Author Topic: Puppy and older dog  (Read 1565 times)

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Offline poptart

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Puppy and older dog
« on: November 16, 2017, 11:57:28 AM »
Our new puppy, Tiree, arrived on Saturday and he's settling in well. The only issue I have no clue about, never had two dogs in the house at the same time before, is how to manage the relationship between him and my 9 year old cavalier, Theo. There's no aggression but Theo seems frightened of the puppy and runs to me to protect him whenever Tiree makes playful approaches. There's a bit of growling from Tiree but I'm sure it's just testing his boundaries. Theo seems completely at a loss to know how to deal with it and retreats to the safety of out of reach corners of the house.

Is this normal and will it get better if I just leave them alone to work it our, or is there something I can do to help Theo make the adjustment? I feel a bit vexed for him as he's not a well dog and has never had to cope with competition for my attention before.

Offline David Morgan

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Re: Puppy and older dog
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2017, 08:35:52 AM »
Five months ago we introduced puppy Mason to our household with the hope that nine year old siblings Molly and Murphy would just adopt him and love him and all would be joy. That didn't happen. It took Murphy a couple of weeks to get used to Mason, maybe he was waiting for Mason to get bigger, and then he started to play and they've been playing much of the time since. Murph still growls at Mason, especially if Mason interrupts a cuddle, but they get on; though I wouldn't say they were besties. Molly took much much longer to warm to  the pup. Even after this long she still barely tolerates him and, for a while, took to marking her territory - which caused a lot of extra washing and some deep consternation from the adults in the house. We changed our routine - I now try to spend more alone time with Molly and she is happier. Mason just loves his big brother and sister. He follows Molly everywhere; when he isn't playing with Murphy. Mason is unperturbed by the growls and snaps and just gets on with being happy.

So, lessons? Theo has had his world turned upside-down and may be feeling left out. Try to make time for just him, be protective if you need as puppies have no social skills; these must be learnt. The lessons in good manners usually come with a bark and a snap and, sometimes, a bite. As long as no blood is drawn just let Theo put the puppy in his place. Continue to treat Theo as top dog, even if he ends up being submissive to Tiree. Don't hope for friends, just hope for cordial relations.

Looking back, Molly and Murph are not really friends, even after nine years; they don't play and largely ignore one another. Howver much we project, they are dogs, not people.

Offline poptart

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Re: Puppy and older dog
« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2017, 10:00:18 AM »
Thanks very much, David. You've made me feel a lot better. I suppose it was naive to think all in the garden would be rosy, things are never that simple especially with our four legged friends. Yesterday Theo showed signs of asserting himself a bit more and they even lay on either side of me on the sofa for a few minutes so I have hopes he's coming to terms with his new housemate.

Offline Murphys Law

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Re: Puppy and older dog
« Reply #3 on: November 17, 2017, 11:17:22 AM »
My Murphy hated Millie when she arrived. But one day, after a month or so, they both jumped up onto the bed and started playing with each other and it was all good from that day on.

Offline poptart

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Re: Puppy and older dog
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2017, 07:16:04 PM »
That's encouraging, ML. Hopefully it's just a matter of time then.

Online Mudmagnets

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Re: Puppy and older dog
« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2017, 11:56:42 AM »
I bought Toby home last year and had two resident dogs at the time, the best equipment I had was the crate for when Toby got too much for the other two and I  put him in there for a sleep or with a kong toy to chew to calm things down, usually it meant that they all had a snooze.

I made sure the older dogs had time on their own with me, either grooming. playing or training and on the whole things went well, we did have a bit of jealousy from Branston who was 'mummy's baby' before Toby turned up, but now they play together.

I still use 2 crates in the living roomfor when I need to initiate quiet times.
Remembering Smudge 23/11/2006 - 3/8/2013, and Branston 30/8/14 - 28/10/22 both now at the Bridge.

Offline poptart

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Re: Puppy and older dog
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2017, 09:46:00 AM »
Updating this to say the situation has improved, in fact as I write this the two of them are sleeping at my feet although not quite touching.  :lol:

Theo has always been standoffish with other dogs, I think maybe because we got him at 6 weeks and he missed out on some doggie socialisation. But interestingly since the puppy came he's become friendlier to other dogs we meet on walks. Don't know what to make of that, unless Tiree has helped him understand he's a dog and not a human.  :lol:

Online Mudmagnets

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Re: Puppy and older dog
« Reply #7 on: December 05, 2017, 10:18:53 AM »
Ah good to see it is going well, always a bit of trial and error on our part to start with, till they settle down to having each other in their space.
Remembering Smudge 23/11/2006 - 3/8/2013, and Branston 30/8/14 - 28/10/22 both now at the Bridge.

Offline poptart

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Re: Puppy and older dog
« Reply #8 on: December 06, 2017, 09:09:23 AM »
Thanks, MM. Yes, it's a big relief. They are getting used to each other, although Theo isn't delighted to have the pup around and still gives him a nip when he gets too boisterous. But at least he isn't behaving like an exile in his own home any more.  :D