How do I get my old dog to accept a younger dog?

Question

I have a 14 year old dalmation who doesn't really like other dogs since she's had puppies a couple years ago. Well we just got a miniture pincher who is 7 and yippy. How do we get our old dalmation to get used to this new dog?

Answer 1

First and foremost, you need to give your old baby the love and attention she has always gotten. Ignoring here for the puppy will only make her (more) jealous and make her feel like she's being replaced before she's even gone. Also, you can't let the puppy nip and bother her in an unpleasant way. A 14 year old dog can become uncomfortable easy enough as it is, without a puppy latched on to her back leg. Even though it might seem she dispises the puppy, she'll probably eventually warm up to it. We had an old beagle when we got a new puppy. She wouldn't even look at the new puppy, and would even turn her muzzle up away from us. Eventually, we'd catch her looking at the puppy admirably, but when realized she had been seen, would act mad again. Before too long, they were best of friends, and the older was even protective of the puppy. So all in all, make it clear she's not getting replaced, don't let the puppy be mean, and give it time.

Answer 2

When we introduce new dogs into our shelter we bring the new dog in to the kennel room in the evening when the other dogs are settled down in their crates for the night. They spend all night getting used to the new dog's presence and scent and wake up in the morning eager to meet the newcomer.

Since dogs may fight if they feel their place in the pack is being compromised, we also make sure that the "resident" dogs, the ones who have been with the us the longest, keep their place in the "pack" by making sure that they get fed their meals and treats before the newcomer; they get petted and groomed first; they get their good morning wake-up call first... When the resident dogs don't have to worry about losing their place in the pack, they're more apt to accept the new dog... And the new dog learns immediately that the resident dogs are "above him" in the kennel room heirarchy.

In your situation, we'd keep the dogs on leashes and keep them well-supervised until you're comfortable with how they interact with one another.

Make sure your older dog gets fed first, treats first, and attention first -- even if it means pushing the little guy out of the way for a moment.

The dogs will take their cues from you as to what is or is not "acceptable" behavior between them. Example: If the little dog yip-yips at the big dog, and the big dog growls in return, you need to give the big dog a firm but calm "no growling" command -- so there is no confusion on the dog's part what you'll allow and what you won't. If you're a strong "alpha" in the house the dogs will respect your input.

Answer 3

I had this problem also. My older dog actually went through a grieving process. She was just jealous of the young one getting her love and attention. First thing I did notice. The older dog has to establish rank in the home environment.. She will defend her dog food dish and her bed. If young dog gets too yippy, she will reprimand her. My dog did this gently. Hope yours does too. They may get into a few fights, but eventually one will give in. Dogs are pack animals and always establish rank. So my answer is just see how much they can accomplish on their own. Speak harshly to dogs if they fight. Be ready to step in if the harsh tone of your voice doesn't stop them fighting. Otherwise a good stopper is a firecracker. They then will associate something they don't like(firecracker) with fighting and this will discourage fighting. Probably best not to bodily step between fighting dogs. Three years later, my younger dog usurped the authority of the older one. I had really good results with this. Both my dogs are healthy, happy and very much loved. We think the success came from letting things happen naturally. We noticed this is also how Steve Irwin introduced his animals. The only problem I have with Fetch11 way, is in a shelter dogs are constantly coming and going. How can one establish rank when there is no stability in bed, food dish, and home for that matter. Sounds like a good plan for a shelter though and obviously one that works for a shelter. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Don't throw them together for a few weeks. Get an old shirt that you've worn several times (without washing) and rub that shirt all over the new dog. Keep them separated while you are not there. And I would highly recommend getting muzzles for use when they ARE together outside or in the same room. This doesn't have to be a long term thing but just for a few weeks while your 14 yr old gets the idea that the min pin isn't going anywhere. I have multiple dogs and let me tell you from personal experience that muzzles are a wonderful thing in helping to avoid LARGE vet bills and ripped up dogs!!! I would use for BOTH of them for several weeks.

Answer 5

regrettably the organic order of issues is that Bella will ultimately decide for to step into Shadow's place. In a wild %. while the Alpha is turning out to be older he would be challenged for his place with the help of the greater youthful and keener contributors. you assert you are the Alpha so while Bella pulls on Shadow's legs or gets too lots for her you like make her end. the two canines will see you taking value and that's a mandatory lesson for them yet between the two canines regrettably the eldest will ultimately take a back seat.

Answer 6

treat them equally. be the leader of the pack and don't accept any
bad behavior from either of them.

Answer 7

put them on leashes and let them see each other but dont let them get too close. they will get used to each other after a while.