Dog not accepting new puppy
Discussion
Hoping for some advice from someone more knowledgeable than I! We recently rehomed a puppy, who is now 16 weeks old. Lovely little blonde girl cockerpoo (Bonnie) to accompany our 1.5 year old boy cockerpoo. Now at the moment me and my partner have shacked up with my parents temporarily while our flat is being built, and they have a 2 year old Romanian rescue dog (Brandi) who is a really lovely dog.
However... Brandi is sometimes not accepting of Bonnie. When there is food nearby, or if Bonnie comes near her when she's getting a scratch from one of us, or gets too close/excited when someone comes in the room, she snaps and it seems a huge over reaction from Brandi.
When this happens we don't raise voices or scold, we just pull Brandi away and then try not to pander to the pup. She doesn't actually bite the pup but does pin her down and really tells her off.
We give Brandi her own space, feed them away from each other, but it still happens. Throughout the day they have many interactions, mostly okay but you can see brandi is a bit tense around the pup, and once or twice a day it can escalate to the telling off. When we brought Bonnie home we introduced them on neutral ground, went for a walk straight away, seemingly doing "what you're supposed to do".
I will add that it's been less than 2 weeks so far, so it's still early days, but thought I'd ask for advice in case anyone had been through similar?
A pic of the trio...
However... Brandi is sometimes not accepting of Bonnie. When there is food nearby, or if Bonnie comes near her when she's getting a scratch from one of us, or gets too close/excited when someone comes in the room, she snaps and it seems a huge over reaction from Brandi.
When this happens we don't raise voices or scold, we just pull Brandi away and then try not to pander to the pup. She doesn't actually bite the pup but does pin her down and really tells her off.
We give Brandi her own space, feed them away from each other, but it still happens. Throughout the day they have many interactions, mostly okay but you can see brandi is a bit tense around the pup, and once or twice a day it can escalate to the telling off. When we brought Bonnie home we introduced them on neutral ground, went for a walk straight away, seemingly doing "what you're supposed to do".
I will add that it's been less than 2 weeks so far, so it's still early days, but thought I'd ask for advice in case anyone had been through similar?
A pic of the trio...
We had similar and it took time, we watched and identified what the triggers were and avoided them.
For us it kicked off big time when we fed them in the same room, so we fed them in separate rooms.
It also kicked off if we fussed the new pup, so what we did was One of us fussed our older dog then the other started to fuss the new one.
After a year they tolerated each other, they never really became friends and then age/natural course of events took their course and the older dog passed away (she was 16).
For us it kicked off big time when we fed them in the same room, so we fed them in separate rooms.
It also kicked off if we fussed the new pup, so what we did was One of us fussed our older dog then the other started to fuss the new one.
After a year they tolerated each other, they never really became friends and then age/natural course of events took their course and the older dog passed away (she was 16).
Just keep an eye on the triggers and avoid where you can. As above we feed the puppy in his crate, and when giving treats we always make sure they are watched to avoid snatching off food.
They are learning there place in the pack and the puppy will pick things up quickly. Our pup is 6months and he has learnt when to give the older dog space, and when he wants to play.
It will get better.
They are learning there place in the pack and the puppy will pick things up quickly. Our pup is 6months and he has learnt when to give the older dog space, and when he wants to play.
It will get better.
It will work out fine, just keep at it. When we introduced the puppy to our existing dog we honestly thought they would kill each other. Growling and fighting all the time (two dominant breeds)
Now they are best of friends and hate been apart.
Just make sure they are both safe, give the existing dog loads of love and attention, minimise triggers like you are by feeding seperately, make sure they have there own toys etc and a place to get space away from each other.
Now they are best of friends and hate been apart.
Just make sure they are both safe, give the existing dog loads of love and attention, minimise triggers like you are by feeding seperately, make sure they have there own toys etc and a place to get space away from each other.
We just got an 8 week old puppy and the current dog isn't having any of it. Is aggressive and barks. It's the first evening and at the moment we are keeping them separate.
I actually thought it would be okay so it's a bit stressful. We will try and introduce them again in the garden which is relatively neutral but I would appreciate any more advice as well.
I actually thought it would be okay so it's a bit stressful. We will try and introduce them again in the garden which is relatively neutral but I would appreciate any more advice as well.
My two who like I said hated each other at first and are extremely strong willed, we in the end put them both in the garden and stood armed with pillows, totally expecting a full scale brawl because of how they were in the house. Especially from the puppy who loved to give it the big I am.
Puppy ran up to the existing dog, growled, dog promptly gave her a smack on the head. She rolled over and they started playing.
Your existing dog will always correct the puppy especially for the first year, but its quite rare for a dog to harm a puppy. Just keep an ear out for a yelp, the dog should back off.
Puppy ran up to the existing dog, growled, dog promptly gave her a smack on the head. She rolled over and they started playing.
