Bringing new pup home

[Chantal]

I currently have a 13 month old female. In two weeks, i am getting my second one that will be 8 weeks old. Is there a good book on bringing another dog into the house. I thought i had read somewhere that i need to let my girl now always know that she is dominant. I could be wrong though.

[Chloesmom]

Chantal,

I'm don't know of any books (hopefully others will help with your question) but I think your 13 month old will start out 'mothering' the puppy. What I've read is important is to spend time alone with the new puppy so he bonds to you and not your other dog. I'm not sure who will end up dominant as the pup grows or if there are ways for you to help decide that but providing both dogs with loving attention should be a good start. Just MHO. But good luck with your new baby! :D

[Carina43]

Most books on dogs cover this to some extent...go to the library or a bookstore & browse!

I can tell you some stuff I have learned through experience having many dogs & fostering quite a few. Greet & feed the old dog first. Make sure you have alone time with each dog. Expect the old dog to get pissy & snappy initially, and let her do this (unless in the unusual situation where she really tries to bite the pup. But this is not normal...) she may bare her teeth, snarl, snap, pin the pup down & generally make a big scene & send puppy yipping away or rolling over in fear. Let her do this! She has to establish her position, & it's a valuable lesson for the pup. I have a very alpha, crabby old dog who has taught many puppies manners. The only thing I don't let her defend is me...I draw the line there. NO jealousy allowed. HER food, HER bed, HER toys...she can defend those. One thing that seems to help, is I pet her & love her up & let puppy wiggle around & try to make friends with her. She is very tolerant of puppies if I'm giving her undivided attention.

Then again, your girl may be loving & maternal! But I think the dogs work out their stuff if the people just let them, within reasonable limits. My latest puppy is very self assured & confident & quite strong willed. I notice people I meet with older dogs try to discourage their dogs from getting snappy with Cooper. I always tell them it's OK, my puppy needs to learn manners!

Your dog is still pretty young, so I don't think there will be much of a problem. The sex of the new puppy will be a determining factor, too; if it's a male the transition may be easier as he grows, because the bitch will always be...the bitch! :)

Don't worry, it'll be fine.

Carina, Cooper & Phoebe.

[ April 07, 2001: Message edited by: Carina43 ]