Hepl! My two years old growls at my new 8 weeks old puppy

[Gaby]

After two years having Rocky in our life we took a decision to bring a new puppy home, thinking that Rocky will need a playmate and buddy. Let's start with Rocky, he is very laid back, shy, calm and spoiled doodle, we taking to the dog park three times a week, he goes for a walk a hour five times a week now that we have Bella home he is acting totally diferent, setting at the corner of the rooms, no eating like usual and growls to the puppy when she gets close.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Dogs will establish their own pecking order. I would leave them be. Rocky will learn to tolerate, then like the puppy and if he is establishing some ground rules that he is alpha , to be respected, let them be. I have an old dog and when I got the puppy he set her straight and showed her who was boss. It is really interesting watching the relationship dynamics as my old dog is like the mentor and the the puppy the student. He puts her in his place, disciplines her, will play with he rthe odd time and overall acts like the top dog. Sometimes he is a bit of a bully (like when he guards both food dishes and wont let her eat) then I just say "Bailey get out of there...let Abby eat!"

[Gaby]

Thank you very much!
What you said help me to understand more my puppy's, actually today was the first time they stay home along and after we came home we see them playing together running aroun and Rocky did not growls at her to much only when she wants to take his treat, I guess they start knowing each other.

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

First it gets better! This is normal.... It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for Rocky to get used to Bella. Dont interfere to much otherwise it will take longer for them to establish pack order. This means unless there is blood let them be.

[Gaby]

Thanks,
They stay home alone today for first time and look like it help a lot, they are playing more and when Bella start being annoying Rocky stop her and she really get the message, hopelly this is the beginning of the friendship.

[Mary Beth Sancomb-Moran]

Our dogs did that with Casey when he was a puppy. It was their way of showing him who was boss - and disciplining him like his mother would have when he got out of line. It's also the way that dogs communicate, so if Rocky just wants to be left alone, he'll growl to let the puppy know.

It will work itself out. They just need a little time to adjust. I would step in if Rocky gets too rough, but otherwise let them establish their own relationship. It's fun to watch!

[Gaby]

Definily it si fun to wacht them how they getting along, today they stay home along and already are much better, Rocky knows how to stop Bella when he is tired, I was so worry just to think he can do something to Bella but look like they can be real buddys

[Gaby]

Thank You!
Bella and Rocky start playing more today, my husband was surprised when he got home today and see them running around and Bella cheasing Rocky after a bone. We feel much better because so far Rocky is been such a great dog and we already fall in love with Bella she is just a little clown.

[Stella]

It will get better!! We have a 17 month LD and a couple of months ago added a 9 week old LD puppy (both are male). The first few days were awful - I have several discussion questions and blog posts about it!! There was almost a 60 pound size diference so we were really worried the new puppy would get hurt and our older dog was so rough with him. But, I agree with everyone else, unless things are getting serious leave them alone to work it out. Your older dog needs to establish his position (although, eventually this might change as the puppy gets older) in the household. I too was suprised that it didn't go well as our older boy is very sociable with all other dogs that he meets. It sounds like your older dog is feeling a bit insecure. We made sure our older boy still felt special by taking him on walks without the puppy, so he got some one on one time with us - we still do this at times, and they both go to obediance classes seperately for individual time and attention. I certainly am not an expert, we are still working on getting them to travel together in the back of the car (!!) but feel free to ask any questions! You can also check out my other posts to see the great advice we were given by everyone else on this site.

[Gaby]

Thank you! You are right is getting better already, I am let them be and look like they start knowing each other, Rocky start playing more and tolerate the puppy thing, I was so worry but I guess it was a matter of time. Thanks.