added a new puppy....not getting along too well...

[xdaniel67x]

Hey Guys,

I need some advice on the addition of a new puppy. I've had Socrates, my male rottweiler (6 months old) for three months now. My girlfriend just brought home a puppy and Socrates keeps wanting to play with her, but he tends to bother her, such as paw her, and nip at her ears. Of course I verbally tell him to knock it off, but they are not getting along at all. The puppy has even on more than one occasion went after Socrates, and he thinks its a big game.
He was eating his food as well and when she walked over he stopped and just stared her down. He isn't food aggressive or anything but he was making sure she couldn't get to his food. Also when she is eating her food he seems EXTREMELY curious in it, to the point i have to separate them, even though he has his own food.

Do you guys have any suggestions? I know I have to insist that they get along, but this is not the idea I had when my gf originally brought the puppy home. I was hoping they would be great friends at least, but they don't seem to get along too well. Will time help the situation? Is there anything I can do to help the situation as well?

Just for reference, the puppy has been in the home for three days now, and we have had socrates for about 3.5 months. I have read the other threads about making sure the current dog is very well trained and older before adding another dog, but the circumstances in which my gf dog this puppy were out of my control, apparently she was saving the puppy, so now we are in this situation with two young dogs. Socrates is also in the middle of obediance training as well.

The other dog is a pit bull mixed with shiba inu or akita, can't really tell that well, and is a female.

Thanks

[babybluetx23]

We have a 9 year old female German Shepherd. She has been around a lab/chow mix her age for the last 9 years. when our lab/chow mix went to the Bridge we got our first rottie pup who is now 14 weeks. When we first got him the GSD didnt want to have ANYTHING to do with the Pup. He would try to play with her by chewing on her ears, biting her Tail, Jumping all over her. Eventually our GSD put the pup in his place by snapping at him and pushing him away. After about two weeks they started to PLay very nicely. I never once told the pup or the GSD NO. I let everyone learn their place in the house and their place amongst eachother.
Now the GSD and my rottie pup play very nicely with one another. The Rottie at times will try to play with the GSD. When the GSD doesnt want to play or has had enough she lets him know by barring her teeth at him or snapping at him or just growling at him.
I say as long as they are not hurting eachother physically, I would let it runs its corse. You may also want to refrain from telling them no. Let the puppy learn her place and let your older one learn his place as well. They are like children, they have to work it out themselves and the only time mom and dad really need to interupt, is when things get out of hand.
Hope that helps!

[xdaniel67x]

Cynthia,

Thanks for the advice. So I guess I need to wait a little longer and see how it pans out? The only thing is, in my case, the situation is reversed in which the puppy wants no part of my other dog, and they are both puppies actually, whereas your GSD was much older.

Are u sure it is okay to let them snap at each other? The puppy seems quite mean when she does it.....

[Judi W]

There is a big difference between an adult and a new puppy and between a somewhat older pup and a baby. Your boy is just a baby himself and has little experience or understanding of things and now you have a little monster baby. He does not have the maturity to know how to deal with or play gently with a little one. Too far apart in age to be equals and too close in age for one to understand about the other. Do not expect a 6 month old to have the maturity to understand how to discipline a baby.

[babybluetx23]

I allowed my GSD to snap at the pup, however I never let it get out of hand, nor did I allow her to do it Very close to his Face of neck. But I allowed it. I dont know if I did the right thing or not, But I didnt want to tell them no. I figured I would let them hash it out.

As for your pup not wanting any part of it, she may be a little scared since she is in a new environment and he is larger then she is. Im sure others here could give you better advice then I could. I am a new rottie owner myself. I let them work it out and after two weeks they are now the best of friends. They love to play, they love to snuggle together and when one has had enough of the other they let the other know it.
I would say if they are not hurting eachother, wait it out a little longer. It took mine two weeks to warm up.

I knew someone would chime in. I didnt see Judis Post before i poseted mine. I would definatly listen to Judi. She has been doing this a while and has been a GREAT source of information for me.....
Thanks Judi!

[Patty1231]

I really don't have much to add here in the way of advice because my dog introductions were a 4-year-old female to an 18 month old male. She was obviously the dominant bitch from the get-go and I had to keep her tied to a lead for a couple weeks until they got used to each other and could work that out between the two of them (my male is very non-aggressive and willing to go along with whatever Perle says :D ) This may be difficult for you because you're dealing with two puppies, both of whom are still "learning the ropes" and my guess would be a little too young to establish themselves as "the boss" (I'm sure those with more experience will weigh in here about that). In any case, good luck!

ADDENDUM: I just noticed Judi's post after I wrote this - experience did weigh in!

[2rotties2luv]

As far as the feeding issue goes, I agree with others here who believe that every dog should be allowed to eat in peace. My suggestion would be to separate the two dogs at feeding time. Feed them both in their crates, or feed one in their crate and the other one across the room. If you don't have crates, then feed them in separate rooms. Keep them separate until both are done eating, put away the food bowls, and then let them together again. It won't help the developing relationship if one or both of the pups feel they have to defend and guard their food.

[xdaniel67x]

I will definitely feed them separately. I have been doing so, but the older puppy runs out and searches for the young one. I think I will just feed them in their crates for now.

I realize that although these are not ideal circumstances, I have to make the best of it.

Are there any other suggestions for making the transition easier? I realize that it is essentially two young puppies, but should I leave them be so they realize their place and the pack? Again, should I let them snap at each other? My older male is such an antagonist, he just loves to play, and I don't think the other puppy wants to play at all.

[babybluetx23]

How old is the new pup? My pup was 7 weeks when we got him and he was NOT interested in play What so ever! All he wanted was to be coddled. However mine was taken from his pack (mom and 7 other pups) taken for a 2 hour car ride, placed in a new environment with a LARGE GSD and a cat! He was also placed in a room by himself at night when we went to bed, ect. There is going to be an adjustment period for the pup. She has to get used to her new environment and her new "Pack"
I am thinking that once she gets used to her pack and her new environment, she may get more playful and things May work better between the two of them.
I wish I had better advice for you, but I am new to this whole situation myself and our transition was pretty smooth. The hardest part for us was seperation. Anytime We were out of the pups sight he would cry, screm, and throw his body against the inside of his crate. But that is another situation and another thread! heheh Sorry to ramble.
Good Luck

[xdaniel67x]

hey babyblue,

thanks for all yoru first hand experience :)

Your situation about the taking away from the pack, car ride, etc, describes this puppy to the T haha. I'm going to go with the flow and see what happens, hopefully they'll get used to each other :