Is this normal?

[abkb]

As many of you know, we brought Fin home on Saturday, to live with us and Molly. She seems very put out (which we expected), and there is lots of growling, pawing at him, putting her head on his shoulders and she is just generally very tense.

What's worrying me most though is that she seems to be showing 'stalking' behaviour; she won't take her eyes off him, and follows him round with her tail stiff and head low, and also runs into him. He doesn't react (occasionally he squeals), and he is a very laid back pup. Whilst all this goes on, I've been completely ignoring it and looking bored.

Is this normal behaviour? Have any of you with 2+ dogs experienced this? I didn't expect Molly to take to him straightaway, but she's showing a side of her that I didn't know she had  any advice would be much appreciated.

[JohnK]

It is pretty normal, once she realises he is here to stay I am sure she will be ok

[7733lily]

I have three all about 18 months apart and my eldest one has shown this kind of behaviour with each of the other two pups when they arrived

There is the usual growling if the pup comes too near and lots of laying on the sofa or somewhere off the floor that the pup cannot reach to stay out of the way.

This went on for probably 1-2 weeks on and off, but once he realised they were here to stay he would play with them and clean them, but still take himself off when he had had enough

Each dog reacts differently and as long as she isn't hurting him, then its just her adjusting to this new little fella

[supergirl]

I would say normal as well.  Misha who was 6 months at the time and was a complete thug when Roly came home, she would take all toys away from him and really treated him like he was an alien - Roly couldn't have cared less and totally ignored any of Misha's protests, grumbles etc.  The funniest thing was when Roly went and got into bed with her, all I could hear was growling from Misha, Roly just went to sleep as if nothing was happening.  In the end Misha just gave in and now 5 years later they are the best of friends and very very close 

[Evadee]

I'm sure more experienced dog and cocker owners will be along to reassure and advise, but really I think there is no "normal" as such when introducing a 2nd pup.

It's very early days, you sound like you are doing all the right things by not interfering and letting them get on with it.  Sounds like she is just showing him who's boss and the house rules, she may be overexcited at times as well (hence the running into him).

When we got our 2nd cocker pup, our 1st one Tia was just 14 months old, I was so worried she was playing rough with him.  Most people advised me not to intervene unless totally necessary.  She was incredibly excited and possessive,  she warned him off the water bowls for several days (we encouraged him to drink when she wasn't watching/around).

Give Molly a few weeks or maybe just a few days and I'm sure everything will be fine, Fin will get more confident and start pushing his luck with her before you know it.  Obviously, don't leave them alone together until you are happy all is fine.  I don't blame her for "stalking" him, she's keeping a close eye that's all  

[elaine.e]

It's not unusual behaviour. William is still hoping that Louis is a visitor and will be leaving one day soon and that's after almost 4 years

William was horrified when Louis turned up and despite a careful introduction he really didn't like him. Most of William's behaviour was more to do with staying out of Louis' way, but if Louis attempted to play or come too close he'd get growled at and occasionally knocked over.

Has Molly got a refuge she can go to for some peace and quiet? William liked the top of the stairs or the sofa when Louis was too small (and not allowed) to attempt stairs or sofa. I think as long as Molly isn't hurting Fin then let them get on with it while you're with them, but separate them when you're not around and make sure both Molly and Fin have quiet places where they can go, or be put, if things start to get out of hand.

[LurcherGirl]

It is normal, but I would not ignore it - but stop your older dog from doing this. Although I believe in letting dogs sort out themselves in most situations, I will not tolerate any bullying or intimidating... and what she is doing is just that. I would do three things...

First make good things happen when the puppy is near her, e.g. feed them both some treats frequently whilst in each others company.

Secondly give your older dog and puppy a space where they can retreat without being bothered by the other one.

Thirdly be firm and do not allow her to stalk the puppy.  

PS. Playing rough is another thing, but what your dog seems to be doing (going by your description) is stalking the puppy and intimidate it to control his movements. As I said it can be normal with a new dog, but I would still not allow it.  

Growling more and increased resource guarding etc is fine, but stalking and intimidating isn't accepted in my house.

[abkb]

Thanks everyone! I'm glad that this can happen, it's just so horrible going through it all.

Thanks Lurcher Girl, I'm also concerned about the stalking/intimidating. What would you do to show that it's not acceptable? I've been rewarding her positive behaviour towards him this afternoon, and I've said a firm no when she's been stalking, and also distraction when I anticipate it happening.

[LurcherGirl]

Thanks everyone! I'm glad that this can happen, it's just so horrible going through it all.

Thanks Lurcher Girl, I'm also concerned about the stalking/intimidating. What would you do to show that it's not acceptable? I've been rewarding her positive behaviour towards him this afternoon, and I've said a firm no when she's been stalking, and also distraction when I anticipate it happening.

Sounds like you are doing everything right.  The firm no is fine, if she doesn't listen, physically remove her (gently, not rough) and distract her or ask her to settle. Distraction when you anticipate it is perfect and rewarding when being good in his presence is perfect too.

[abkb]

Well, to say we've made progress would be an understatement!





I'm so relieved! Great watching them play this morning, tails wagging like mad, I think we're going to be just fine  it just shows how adaptable they are. She's still being dominating at times, but Finley is so chilled and just isn't bothered 

Thank you or all your support 

[debbiedaywalker]

Excellent news, well done Molly 

[Jane57]

Great news, you,ll be the doting big sister soon Molly 

[tenaille]

So pleased they are getting on ok now,  can't wait to see him on a meet up.
Getting broody now, mustn't look at any more pups 

[abkb]

So pleased they are getting on ok now,  can't wait to see him on a meet up.
Getting broody now, mustn't look at any more pups 

I'm not saying anything...although I do think Beau would make the best big brother 

[LurcherGirl]

Excellent news.