thing when I introduced my puppy, but it was with both of my adult dogs. They hated her from the get-go! It took time, and very careful introductions. When the older dogs were around, she was in her pen, that was the only way it could be. I wrote about it on my blog: https://thislittledoggy.com/2017/02/27/let-me-introduce/ Now, she's eight months old, and the other two adore her. Willow, who took the longest to warm to her, plays with her all the time. It's lovely to see. It can take time, but you'll get there in the end
My 7yr old male was very put out when we bought our pup home, didn't want anything to do with it! We separated them with baby gates, and very gradually introduced for a few minutes at a time with close supervision. It took 10 days, but then our older dog suddenly decided the pup wasn't so bad after all and they've been together ever since, even sharing a bed. Be patient, they will get there and be fine. x
Thank you so much for the replies make's me feel much better. We love them all equally and want them to love each other. The Black Lab who is my profile photo "Brewster" has not been himself lately bad allergies, just picked up his Apoquel so hopefully his mood will change once he feels a bit better. The A/C is on in the house and its nice and cool but this heatwave we are having is not helping anyone Bless you all.
I just wanted to post an update. It took about a week. Now they all sleep together do everything together. They all love each other. Even trying to get a treat as a family.