Our first dog, Sophie, is a 10 month old Maltese. She is an easy going dog. We love her very much and wanted to buy another puppy to keep her company. Last week we bought Riley. He is a 3 month old Maltese. Unlike Sophie, he is very active.
The problem we are having is that Riley is constantly annoying Sophie by barking at her while she is relaxing, stealing her toys and treats, and trying to bite her all over including her throat. I think he's trying to establish dominance but we feel bad because Sophie is used to having everything to herself. If he pushes it too far, Sophie will fight back but you can tell she'd rather not. When she fights, she can easily pin him down but he just won’t submit to her.
Since we have brought him home, Sophie has actually seemed less happy. The whole reason we got him was for her and now it appears that has backfired. Will he mellow out soon? Is there anything we should be doing?
2007-02-24 03:03:31 · 7 answers · asked by Nicholas G 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Don't allow you new dog to dominate your other dog. You have to let Riley know your are the alpha in the family and Sophie is off limits as far as being roughhouse by him.
If you correct Riley each time he makes an aggressive move toward Sophie he will soon learn what his limits are in your household.
Try feeding Sophie first, do every thing first, Riley second to establish his status in the family. If you have Sophie on your lap and he comes over horning in push him off. Be firm with him. He is not going to be as easy being he has a more dominant nature. He will be a wonderful little dog once you establish you are the alpha and Sophie is yours not his to do as he pleases.
2007-02-24 03:14:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs who have been alone with the owners for a long period of time, can get agitated or even depressed when a new dog is brought in. Kind of like a kid they see you petting the new dog and think you've forgotten them. Then, just like ppl dogs have personalities, likes and dislikes. Maybe she was happier as a single dog? Some dogs do not need the company of another dog to make them happy. He's a puppy and she's almost not, it could be that he's just too much for her. Maybe try to get a calm older dog and see what happens if you feel she absoulutly needs a companion. Try the pound take her with you and let her pick out who she wants as a friend. If she shows disinterest in all of them, then its safe to say she is perfectly fine as a single dog home.
2007-02-24 03:12:16 · answer #2 · answered by ►ŦŕǖŦħŦěĿĿęŔ◄ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
males are always trying to dominate things(lol) and there is a slight age difference so their personalities and level of understanding are very different, plus Sophie has been there for a while and used to the surroundings. the new pup maye trying to find his nitch within the family unit and with Sophie. i don't think she's depressed, probably just frustrated and irritated!!! give him a little while longer to make adjustments and see if things get better. maybe you could try doing activities which include both dogs, that may help with the bonding and acceptence between the two of them.
2007-02-24 03:13:22 · answer #3 · answered by portarico2007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good luck with the puppy, but I feel the problem will solve itself.
On another issue: I hope you aren't planning to breed Sophie and Riley when they are older, but instead have them both neutered at six months.
There are hundreds of unwanted, abused, homeless, and throw away animals that have to be "put down" every month. Twenty-five percent of these are of show quality and purebreds.
Do not contribute to the already overwhelming pet overpopulation.
2007-02-24 03:27:09 · answer #4 · answered by Nepetarias 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will take a few weeks for the dogs to get used to each other. The male might trying to take over territory, so when he steals her toys from her make sure you tell him no. As for the barking and stuff he just wants to play with her, and she is not in the mood. After a few weeks they will get used to each other and they will both be happy. Just give it some time.
2007-02-24 03:08:52 · answer #5 · answered by smwat03 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-01 22:04:00 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should mellow, stop feeling guilty. Your older one is not as maternal yet as she might have been when a bit older. But it is just as likely at this point that she will enjoy the company as that she will only be jealous for attention. Just let them be dogs.
2007-02-24 03:08:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