How to stop my 6-month puppy from biting and hurting my older dog?

Your worry is very valid! It is best to make sure the two are only playing together when you can directly supervise them and that puppy and your older dog are separated when you are away so that an accident can't happen - even the most well intentioned of a dog can cause an injury! If the puppy starts playing too rough, a "time out" of a few minutes for everyone to calm down can also help and teaches your puppy that too rough of play is frowned upon. Diverting with treats and toys is also a great way, so keep that up.

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!

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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lucy. At 6 months of age, most puppies are finishing up teething. Teething stimulates puppies to bite and chew as their teeth are erupting. Hopefully, this behavior will decrease as she should have the majority of her adult teeth by now. When she bites you, do not engage her, but redirect her attention to something positive such as a toy. Do not play with her with your hands, not even tug-of-war type toys. If she still goes after your hands even after you have given her a toy, walk away. She needs to learn that that type of behavior is not acceptable and she will lose your attention. I hope this information helps!

You do not mention the age of your puppy but renewed hostilities can occur when a puppy reaches puberty especially in larger groups of dogs. Unfortunately, splitting them up may be necessary if the pup is intimidated and withdrawn

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.

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!