new puppy is rude to older dog, help!

715 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Skitlett, Oct 2, 2021

Skitlett

Discussion Starter · Oct 1, 2021

I have a dog whom has been the only dog for the past two years. We recently was given a new puppy.

So, this puppy is rude and would take food, chews, and treats from the old dog. The old dog is now air nipping and barking at the puppy when she tries to take things, but she still persists.

So, what is the best way to prevent my older dog from being too pissed off at the new puppy? Or should I focus on teaching the puppy manners?

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BKaymuttleycrew

· #2 · Oct 1, 2021

Yes, focus on teaching the puppy manners. First off, physically separate them when food or chews are part of the picture. Crate the pup or use baby gates, X-pens, or similar. The older dog should not have to worry about stressful mealtimes or having to defend his chews from the new pup.
You can also actively work on her manners by teaching her to settle on a 'place' (mat, bed, etc...) and then have her stay there (use a leash at first to make sure she stays put) while they each have a chew/treat.
Your older dog will be much less grumpy at the puppy when he doesn't have to constantly be guarding his stuff.

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BKaymuttleycrew

· #7 · Oct 1, 2021

Skitlett said:
Thanks! At first I was letting the older dog correct the puppy but can't take the hint. Would putting the older dog in another room while training the pup be ideal or should they be able to see each other?

Thanks.

This really depends on the dogs in question. For scheduled mealtimes, I'd suggest starting with total separation. Many dogs can & do learn how to eat calmly in the presence of other dogs, but... if your older dog has already shown some lack of patience with the close proximity of 'potential competition', why would you want to allow that to continue? Doesn't he deserve to enjoy a meal in peace?

For chews or treats, you will have to carefully observe & determine if total separation (at least at this point) is necessary, or if you can start with heavily managed sessions. As long as you can keep the new pup from getting close enough to the older dog to cause stress (which can include faster eating/chewing, hovering over his chew, etc...) you can work on this issue while they are in sight line of each other.

But, at the end of the day, my opinion is that I'd rather separate the dogs so they can fully enjoy their food/treats/chews (I mean, isn't that sort of the POINT of giving them?) than allow even low-level guarding issues to continue (since that means the dog/s are in some way stressed during what is supposed to be something good) The less we set our dogs up to feel the need to 'guard', the less they will actually guard, for the most part.

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