add a new puppy to the house

[Cathy, Josie and Piper]

I wanted to get my golden, Josie a friend so we got a 5 month Whoodle on Monday who is still nameless. She is full of energy and very gentle. We all love her except for Josie. I know it's going to take some time for Josie to get used to her, but when Puppy wants to play with Josie or goes near her, Josie growls at her and backs away. When they are both going for the ball or both to the water dish, Josie backs away and lets puppy have it first.  I will push puppy away and make Josie go there first. Any advice on how to make Josie accept puppy would be appreciated.

I have attached a photo of her, she is very shaggy and will be going to the groomers on Friday. 

[DonMarie and Picco]

Your new puppy is really cute and I have no advice for you but what is a Whoodle?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

We had liter mate Sister GoldenDoodles.  Right after their 5th birthday we lost one of them to cancer.  About 2 months later we brought home a new puppy.  Our Lucy hated her and that is putting it mildly.  If Lucy wanted to go from one side of the house to the other and the puppy was in the room she would walk around through the kitchen.  If I was holding the puppy and sat down beside Lucy she would get up and leave.  If the puppy came near she would growl.  Everything was hers, toys, water, food, etc.  We had a foster here at the time and Lucy loved her and she loved the puppy.  It was just the puppy that Lucy didn't like.  It took a good few months but now, two years later, they are best friends.  We just sort of let Lucy set the rules.  We obviously kept an eye on things an intervened when necessary etc., but Lucy was here first.  AnnaBelle now has a great respect for Lucy.  You can see her thinking about "what is Lucy going to do if I do this" etc.  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is great advice.  I'd say let the two dogs try to work things out as much as possible...it will just take some time.  Josie's world is turned around right now...she's going to need some time to adjust.

[Cathy, Josie and Piper]

a soft haired Weaton Terrier and poodle.

[Cathy, Josie and Piper]

That is encouraging to hear. I have been letting Josie growl at her and do her thing and make sure Josie gets fed first and enters the house first. Hoping this will soon pass.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Your (nameless) puppy is cute, cute, cute! When we brought Charlotte home, Wally was six years old, and was not thrilled with having a puppy around. She wanted to be close to him at all times either to rest or to play, but he communicated clearly that he was not interested. He gurrrred when she got too close and let her know that he needed space. He was fine with sharing toys and we taught them very early on to eat from separate food bowls, so that part of Charlotte's presence was fine. We never pushed him to interact with her and she quickly learned to respect his clearly demonstrated feelings about her invading his personal space. We didn't push him, but I do remember bringing Charlotte close to Wally and praising him for tolerating her. We also gave him plenty of time alone with us without her involvement. This reassured Wally that he was not losing his special relationship with us. Over time, I'd say a month or so, he warmed up to his little sister, and now I can't imagine either one of them being totally happy without the other's company. We still bring each of them out alone, and they both enjoy that time. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a cutie! My two got along from the start so I can't offer suggestions.

[Ginny Nightingale]

She is adorable! Not sure why you think she is shaggy! Enjoy that puppy coat as long as you can! I think she looks great! Plus, if she is very young and not fully vaccinated the groomer's is not the best place for her.

I think that if Josie is letting her have everything that is a good sign that they will get along eventually--lots of dogs do not like puppy energy and you have to give them time. The two of them will figure out who is top dog, so I would not push pup away and let Josie go first....it will do no good. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

I really think they will figure it out.  The whoodle is darling.

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

They will work it out. Ben, our golden was 9 when we brought Izzy home. He was barely tolerant of her for a several months. I just made sure they were never left alone together. Not that I didn't trust Ben but puppies are energetic. After Izzy was about 4 months old they became Best friends. I think Izzy kept him young for quite a while. 

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Super cute whoodle...how big will he get?  I brought an older dog into our home the beginning of this year.  She was 6 and Skadi was 4 1/2.  They had two major squabbles but now have settled into a routine.  They are far from "best friends" but I think they get along ok.  We've had Elli now for going on 7 months (how time flies) so I am hoping by the end of this year they will become closer.  Right now they play and chase each other but Skadi does not like to share her toys...which is ok with Elli because she doesn't play with toys.  Elli is extremely submissive to Skadi and so that helps tons.  Actually, Elli is much more of a cuddler than Skadi...and much sweeter than Skadi...but please, please don't tell Skadi I said that... ;)