3 year old working cocker and new pup

[Evie8]

Hi there, I’m after some advice. I have a 3 year old cocker who is playful and friendly. A family member recently got a sprocker pup who is now 5 months and after careful introduction they are great together. However if I am out somewhere with my boy and playing whenever the pup arrives my dog will stop playing, chasing the ball and after an initial run out with the little one will become attached to the humans there. Any advice on why this is? How to help? Don’t like seeing him looking so uncertain when otherwise they are great. I’m confused! 🤔

[PennyB]

dunno really - when you say attached do you mean he won't play any more or is he unhappy. If he's not unhappy about it may be leave him to be honest as its his choice

[Evie8]

Hey. Thank you for your response. He does stop playing. Starts jumping at us for attention and will bark. If you throw the ball just looks at where it lands and stays put.

[PennyB]

may be he just gets fed up of the pup and that's his way

[Evie8]

Does seem that way! I’ll leave them to it and see how it goes.

[Gazrob]

Dogs are like people they don't get along with everyone.

[Evie8]

Very true. Thanks

[sodpot2000]

Sounds a bit insecure and needing reassurance that the other isn't a rival perhaps? Not always easy to be sure what is going on in those heads of theirs.

[Evie8]

I thought he seemed insecure too so seeking reassurance. Happened again today, my friend then took the smaller pup away and mine then played again happily. Seems like he isn’t too keen on his play time being interrupted.
I watched them both in the house on Wednesday and they got on great.
Thinking maybe I just make exercise time just us so he gets his one to one time

He loves playing with other dogs too but has been the only family dog for his first couple of years so guessing takes some adjusting.