Your existing dog will always correct the puppy especially for the first year, but its quite rare for a dog to harm a puppy. Just keep an ear out for a yelp, the dog should back off.
boxst said:
We just got an 8 week old puppy and the current dog isn't having any of it. Is aggressive and barks. It's the first evening and at the moment we are keeping them separate.
I actually thought it would be okay so it's a bit stressful. We will try and introduce them again in the garden which is relatively neutral but I would appreciate any more advice as well.
They will get used to each other, and the puppy will quickly learn its place in the household. Keep them apart with treats, and mealtimes to avoid issues. I actually thought it would be okay so it's a bit stressful. We will try and introduce them again in the garden which is relatively neutral but I would appreciate any more advice as well.
You will get times when they fight and snap at each other. The puppy will want to play, and not understand when the older dog wants space and to be left alone.
We have had our new puppy 3 months, and he and the older dog cant be apart now. At first it was touch and go, and they fought quite a bit. Now they are settled and enjoy each others company.
Thanks for the input everyone. We'll keep going, but at the moment it is quite stressful trying to stop it happening, especially when everyone in the house is ill!
Yesterday was a good day, there were no snaps and things seemed to be getting better.
Though earlier today the two cockerpoos were playing in the garden and Brandi told the puppy off. Seems like her reactions aren't reasonable, ie I would expect it if the puppy was jumping all over her, but if they are just playing (puppy probably got about 3 feet away from her) is the snap justified?
Brandi is definitely very cautious (maybe even a little scared) of the puppy - when Brandi comes in the room and the puppy greets her, it sends Brandi's hackles up, and she's always watching the pup.
I guess we just have to keep going, and avoid as many triggers as we can! Tricky when it comes to play though, definitely don't want to stop that.
Yesterday was a good day, there were no snaps and things seemed to be getting better.
Though earlier today the two cockerpoos were playing in the garden and Brandi told the puppy off. Seems like her reactions aren't reasonable, ie I would expect it if the puppy was jumping all over her, but if they are just playing (puppy probably got about 3 feet away from her) is the snap justified?
Brandi is definitely very cautious (maybe even a little scared) of the puppy - when Brandi comes in the room and the puppy greets her, it sends Brandi's hackles up, and she's always watching the pup.
I guess we just have to keep going, and avoid as many triggers as we can! Tricky when it comes to play though, definitely don't want to stop that.
Jack Mansfield said:
Thats very true!
I also try and remind myself that they don't have human logic and human emotions, so applying my logic to their little scraps is probably very detrimental...
I'll keep this thread updated with progress, hopefully we get through it soon and someone may find it useful!
Don’t forget your pup is on Brandi’s turf as well. That’s going to be a problem for a while, she may well be grumpy you’re all there ! I also try and remind myself that they don't have human logic and human emotions, so applying my logic to their little scraps is probably very detrimental...
I'll keep this thread updated with progress, hopefully we get through it soon and someone may find it useful!
I'd finally had enough and decided to let them get on with it (albeit supervised). Older dog growled and the puppy yaps around and he if comes to close gets another growl. That is absolutely fine and I can work with that. Makes my life a slightly easier place.
Thank you for your help.
Thank you for your help.
I worry if I let them get on with it it will end up with a bit more than just a yap from the puppy sadly! 
Brandi really goes for it when she tells her off. No bites, but when it kicks off it seems close.
No arguments today, but the day is still young! Kicked off a bit last night as Bonnie walked too close to Brandi - was watching it happen and stepped in just too late. Queue lots of squealing from the pup and a couple more grey hairs on my head.
Stressful
Brandi really goes for it when she tells her off. No bites, but when it kicks off it seems close.No arguments today, but the day is still young! Kicked off a bit last night as Bonnie walked too close to Brandi - was watching it happen and stepped in just too late. Queue lots of squealing from the pup and a couple more grey hairs on my head.
Stressful
Jack Mansfield said:
I worry if I let them get on with it it will end up with a bit more than just a yap from the puppy sadly! Brandi really goes for it when she tells her off. No bites, but when it kicks off it seems close.
No arguments today, but the day is still young! Kicked off a bit last night as Bonnie walked too close to Brandi - was watching it happen and stepped in just too late. Queue lots of squealing from the pup and a couple more grey hairs on my head.
Stressful
They do probably need a good "who is the boss" fisticuffs, settle it once and for all, rarely does it go too far! Brandi really goes for it when she tells her off. No bites, but when it kicks off it seems close.No arguments today, but the day is still young! Kicked off a bit last night as Bonnie walked too close to Brandi - was watching it happen and stepped in just too late. Queue lots of squealing from the pup and a couple more grey hairs on my head.
Stressful
I think you're right, I probably am worrying a bit too much.
I would usually be happy to let them get on with it - our boy cockerpoo does tell her off sometimes and I've never intervened with them, but with Brandi she doesn't let up when the pup is yelping so we always end up stepping in...
I would usually be happy to let them get on with it - our boy cockerpoo does tell her off sometimes and I've never intervened with them, but with Brandi she doesn't let up when the pup is yelping so we always end up stepping in...
Just to keep this updated, we seem to be making some progress!
