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My older dog is attacking our new puppy. How do I stop the aggression?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hello, I have a six year old shitzu/poodle and just got a new puppy. She is female and he is a male yorkie mix. My six year old is not accepting this puppy at all. Its been almost a month and its getting worse. The shitzu is explosive with the puppy.I'm trying to give her more attention but nothing helps. I fear she will hurt the puppy. Help! I'm almost thinking i need to rehome this puppy. Thanks! Lisa

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 28th, 2018

I’m sorry she’s having a hard time with the puppy!! Sometimes puppies are a lot for an older dog to take. I would recommend that you get together with a trainer for some sessions for the puppy and for your older dog... this will likely be well worth your time and money. Give that a try before de-homing the pup. It can take months for acceptance to occur, and they may never be best friends but may be able to be compatible roommates with time.

Give your older dog some “breaks”’from the puppy. Put the puppy in a kennel for a while, or better yet send the puppy with a friend, roommate or family member to get some good playtime in, (hopefully for the puppy to come home tired!) while you and the older dog have some one on one time—cuddle with her on the couch, play with her or take her for a walk just the two of you.
It may also help to make a new routine—leave the puppy home in a kennel and take the older dog for short walk once or twice a day, even just 10 minutes will help... and do it at the same time each day... if she knows she will dependably get some “alone” time with you, that may ease her irritability as well.

I really hope that information helps you ... Good luck with them both! Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on November 4th, 2016

    I understand! Many adult dogs aren't thrilled at first to have a new puppy in the house. You can help this by making sure that your older dog has a safe place he can go when he wants to be left alone, such as a crate or a spot on the couch - when he goes there to get away, make sure to keep the puppy from bothering him. You can also keep her on a leash if needed when she's feeling rowdy, and reward her for calm behavior around the other dog. Be ready to redirect her to some other activity if she is pestering him when he wants to be left alone - you can play with her using one of her toys, or give her a bully stick or rawhide to chew on. As she gets older and learns better social skills, she and your older dog should begin to get along better. Just be patient and consistent in the meantime, and always supervise to make sure that she isn't harassing him.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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