We got a new dog from the humane society today. She is 7 months old-- a lab mix. SHE seems to be doing great... our 2 year old dog, however, is a differant story... She (our 2 year old) is not agressive or anything, just a little overwhelmed about the whole thing, almost a little fearful and a little overwhelmed by it all. Any advise to help them adjust to all this change? Thanks!
2007-04-21 10:56:42 · 11 answers · asked by sjv 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Let them choose when to interact. However, do not leave them alone together until they have well establised their friendship. The other dog will show the pup that she is the boss. She may tacke the pup to the ground with some growls. This is normal, and is what dogs do to show newcomers who the Alpha dog is. I don't think she will try to harm to pup, but still supervision is needed. Take them for walks together. The pup will learn alot from the dog. Make sure the dog is included. You should feed her first and separate from the pup. That way she knows she is still the most important dog. Also, this will prevent any food aggression. Make sure they have separate food and water dishes and their own toys. You don't want to make the dog share with the new pup. She will feel ousted by this. Try to engage them in play together. Don't be alarmed oif the older dog tries to protect you from the new pup. This is normal too. Just reassure your dog that eveything is okay.
2007-04-21 11:05:02 · answer #1 · answered by hollyanna25 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give your old dog some opportunities to be alone while she is adjusting. This might mean taking the puppy to a separate room or outside for a couple of hours a day. Much like children, dogs who go from being "only dogs" to having company have to get used to not being the center of attention and from having a little one that wants to play at all hours of the day and night.
Also, might try to find some activities (long walks, games of catch, etc.) to use up some energy from the puppy so that she will give the older dog some peace.
2007-04-21 18:01:03 · answer #2 · answered by eight_ball8 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, it's early days yet, so give them both time to settle down. Don't try and force them to be friendly especially if your 2 year old is a bit overwhelmed by it all.
Just let them get on with it, keep an eye on things whenever they are together so there are no fights, but they will sort it out very quickly.
Dogs are pack animals so love to have company. When we bought a rescue Doberman into the house, my little rescued crossbreed tried to hide or ignore him for about a week, but we let them be together whenever we were around, just separated them at night or if we had to go out. We kept giving attention to the little one, so he new he wasn't forgotten and we still loved him. After about a week they were the best of buddies.
Good luck, enjoy your new friend
2007-04-21 18:06:15 · answer #3 · answered by Cowgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, Congratulations and thanks for rescuing! That's awesome.
Lab puppies are pretty hyper little things, I'm sure your lab is, like you said, overwhelmed! I would be too in the company of such a puppy! :)
I think it's best to just keep reassuring your older pet. Just keep giving her lots of love and cuddles and snuggles and praise and treats (especially when she plays nice with the new puppy)... they may scuffle a tad to establish a dominance order, but don't be concerned, just let the dogs be dogs and they'll get used to and learn to love each other in time!
Again, Congrats and Good Luck!
2007-04-21 18:03:00 · answer #4 · answered by Tiff 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can also try having them interact on neutral territory, like outside (not where your dog empties). Be sure you give each dog their own time with you, and dont single either out. They will adjust to each other, but watch out for aggressive behavior from either. The puppy may even "beat up" on the older dog, and the older dog may even allow it. It's kind of puppy play, but they do have to set their own dominance hierarchy. As do you. If you let one dog sleep on the bed, the other has to too. It's not fair to let one on the bed, and the other not. Good luck!!! =)
2007-04-21 18:08:33 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time. Equal attention and the existing dog take him outta range of the other for special loving. We have a Lab. She in 3 litters had 10 gorgeous pups each. They had a time of it. Mele needed my BF extra love in addition to the adorable little creatures I went nuts over. ENJOY! Socks tied in knots make great pup toys. Food treats a bit at first, newspaper for she she (pee).
and the pup will chew... Give the 2yr old some clothes of yours in her bed, little one 2, make them cozy. Listen to them both and
relax. There's no aggression just confusion. One day at a time. Y'all be fine!
2007-04-21 18:06:34 · answer #6 · answered by Mele Kai 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give your 2 year old dog lots of attention. Keep her isolated from the puppy, introduce them in short time periods always be with them when they are together and always be with your 2 year old. As she starts to relax, length the time they are together....
Good Luck
2007-04-21 18:01:04 · answer #7 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All you need to do is give them time to get used to each other. Other then that just make sure that you give the older dog as much attention as you always have, that way she won't get jealous. In time they will be best friends.
2007-04-21 17:59:46 · answer #8 · answered by rosa b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give your dog time hes just probably not use to being around dogs or just jealous . Try doing things with the both of them
2007-04-21 18:04:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to give them a little time to spend with each other so they can get used to it.
2007-04-21 18:07:24 · answer #10 · answered by volleyballgrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