How does your older dog respond to your new puppy?

[Terri, Murfee & Emily]

Hi, 

My Golden Retriever, Emily (9 years old) seems to have no interest in Murfee (9 weeks). I did the introduction on neutral ground and there was no interest. Once home, if Murfee approachs Emily, she either turns her head or gets up and goes to the back bedroom. When Emily goes outside, of course Murfee is trotting right behind her and Emily just continues to move until the little guy finds a leaf or a stick to play with. 

At feeding time, Murfee goes to Emily's bowl to steal the green beans as Emily is on a diet. Emily could care less. There is no growling, snapping or any other forms of aggression. Just an indifference.

Hopefully once Murfee gets a little bigger and older they will form some type of bond. Emily & I lost her brother Charlie in January at age 16. That is the only dog she has ever shared space with. 

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Terri

[Jen and Annie]

what's funny about Annie trying to nurse on Lucy is that Annie was already 10 1/2 weeks old when we brought her home - she must have been a real "Momma's girl" while she was still at the breeders, LOL!

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

HAHAHA Annie cracks me up!

[Star and Goldie]

Ok I am so glad this didn't only happen in my house! Goldie tried SEVERAL times to nurse on Riley whom has never had puppies and did not know what to think about that. It was impossible to stop her from trying but she eventually gave up!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I had a 6 year old chihuahua when our Peri came home.  He ignored her for the first week, then barked at her and pooped everywhere for the second week and then they actually started playing. Now they have a love-hate relationship. They love the romp around outside together and play indoors too. But sometimes the doodle drives Taquito (now 9.5 years old) nuts and he acts like he could rip her head off. But overall, they follow each other around and enjoy each other. One week the chihuahua stayed with my parents while we had housework done.  Doodle was so alone she was morose.  They do enjoy the company I think.

[Star and Goldie]

My older dog is 10 and Goldie is 4 months. They do so well together but there are times where they just need their separate space. When they are playing outside it's a joy to watch because it's like Golide sparked new life in Riley and she runs more than ever but when they are inside Riley prefers her space- even though Goldie still wants to be all up in her business!

See how Goldie is looking up at her like 'hey why aren't you paying attention to me"!!!

[Jen and Annie]

Oh what a cute picture!  "My role model!!"

[Sue Z. + Finley]

How adorable with the matching bandanas!

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

REALLY CUTE PICTURE!!!

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Goldie is making sure she's "doing it right!"  LOVE this picture!

[Lindsay n Archie]

So cute!

[Pat and Traveler]

This photo is priceless!!!

[Terri, Murfee & Emily]

Thanks to everyone who chimmed in on this question.  What I learned :

#1 it's only been 5 days, lower my expectations, it will come

#2 be thankful Emily is just indifferent

#3 have camera ready to capture when (not if) they cuddle

Thanks for those that shared their pictures. They are all priceless. I am just thankful that this wasn't a contest of cutest picture. 

Thank you for your kind words for Charlie. He was one of a kind.