Old dog fearful & grumpy towards new pup

We brought Mo home 2 days ago, he is an 8 w/o golden
retriever pup. I expected Toffee (12y/o retriever greyhound
cross) wouldn't like him to start, she's sociable with most dogs but nervous of puppies. But she's more grumpy
than I expected & growls at him when he comes into the
room or anywhere near her bed. He is learning to keep
his distance but is obviously frustrated by not being able
to play with or cuddle up to her.
I'm wondering if this is a common situation that usually
sorts itself out, or if there is a potential for a real problem
if we get it wrong & needs advice from a behaviorist?

Yes its a normal response, you have brought a lively young pup into a pensioners environment, she is only doing what any old person would do with a bouncy pup trying to jump on her,

You need to make sure she has plenty of spaces to escape from pup when she needs it, keep meetings short and maybe keep him on a lead, hopefully in time she will come to accept him, if she tells him off so be it, he has to learn to leave her alone when she wants him to.

I completely endorse Jackie's post, it is to my mind completely correct. I personally (having a multi-dog household of 4) never let new pups come into direct contact with my adults until they have been in the same house for at least a couple of weeks - so they can get used to the sights and smells of the newcomer. Even after a few weeks their introductions are conducted initially through a child-gate or mesh to avoid any unpleasant accidents this would then be followed by direct contact but with the youngster on a lead.
My motto in all things puppy related is "gently does it" take your time and I'm sure all will be well and your old dog will accept the new addition.
P.S. A photo of Mo would be lovely.

Thanks for the reasurance. Toffee is already being a little
more tolerant of Mo this evening - there's light at the end
of the tunnel. Here's our little dumpling.
[IMG][/IMG]
Now we need to work on him sleeping through the
night yawn

Lovely little chap - feel sure you'll all have a long and happy life together. Even if you are a little tuckered out at the mo'. Thanks for the pic.

Quite agree Gordonmac. Not all adult dogs take to puppies. It does depend on the individual though. Some do some don't and even a slightly older pup doesn't gel with a younger pup. If the parent dog isn't around it is down to the human to teach a pup manners.

What a lover, cats are the same way. Imagine yourself as an elderly housecat happy with your food bowl and sunny windowsill. Then the humans bring in this child. He chases his own tail and yours too. Little monster, yes I will hiss at him.

Keep the situation closely monitored..If it goes wrong it could be a nasty outcome for either or both dogs.

Pups have sharp teeth and playful nipping on an older dog could be a problem but an old dog pushed to its limits can still have a turn of speed and a bite good enough to do serious damage.

Can I ask what prompted you to bring a pup into a house with such an elderly dog?
Im being asked by people now if Im going to get a pup because we lost Remy in Aug and our beagle Benny is alone but I just know its not a good idea so Im not even entertaining the thought.

Toffee is often still quite playful and I think once we
get past the little puppy stage she'll appreciate the
company. Mojo adores her & follows her everywhere
he can. He's learned not to try & bite her but you can
see his frustration! Toffee has started joining in the play
by playing with his toys - but he's not allowed to join
in! However he did manage to cuddle up to her for a
while yesterday while they were both snoozing.

What is it they say "Great trees from little acorns grow" seems like they are starting to bond. What begins with little cuddles and games, will - I have no doubt, end up as a strong friendship between them. Glad that all is going well.