older dog and younger dog

by chris
(richmond,va)

my son just got a bt puppy...he already has an 18 month old bt . since the puppy came home the older one is acting reserved and depressed looking alot. will the older bt get used to the much younger more hyper one. what can we do to make them more compatable?they seem to play pretty well together..but once inside he wants nothing to do with the puppy..please help!!!

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older dog and younger dog

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Jun 06, 2011
 New Kid in Town
by: Mary

+
Introducing a new puppy to a house with an existing older dog can be tricky but it usually always ends up with a very happy ending. Be sure to give your older dog the attention he wants but let them both know who is the lead dog...You. You have to decide the pecking order. If your older dog is reserved, then perhaps he would be better in the last position, but if he shows signs of wanting to be above the puppy, then you can let him be #2 and the pup will be #3. All that means is that you will probably feed #2 first, or have him in your lap more often. Just be sure that you are ALWAYS #1. You tell them what they can do and what they can't do. Sometimes all it takes is a look. If you are eating and you look at #2, he will probably advance toward you and think you are going to give him some of what you have. If they are wrestling and making too much noise for you, all you usually have to do is stand up and look at them...they will (usually) look your way and see what you want.

So for now, if you feel you need to protect #3 (the puppy), just be sure to keep a close eye on #2 and let him know what is acceptable behavior. Same goes for #3 but as a pup it will take a little while to understand what you are doing. After about 4 weeks things should be easing up and you will know what to look out for and when you can relax.

We did not have to wait long at all to feel comfortable introducing our new puppy to our 2 and 3 year old bostons.

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