<p>my son found a stray puppy and my husband let him bring it home. cute little thing, all legs and energy! according to vet it is about 4 months old, part lab, part hound dog, however…
we already have 2 dogs, age 10 and 8 (mother and son) The older dog is a sweet dog, never any trouble, the son barks alot and is the dominant one, so i was worried he wouldnt like the puppy and could be trouble… but it is the female older dog that is having a problem. ears are down, hair up, lips snarled, growling and ready to snap… not her personality at all. we are slowly bringing the puppy into her part of the house, holding the puppy while petting her, ie giving her more attention when puppy is there…and no special attention when puppy isnt hoping she will see that the puppy gets her more love when its around , but it hasnt worked so far. any thoughts on how to speed up acceptance? as this behavior is so foreign to this dog, i/m worried it may get worse instead of better.</p>
<p>I just went through this in the last couple of weeks. My D and I also found a little stray that was frightened and injured and we managed to catch him and take him home. </p>
<p>I have another dog, much bigger, who was not thrilled with the new addition.
I separated them while the little one was recovering and getting used to the new environment. After a couple of days I allowed them to meet, while holding the little one, or allowing them to sniff each other through a crack in the door. As I did this, a few times a day, I’d give much attention to the bigger dog, both as a reassurance and as a reward when he didn’t snap or growl and making sure he would smell my hand with the little dog’s scent. I also allowed my bigger dog to smell the little one’s bed. Gradually after about 4 or 5 days I’d have them both in the same space, the little one on the floor, keeping myself between them in case there was a confrontation and I’d be able to pick up the little one quickly. Then one night there was a breakthrough. I backed away and allowed them to sniff each other. Next thing the little dog chased the bigger one through the house (!) and then and vice-versa (a bit scary while I’m ready with a water spray bottle). The same night they ended up playing and wrestling each other for a good couple of hours. They are now fine, and the best of friends. This process took 10 days.</p>
<p>My vet also had some advice. …to have them “meet” on neutral territory, in a park for example but only after the two are familiar with each other’s scents IN the house. In my case I didn’t have to do that.</p>
<p>It also helps that you or someone in your household is established as the alpha dog… that both your original dogs (particularly your “son” dog), are used to answering to you and react to your commands. Dogs want to please their owner or the alpha. Your dogs thus will instinctively follow your lead. If the new dog is ok with you, the new dog will be ok with them, eventually. In the process it’s important that you “reward” with pats and words etc them when they don’t snap or growl at the little guy.</p>
<p>I honestly didn’t expect that it would work out with mine, given my original dog’s initial hostility, but it did. It’s a matter of time and a lot of patience.</p>
<p>Very best of luck to you.</p>
<p>thanks!! a little less growling this afternoon but still wouldnt want to leave them alone!!!</p>
<p>S1 introduced a new puppy to his dog after they dog that had been companion died. It took a little while because the first dog was still missing the one that died. After a week or so if watchful introduction she now herds and “mothers” the puppy. They tell her to “get the puppy” and she goes and herds the puppy to where they are, or to the door if it is time to go in or out. They are now playing and getting along fine. Patience.</p>