Usually when Baloo and Brandi play fight, Bonnie would try and join in and Brandi would crinkle up her nose to get her to back off. Today for the first time Brandi accepted Bonnie's bounces and playfully jumped towards Bonnie! Bonnie s
t herself when she saw a dog 4x times her size jumped towards her but thats not the point...
Also, whenever Brandi would be laying on the sofa, any jumping up from Bonnie would receive a snarl and a snap from Brandi. Today Bonnie jumped straight onto Brandis face and she didn't even flinch. Feels so good to be getting somewhere!
We've all been trying to relax more when they have some sort of interaction. I've also been holding Bonnie and giving Brandi fuss and treats so she associates the sight of the pup with the good stuff. We still feed them separately and make sure there is plenty of time apart, as Brandi does still get a look in her eye as if she wants to get her Getting them on walks together also seems to be very good as Brandi doesn't get iffy with the pup outside of her territory, would like to do more than 1 walk per day though in an ideal world!
Next step is socialising the pup properly, she's making a habit of barking at new people out of nervousness. Very tricky considering the current climate! But I'm sure we'll get there slowly
Usually when Baloo and Brandi play fight, Bonnie would try and join in and Brandi would crinkle up her nose to get her to back off. Today for the first time Brandi accepted Bonnie's bounces and playfully jumped towards Bonnie! Bonnie s
t herself when she saw a dog 4x times her size jumped towards her but thats not the point...Also, whenever Brandi would be laying on the sofa, any jumping up from Bonnie would receive a snarl and a snap from Brandi. Today Bonnie jumped straight onto Brandis face and she didn't even flinch. Feels so good to be getting somewhere!
We've all been trying to relax more when they have some sort of interaction. I've also been holding Bonnie and giving Brandi fuss and treats so she associates the sight of the pup with the good stuff. We still feed them separately and make sure there is plenty of time apart, as Brandi does still get a look in her eye as if she wants to get her
Getting them on walks together also seems to be very good as Brandi doesn't get iffy with the pup outside of her territory, would like to do more than 1 walk per day though in an ideal world!Next step is socialising the pup properly, she's making a habit of barking at new people out of nervousness. Very tricky considering the current climate! But I'm sure we'll get there slowly
Sounds like progress, my two never shared a bed, sofa, toy or anything and we always fed them in separate rooms, they were "Housemates" for 18 months, during which the pup got "bitten" 3 times; 1x over food (he tried to take some of the older dogs food) 1x when pup jumped on to the sofa (and the older dog was there) 1x when pup pee'd on older dogs bed (and she was in it)!
Each time he was bitten big yelps, lots of whimpering, running away, hiding in his tent, very woe is me attitude a real sob story, we don't think he knew that we'd seen why he was bitten!
Each time he was bitten big yelps, lots of whimpering, running away, hiding in his tent, very woe is me attitude a real sob story, we don't think he knew that we'd seen why he was bitten!
It felt like we were making great progress - no snaps from Brandi at all over the last 3 days. I didn't see what kicked it off (although there was some popcorn on the kitchen table) but today in the garden Brandi went for Bonnie and it seems we've taken a few steps back... She was not letting up as she was on top of the pup, and sadly drew blood on the pups nose (think her nostril was caught by a tooth).
I'm obviously no dog behaviourist, but I think I'm reasonably good at reading a dog's body language, and have noticed Brandi has quite a bad relationship with food. Think it must have been because of her time at the Romanian rescue, maybe there was some competitiveness there. Before and after meals she very anxious and tense even though they have been separated, and she is only ever "okay" with treats and the other dogs together when out on walks. However you can still see the tension/focus in her face when they're pulled out.
I think we are going to get a behaviourist in because even though I may THINK I'm alright at reading a dogs body language, I may be way off, and I'm sure there's a tonne of stuff we can try to help make things better. Maybe even help Brandi have a better relationship with food.
Hope the others that have got new dogs are getting on better
I'm obviously no dog behaviourist, but I think I'm reasonably good at reading a dog's body language, and have noticed Brandi has quite a bad relationship with food. Think it must have been because of her time at the Romanian rescue, maybe there was some competitiveness there. Before and after meals she very anxious and tense even though they have been separated, and she is only ever "okay" with treats and the other dogs together when out on walks. However you can still see the tension/focus in her face when they're pulled out.
I think we are going to get a behaviourist in because even though I may THINK I'm alright at reading a dogs body language, I may be way off, and I'm sure there's a tonne of stuff we can try to help make things better. Maybe even help Brandi have a better relationship with food.
Hope the others that have got new dogs are getting on better
Has she ever shown a tendency to guard and be possesive before? How would she react if you asked her to drop food? Would she let you take it.
Good shout on the behaviourist, getting a decent one can be really enlightening. Especially as when its a pet you tend to project your emotions and thinking rather than just observing.
Good shout on the behaviourist, getting a decent one can be really enlightening. Especially as when its a pet you tend to project your emotions and thinking rather than just observing.
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