14 wk puppy and 7 yr old dog. Dont know what to do

Hi everyone,

Just looking for a bit of advice.

We are having some problems with my mums 7 yr old westie bitch, Bonnie. She isnt the most socialised of dogs which could be the problem.

When she meets Colin (the pup) in the back garden she is fine; they play together really well and seem to really like each others company. However, as soon as they get into the house its a different matter. She wont tolerate him at all and is very snappy with him and im scared she is going to bite.

Bonnie lives with lewis and old boxer. they are generally ok together but she does get very jealous over my mum showing him any affection and she will also snap at him if he tries to take one of her toys.

Its really upsetting because I spend alot of time at my mums and really want them to get along. I also dont want Colin having bad experiences which might affect him. Its so hard

Any advice much appreciated x

leads on indoors, supervision, time outs...ie, stair gates/crates, and gradual positive interractions

are you certain the older girl isnt just doing her job keeping an annoying pup in check?

I'm having a simular problem at them moment. I'm looking after a friends Dalmation x (rescue girly) gets on fine with my Labrador male. She's also fine outside and on walks with my Patterdale female. But as soon as we are in the house they change. The dally is over stepping the mark not reading my Patty right. My Patty is giving off calming signals (lip licking, yawning and slow blinking) the Dally is pawing her face. Then the Patty is air snapping to make her get back but this is read wrong aswel and the Dally tries to attack. First time the Dally actually got hold of Momo, I just wasn't quick enough. Couple of marks on Momos head but she actually never broke the skin.

In the last week things have improved using the lead in house and seperating them in house. The time they spend together I make sure it's pleasent for both dogs. Giving lots of treats for being calm around each other. I don't think they will ever be best mates or even play with each other. But having them in the same room is better than I had hoped for.

I really do hope that you manage to get them to like each other.

I had a similar problem with Scratch when I brought Louis home, he was not impressed with Louis at all, I didn't get looked at and he had the huffs for about a week
Scratch didn't even play outside with Louis.
I think you will find your dog maybe (as KW said) putting the pup in check and telling the pup what the rules are. It is important to give them some space from the pup.
Maybe have some crate time or put the pup on lead in the house for a bit when you are home.
Hopefully this will sort it self out and they figure each other out and one day you will see how much they get things sorted.

Hi Krusewalker, thanks for your reply. I did have Colin on the lead when I took him in. Should we have both of them on the lead?

I did wonder if she was just 'showing him who's boss' (so to speak!) but Colin had done nothing he had literally gone up to her, sniffed her nose and she snapped, i had to move colin away quickly i think she might have bit him if i didnt

Bless momo, I hope she is ok and its not affected her. It does sound like things have got better tho. i will try with treats but i think its a jealousy thing with Bonnie and she might not like colin etting treats. I'll have to try it tho... and let you know. thanks for your reply x

thanks for your reply. I really really hope so. they get on so well outside it would be a shame if they cant get along indoors x

I have found this thread very interesting because I have had something similar, my friend brings her dogs to visit, one, a JRT (girl) and the other Yorkie ( boy, not a toy one ) my little one gets on great with both outside when they meet, but, when they are indoors ( in our house) the JRT ( Maisie) and my Pebbles gambol and play fantastic, but poor Gizmo (the Yorkie) she can't stand, and to be honest he turns really nasty with her, I think it's because they have the same fiesty nature, but the lady who owns Maisie and Gizmo said when she first rescued Maisie, Gizmo had issues with Maisie, now Maisie and Gizmo are practically joined at the hip. When the two of them come into our house the first thing they do is roll over for a belly scratch, my Pebbles is not impressed. But why she takes it out on Gizmo and not Maisie mystifies me.

Hi minx4 how are you getting on??
Thanks everyone for your replies.
just a quick update, we are having some success!
Colin and Bonnie seem to be good friends I have been letting them meet outside to play then they come inside at there own pace. Generally they are completely shattered by this point and we have had no problems

Im so happy! hopefully we will get to the stage where /ill be able to look after bonnie when mum goeson her hols (and viceversa!)

xxxxx

This is a common problem ~ dogs seem to get on fine when out & about, but bring them back to the home where one of them lives, & suddenly the one who lives there doesn't seem to be so keen on the dog they've just spent a happy half hour with!

It's usually because the one who lives in the house sees it as his/her "comfort zone" ~ the place where they eat, sleep, relax, feel safe etc. Suddenly there's a "stranger" in the house so they get worried that all the important things in life will be under threat .. Of course we know that isn't the case, but how can the dog know this?

The best bet is to give lots of attention & reassurance to the dog that lives in the house. Put away any particluarly "precious" toys, remove chew sticks & food that they might squabble over, keep the "intruder" dog on a lead, & give both dogs treats & nice things. If the dog that llives there has a special bed or sleeping place, keep the other dog away.

The more they get comfortable wth each other out & about, the more regularly they visit in the garden, then go into the house, the less likely it is to happen. But if you see things escalating, then rethink & go back to lots of meetings away from the house first.