new puppy meets 2 older dogs

a911cruzer · #1 23rd July 2001, 04:07 AM

I brought home a 6 week old male fawn and am trying to get my 3 year old spayed female and my 9 year old male (daddy of puppy) to accept him. they snap at him and paw at him very aggressively. i keep them on short leashes and let them smell eachother, but they have gotten a little nasty with the new little guy. it has been 2 days only so i am going to be consistant with them being around eachother

kassa · #2 27th July 2001, 12:09 PM

6 weeks is too young to have left his mother, and
he's still doing things that his Mom would be
correcting him for (that's why it's so important
that pups stay until 7.5-8 weeks -- the benefit
is largely social). You're going to have to
let the older dogs take on this role of teaching him
what is acceptable behavior and what is not.

If they are just slamming him to the floor with
a paw, that's what she'd be doing. Remember,
he has sharp teeth and sharp nails and a LOT
more energy than they probably feel like dealing
with. Watch his reaction to their corrections --
if he is bouncing right back from them, even if
they sound like vicious growls to you, chances
are he's fine.

Try to make sure the oldest dog gets some peace
and quiet away from the puppy, and that both
older dogs don't feel "left out" in the new puppy
excitement. Give them some private time while
the puppy is penned or crated to relax and have
a cuddle.

BRIDGIT · #3 10th September 2001, 04:21 PM

I just got my new puppy and for me things have been going well. Bailey, my six year old will occasionly snap at Jasmine. All in all they get along well. The older dog will definetly show the puppy who is boss. I agree with Kassa in the fact that six weeks in too young to be away from the mother. I think you are just going to have to let things work themselves out. Just keep you eye on them to make sure no one gets hurt. Good luck and I hope everything works out.

danelle · #4 12th September 2001, 07:06 AM

We just acquired another furbaby who is 8 wks old. We also have a 4yr old collie and a mixed breed. They put Creed in his place and snapped at him, but low and behold a few days later they are playing and acting like old buddies. But it's not to say that they don't still "correct" him.
Good luck!

Wendy Swalls · #5 12th September 2001, 12:31 PM

We'll be bringing Mickey home on the 28th of September, just shy of 8 weeks old. We have two other dogs, one about 5 and one 10+ year-old lab. We worry about them being jealous of the new baby, since he will be an inside dog and they are outside most of the day. Is there anything we can do to make the transition easier on all of us?

Wendy Swalls · #6 12th September 2001, 12:34 PM

BTW. new pics of 5+ week old Mickey.

danelle · #7 13th September 2001, 07:28 AM

Mine always stay inside, but I think it would go along in the same manner. I've tried my best to act like things are not any different, which is kind of difficult. Especially when your trying to housebreak the pup. You do have an advantage though, your other dogs are used to being outside. So that would leave enough time for you to spend with the pup then crate him when you spend time with the others.
I hope this helps,
Danelle

Wendy Swalls · #8 17th September 2001, 10:52 AM

Yes, it does. The other 2 dogs are used to being outside when we're not home, but they want to be in the house when we're home.

If their reaction to our new kitten is any indication, Sammy runs away and Jake wants to eat it. So far, no fur has flown, but the kitten, Minnie, did get stepped on once. She survived, and is steering clear of Jake's big paws!

We are so excited about the new baby, it's hard to imagine how our other 2 will take it. Thanks for the encouragement.