My dog is jealous of my new girlfriend. How can I help her adjust?

The best way is gradually. Allow them to hear/smell but not see each other initially. This can be done by keeping them in separate rooms with a closed door between them. Once they are acclimated, you can have them see each other but do not allow physical contact. After they accept that situation, place one in a secure carrier or crate and place them in the same room. Eventually, physical contact can be attempted. Use leashes and muzzles initially if necessary. A pheromone product such as the DAP Diffuser or Adaptil collar may decrease any aggression and anxiety.

It may take some time for her to accept him. If she is being aggressive toward him than you should not allow them to be together unsupervised, espeically around feeding time or any toys/bones that she may protect. Give her extra attention, praise, and treats while the puppy is around so she knows he is not there to replace her. You could also try an Adaptil collar or diffuser and see if that helps. If she doesn't start accepting him than you could talk to your vet about trying an anti-anxiety medication, like Prozac or Trazodone and see if that helps.

In addition to a gradual introduction or acclimation, consider using a pheromone product such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser. Either may decrease any anxiety or aggression. Correct any aggression or negative behavior immediately. Praise and reward good behavior. Be consistent and be patient.

It is never a good idea to introduce a new dog into a household where there are existing problems with the dog in residence. You neen to get Leo's behavior under control before even thinking about getting a puppy. If Leo is food-motivated, have your parents or boyfriend keep a handful of treats ready when you are about to demonstrate any kind of affection towards them. As you do, have the other person give Leo a treat. Praise him if he has been good. Soon, he will come to associate these acts of affection with something tasty. If food doesn't work, you may need to try shaking a toy instead. If you are continuing to have trouble, you can click on the prompt to initiate a consult, where we can talk much more about this. Good luck!

Use a pheromone product such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser. Either may decrease any anxiety. If your daughter is old enough, have her feed Bambi and offer treats and toys to him. She can play or interact with him for very short periods of time initially. This time can be increased as he acclimates. Always use praise and reward as he progresses. Be patient and be consistent. Do not force him to play or interact. If your daughter is an infant, show her to Bambi for ever increasing periods of time. If she is crying or moving, go slow as this could be scary to him, especially if he's never seen a baby.

I would recommend giving Maddy a very slow introduction to the new dog. You should be sure to spend time alone with Maddy at least once a day, and she should have a little time each day to have the house to herself as well. I would recommend keeping them mostly separate for a few days to weeks: they can sniff each other through a closed door at first then have short periods of time together supervised. If someone gets upset, they should be separated again. You may be surprised - Maddy might get along great right off the bat with the new dog but don't be discouraged if it takes awhile. You also might want to consider purchasing a pheromone spray like Feliway to help decrease her stress.

Separate them for a few days then gradually reintroduce them. First with a door between them so they can hear and smell one another then separated so they can see but not reach one another and finally a supervised physical introduction. Use leash, collars and muzzles if necessary. Pheromone products such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser may decrease any anxiety or aggression. Provide adequate numbers of bowls, beds and toys to prevent food aggression or resource protection.