How to intergrate my new puppy with my older dog?
How to integrate my new puppy with my older dog?
Hi, we have had our new puppy for just over 10 days and on the whole we have had very little in the way of problems.
We already have a 10 year old pet dog called Toby, Toby is the best natured and friendly dog I have ever know, over the years we have introduced other pets and children into the home and no problems. Toby is a cross collie/GSD.
We recently brought Charlie home he is a 10 weeks old Lab cross, Toby has taken no real interest in Charlie. Toby has put him in his place with a growl when he tried to play with his tail, since then they seemed to respect each others space.
Until today when Charlie had his toy with treats in and Toby decided he wanted it. I went to take the toy away from them both and Toby went for my hand, as soon as he realised it was me he stopped. But not until he had a go at the puppy too. He did not bite but really scared us both.
As I type this they are both sleeping in the same room as me, albeit apart!!
Perhaps this was partly my fault, however, I have always been able to take food away from Toby with no issues. I think perhaps Toby thought Charlie taking it??
If you can offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated.
Our Response
Hi it sounds like this could just be a one off as they sound like they are pretty happy at the moment. It is not unusual for dogs to show aggression especially if they think that a new dog or puppy is challenging them and trying to get to their food.
1. Firstly try not to feed them together as this is going to ask for trouble.
2. Do not let your puppy anywhere your other dog when he is eating as this is asking for trouble.
3. Try and keep toys separate as this can be another cause of problems especially if the toy happens to get too close to the older dog.
4. The problem you have is actually probably going to sort itself out. It is very common for new dogs that come into an established family (pack) to upset the more dominant older dog. It also sounds as though Toby is showing his displeasure quite naturally with a little growl and this will soon let your puppy know whats right and acceptable and what isn’t.
