Accepting a new puppy: Ace & Bentley, the Puppy

[Lynda]

Ace, our sweet goldendoodle, has always gotten along with little dogs & he even puts up with my daughter in law's Chihuahua, Roxy, who often acts aggressively towards him. However, my son & daughter in law have a new puppy who is 4 month's old now. They and my daughter took Ace to their house & to everyone's surprise, Ace growled at Bentley & once even started towads her aggressively. Ace stayed overnight with them and they all slept on the bed, but they said he did not warm up to Bentley. Before Bentley (an English springer) they had another English springer, Sugar. They all lived with us for months & Ace & Sugar ran and played together. Sugar was not an Alpha dog; she would sometimes roll over around Ace. She took his toys & ate his food with no problem. Is it possible that Ace can sense Bentley is an Alpha dog & that he is trying to establish a hierarchy? I have heard this as one theory.
We are all going to be together this weekend. What is the best way to help Ace and Bentley become buddies? Any ideas?
Lynda, Ace's Mom

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

In my opinion, while you have to keep a very close eye on things, you really just need to let them work it out.  You need to advocate for the puppy obviously since he is smaller, but other than that, just let them work it out.  Our Lucy hated AnnaBelle when she first came home.  It took months for them to become friends.  I had to be right there when they were eating and there were certain toys that I had to put away because they would sit Lucy off.  I found they did better outside than they did inside.  They are now best friends.  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree, and I'd just emphasize the need to control all resources.....food and toys.  If you watch their body language you should be able to tell if the puppy is posturing.  What was Bentley doing when Ace reacted aggressively?  How did you respond? 

[Lynda]

AnnaBelle's Mom, thank you! That is very encouraging!
Jane, Bentlry was barking at him and so was the chihuahua . My adult kids got onto him verbally and tried to get Bentley to stop barking. I was not there. My husband was in the hospital so my kids were keeping Ace. They are very sweet to Ace, and he loves them.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Sheri is right on.  It just takes a bit sometimes. 

[Lynda]

I'll remember that! Thanks!

[Becka]

I just want to add that Sadie has no problem with most small dogs, but puppies are something else entirely--she really doesn't like them. She gives lots of warning growls and snaps and in general wants nothing to do with them (and is always very glad to put them in their place ). And really I can't blame her--puppies are full of energy and very unpredictable. And believe me I feel like such a jerk telling people "sorry, she hates puppies" at the dog park, but I feel like I have to warn them. Who doesn't like puppies? 

[Lynda]

Thanks, Becka! I hadn't thought about it like that, but it makes sense!

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Winnie is a very social with both dogs and people, and honestly wouldn't hurt a fly. The one and only time I thought she actually was going to fight was when she met another goldendoodle puppy in our neighborhood. They were both on leashes, which didn't help matters, but that puppy ran up to meet us and Winnie growled and snapped like we were in major danger. It was so embarrassing! Even though she is very puppy-like herself (she's 2), I get the impression that she finds puppies to be disrespectful. They get in her face and haven't learned all the "social cues" that older dogs have.

[Becka]

Lori, I think that's a perfect way to put it--puppies ARE disrespectful. So when Sadie (or Ace!) growls at a puppy she's just saying "Don't disrespect me!" And of course she's also doing her part to educate them. 

[Lynda]

Lori & Becka, you are both saying exactly what my husband thinks! Ace loves to play and acts like a puppy, too, even though he's older. He also loves all people. As it turns out, he won't be with the puppy this weekend so we have some time for Bentley to mature a little and us to be more prepared when they meet again. Thank you & the other doodle lovers for your thoughts and advice!