How do you get a neutered 10 yr old adult dog to accept an 8 week old puppy (they are both male Shih-tzus)?

Question

The adult dog is not good with kids but is friendly toward adults. The puppy has been here two days and has been kept in a crate as well as in a room closed off from the adult dog. The only encounter so far is the puppy was in the crate and the older dog was sniffing him from outside the cage. Everything was find until the puppy picked up a toy in his crate. The adult dog barked all of a sudden and lunged toward the crate...at which time I corrected the adult dog. The adult dog is rather spoiled. He is a loving dog but he has been the only dog for 10 years. He feels all of the toys in the house are his. At one time he snapped at an older child who picked up one of his toys. Help! I want them to like each other....or at least accept each other. I realize it is going to take time...and I am willing to be patient. Won't the adult dog eventually get used to him being here? Has anyone else had the same experience..and can give some good advice? I greatly appreciate and advise.

Answer 1

It will take a little time, yes. The important thing to remember is that dogs are, by nature, "pack animals". You have increased the size of your pack and there will be the typical period where "who's the boss" must be established. I am fairly sure they will work it all out on their own but it may not be pretty for a while.

Answer 2

Same sex aggression is a big problem. Many male dogs will not tolerate another male in their territory. You should have gotten a spayed female not another male.
Also a 10 year old "rather spoiled" dog who has shown aggression at children over toys and you want to add a puppy? Why? and what are you thinking???
This 10 year old dog will not be a happy camper and most like will never be really happy about a new puppy. From his point of view you are adding an annoyance to his perfectly happy life.
Shih-Tzus are often spoiled and you will need to have the two together only if supervised. You are going to have to let he older one get after the pup and when you catch him in the act. You are going to have to get after him HARD and let him know that this type of behavior will not be tolerated by your in your house and if he chooses to act like this the consequences will be serious.
Integrating a new pet is never easy but for a 10 year old it is going be be very hard.
Good luck.

Answer 3

I had this same problem with my Chihuahua and my Rottweiler puppy. What I did was to take the puppy and hold him close to me. I would sit down on a chair just out of reach of the Chihuahua and slowly let him smell the puppy. At first the Chihuahua would begin barking and trying to bite at the puppy but telling him no very sternly would quiet him down. I would then grab the Chihuahua and hold him in my other arm while still holding the Rottie. I don't know how big Shih-tzus are but this might work for you. Don't leave them alone together but do let them smell one another while holding on to them. Give the older dog lots of attention and show him that the new puppy isn't going to take away from him.