Should I just leave them to it?!

Hi all,

We've had Bill (11 wk old puppy) for about a week and a half now and generally it's going OK. I have 2 older dogs. Charlie who's 11 - she's great with him. Tolerant but not a pushover. Dennis is a bit more of an issue. He's generally fine and will play with Bill (though he doesn't do mornings!) but he doesn't like when Bill tries to lick his mouth. It makes it worse that Bill has to jump to reach his mouth in the first place! I have been trying to stop Bill from doing this but he's becoming a bit of a pain for Den. Should I just let Dennis sort it out for himself (but obviously supervise!) or should I try and stop Bill myself to avoid really annoying Dennis?

By the way Dennis is a 10 stone Rottie, Bill is a 6lb springer!

Ta

Emma

I would step in and not let the pup annoy another dog
Yup your dog MIGHT tell him off nicely, but really you dont want them to learn to fight - better to learn that you will sort things out

I would supervise as you say, but let Dennis sort it out in his own way. Provided he is not aggressive or nasty to your pup it is fine to let him tell him not to be a pain. Your pup needs to learn about boundaries, doggy body language and respecting other dogs, this is a good place to start....but that is provided Dennis is not being nasty to him.

Couldn't agree more. This is what I did with Jess and Harley and it has been fine

I have done it with all my pups. It is an important start to their socialisation with other dogs. Occasionally they will get told off, but I guarantee they will be back for more. If they don't learn how to behave around other dogs they will get seriously told off by a strange dog one day, which will be far more damaging.

Wow I can't believe the difference tonight! I've just left them to it and I think I was maybe being an over-protective mom! They've been playing like they've been together for years - play fighting and with toys. It's soo cute

Thanks guys (though Dennis will probably be grumpy in the morning again!)

Em x

Brill! Your pup will soon learn Dennis is not a morning person and it's best to leave him alone then.

Excellent!

It is very easy to be over protective, but dogs have to teach other boundaries in my opinion, and as has been said before - it is much better for a resident dog to teach these rather than a strange dog who you don't know

So long as you are there to get involved if things become nasty, then I wouldn't worry in all honesty

Thanks guys - but yes he's grumpy as hell again this morning and wants nothing to do with Bill. Poor pup must be so confused

Ah well, here's hoping when Den comes round a bit they'll be OK again

i would have said the same.
good post.