4 year old dog jealous of new puppy

[Sarathom]

I have a 4 year old cocker, yesterday we brought home a 8 week old puppy (also a cocker) and since introducing the new puppy to our dog he has been quite sad and reserved (he's usually very lively and playful). Whenever the new puppy approaches him he cowers and runs away, or removes himself from the room that we are in and goes to sit by himself. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated! Thanks!

[MaggieR]

Give him time.... and space where he can easily get away from the new pup.  Don't try to force it... if he wants away from the pup let him get away. Fingers crossed with time he'll get used to the idea of a little brother/sister.  But as with everything there are no guarantees. Am sure others with experience of bringing in a new dog will be along soon.  Good luck xx

[Welsh cocker]

I've no experience in introducing two cockers, but have introduced a spaniel puppy to his border collie big brother. The elder dog responded similar to yours for first couple of days, but they turned out to be the best of friends 

I made sure that the elder dog had time with us away from the puppy. We took him out on separate walks, and played with him in the garden without pup around. We actually doubled attention towards him during the first week and gave him lots of treats when playing with the pup. But like mentioned before we allowed him to 'get away' if he wanted, and ensured the pup didn't pester too much. Then on the third day the older dog just walked over and gently pawed the dog and they began chasing each other around the table playing. And that was it!  Best buddies 

[Robbie34]

Henry was like this at first when I brought home Jamie but he is fine now.  The important thing is not to let the older dog feel left out.  It's natural to lavish affection on a new puppy and leave the older dog out in the cold.  I made sure that Henry got extra special treatment so that he didn't feel his nose was pushed out.  Now, the two play together, and Henry allows Jamie to sleep with him.  Henry will often put his head on Jamie when they are asleep.

I'm sure your older dog will be fine with the puppy given time.

[Sarathom]

Thank you all so much for your replies, much appreciated! Fingers crossed they'll be the best of friends in no time! x

[elaine.e]

William was exactly the same when Louis arrived. William was 5 at the time and having another dog in the house came as a big shock to him. I made sure that he had places where he could get away from Louis to have some peace and quiet.

I also made time for William, partly by walking him as normal every day (leaving Louis in his pen with some food in a Kong) and also making a fuss of William, grooming him, playing with him etc. when Louis was asleep. When Louis was awake they were given treats together to help them get used to each other but if Will chose to walk away I let him.

When Louis was old enough for walks I gave them one short walk together each day, a long walk for William on his own each day and a short walk just with Louis. That helped Louis not to become too dependant on William and gave me time to train him and bond with him.

Louis is almost 5 now and he and William tolerate each other very well, but they're definitely not best friends because William is never going to let that happen. He's much more interested in people than other dogs and takes little notice of Louis.

So don't expect your two to become best friends. It very often happens and it's nice when it does, but you can't force the issue and as long as they learn to tolerate each other and aren't stressed by that they will be fine in the long run

[pam1]

Yes, don't worry. Ollie was exactly the same when we brought Poppy home.  He used to go upstairs and lie on our bed to get away from her 

He loves her to bits now though,  so just give it time. 

[Sarathom]

Thank you so much, it's so lovely to get the reassurance that this is normal behaviour! Thanks for the help/advice  x