Adjustment period to new puppy

[silly24boxer]

Hello I have Gauge a 3yr boxer and he has been an only dog for three years (besides the cat) He is very attached to people. We have just introduced a 5month old female french bulldog cross with a pug. She needs some manners and Gauge is helping with that but I am not sure if it is right. She jumps up to greet you so Gauge pushes her off. We have had her for 4 days and they play good together, but when people come to the door Gauge gets a little mean because of course people want too see the pup first. Tonight he was laying on his bed (the pup is exhasting him) and the pup jumped on his head so he got mean and snapped at her. He did not bite her. Was he just telling her to behave? How long do you give for a adjustment period. What should I do when he snaps at her.

[TwoDogs]

Originally Posted by silly24boxer

Tonight he was laying on his bed (the pup is exhasting him) and the pup jumped on his head so he got mean and snapped at her. He did not bite her. Was he just telling her to behave? How long do you give for a adjustment period. What should I do when he snaps at her.

In an instance like that, I wouldn't do anything to him when he snaps at her. He was perfectly entitled to snap--she was being rude. If she can't control herself around him, or pesters him when he wants to sleep, I'd remove her and give him some peace and quiet. You could redirect her to a toy, or put her in her crate with a bone or stuffed kong to give him a rest.

[Kilby'sMum]

I only have experience with boxers so not sure about the personality traits of your newbie but Kilby and Kona took about 3mths to settle down and have eachother worked out (although every now and then they surprise eachother!).

I don't know what sort of dog Gauge is but Kilby loves to show off so when we first brought Kona home and had new people over we would have the girls in the back of the house then let Kilby to the front door (so she got a pat first) but then we'd ask her "where's the puppy" and she would get SOOOOO excited and practically herd the visitor to meet Kona, so proud that she was getting to show off the new member of the family Probably sounds RIDICULOUS but, it worked for us

I agree that Gauge wasn't out of line and you'll probably find he'll push and growl and all sorts of things until both dogs have figured out their place (and the puppy with test him more and more) so just keep an eye out but. From my experience the dogs need to have time on their own during the day - even though our girls love eachother dearly they seem to take time-out from eachother between 10-12 every day (right now in fact Kona is outside and Kilby's lying on my foot!).

Good luck