My new puppy bites my older dog. How can I keep my older dog safe?

Ypur puppy is probably very lively and wants to play with your old dog. Your old dog probably does not feel like playing and does not want to bother with the youngster, so the only way to deal with a wild youngster (for him) is to tell the little on in no uncertain terms, that he wants to be left alone. So I would keep the puppy very busy, give it lots of play and exercise, so it is tired afterwards and does not need or want to entice the old dog to play. Make sure that you do not leave the puppy alone with the older dog, as there is a serious possibility of the old dog getting fed up and biting the little one. Best keep them separated. Your old dog will probably calm down and ignore the young one as soon as the young one stops pestering it for play and attention.

Hello and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear your two dogs are having trouble. Biting behaviour in puppies is very common, but should always be discouraged. At this point it sounds like you'll have to separate the two dogs, at least when unsupervised, for the safety and sanity of your older dog You can gradually start to re-introduce them with close supervision, and only reward the puppy with treats and praise when she is calm and quiet around your older dog. You could even take a step back and have them sniff each other through a baby gate, while giving the dogs treats and praising them when they are calm together. Everyone in the household will have to be on board with discouraging Clara to bite. This means that if she is nippy around other humans, you should give a firm "no" or "ouch!" and walk away or ignore her. If she consistently does not receive the attention she craves when she bites, she will eventually learn that biting does not get her what she wants. I hope this helps, and that your two pups are getting along soon! Good luck!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dogs. I recommend keeping Titan separate from your other dog any time they are unsupervised. When you can watch them, allow them to play. At the first sign the older dog is becoming uncomfortable, then separate the dogs again. Redirect Titan to a toy or something positive to play with instead of the other dog. I hope this information helps!

Puppies at this age can be very determined! I would encourage you to have some time when the older dog is separated from the puppy to give her a rest. I would also encourage you to keep the puppy on a leash (supervised) when around the other dog so you can recall and redirect his attention when needed. Also having a squirt bottle available to squirt his face when annoying the other dog Can be helpful. The More consistent you are on correction the more quickly he will learn not to annoy her. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Introducing a new puppy can be difficult but is not impossible. Here are a few helpful links: https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-introduce-a-puppy-or-dog-to-your-older-dog/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/getting-acquainted-for-life-bringing-home-a-new-puppy/ Also make sure to give the new puppy a lot of exercise prior to meeting the other dogs since being physically tired will make things easier. Just take it slow and be patient. Best of luck.

Below is some information to help you with the introduction process. Congratulations on your new puppy. If you do notice Tyson behaving aggressively sweperate then immediately. The most effective long term plan will be to reward Tyson when he is "gentle" with the puppy. Have that word as your command goal. Bringing a new puppy or dog into the home can be a great way to help revitalize your older dog's routine. Many owners often find that a second dog can help reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a playmate for their current dog. When introducing your new dog, taking things slow and following the below steps will best ensure the two dogs get along from the start! Provide a Personal Space Before ever bringing home your new dog, be sure to set aside a personal space for both the new dog and your old. This can include spaces such as a crate your dogs feel comfortable in, separate food and water bowls, and enough bedding for the two to each have their own spot at any time. Making sure there are multiples of prized objects can help reduce some of the competition over them and prevent a fight. Start the Introduction Behind Closed Doors Your dogs may have already met at the shelter or breeder, however starting off with a barrier between the two will help them to get to know each other without a fight. If your dogs get along great off the bat you may be able to skip this step, however if your dogs are a little nervous, placing a door, screen or baby gate between the two can help. This will allow them to get used to the sight and smell of each other without being able to cause harm. Monitor Meetings After the two dogs are used to each other through a visible gate, an introduction can begin. It is good to place leashes on each dog and keep the leashes dragging in case of an argument or if one dog becomes agitated. If at any time a fight occurs or someone becomes nervous, a leash can easily be grabbed on each dog to separate them until a later time. If they get along well, continue the session and end on a positive note. If at any time either dog becomes upset or agitated, separate the two and try again later. Don't worry if they don't get along right away, sometimes it takes a bit of time! Supervision is Key Until you are positive your dogs will get along great, make sure they are supervised when together at all times. This may also include picking up any contested toys or bones as well as monitoring the use of food or water dishes. If you do have to leave your dogs alone, it is best to separate them in different rooms or crates until you are sure they will get along well while you are away. Give Everyone Some Love! Having two dogs is a great way for your previous dog to have a new companion and to prevent boredom and increase exercise. However, each dog should also have some personal time with you without your newer (or older) dog there. Set aside time for a short training session or just some petting and grooming while your other dog is occupied with a bone or toy. Making sure each of your dogs new and old get some love will help keep your bond strong!

Puppies can be very rambunctious, and may not yet understand "dog language" so it could be that your older dogs are attempting to teach her appropriate boundaries. Appropriate body language behaviors saying things are "too much" can include showing teeth, low growling or snapping at the air around your puppy. If Elly backs off at this point, she is actually learning to read those signals and not escalate the behavior. However, if it is escalating to full bites, or your puppy continues to pester the dogs even if they've told her off, it is time to step in and give everyone a time out. Removing Elly from the situation completely in either a crate for some time out with a toy, or in a different room can help. Puppies are VERY full of energy, so extra walks or a puppy kindergarten class where she can interact with other dogs her age and size can help her learn to interact safely while burning excess energy. Once she is vaccinated, the dog park can be a place to go, but it is best that she knows how to properly interact with and respond to "dog language" prior to going so a fight doesn't start. If you are concerned that things are getting bad between all the dogs, it is best to keep them separated at all times unless under close supervision, and to contact a local trainer or behaviorist in your area that can help you in person.