Re: New Puppy in the house

In Reply to: New Puppy in the house
Posted by:  Maria Cardinale
Posted on:  July 31, 2001 at 17:16:33

: I have a 7-year-old female Jack Russell. I recently brought home a new puppy. At first she really did not want anything to do with him and snapped at him. In the last four weeks things had seem to get a little better. However in the last few days she has been snapping at him and at me. She almost bit me the other day. I am so shocked at her behavior that I do not know what to do. He is only 10 weeks old and I am concerned that I am going to have problems. The vet told me that within time, they will be best friends but I am not sure what to do with her snipping and attempting to bit.

: Thanks for you help!

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Hi Maria,

I can understand it is probably pretty stressful in your house right now!

It can be very difficult and highly stressful introducing a new member of the family.

The first and most important thing you must know is to never, ever leave the puppy and your older terrier alone together. Not even for a minute, especially since right now the older dog is not happy with this new turn of events.

I wish I could guarantee you that all will settle down, it usually does, but there are instances that some dogs will just not accept a new one. In that case you will have to keep them separate all the time.

Make sure this puppy is not bugging the older dog too much. Older dogs tire of puppy antics fairly quickly.

The other thing you must do is turn a lot of your attention to your older dog. I know how much fun a puppy can be and it is hard to not want to just cuddle them constantly. But if you do this you are making the other dog feel like a second class citizen, when she used to be the one getting all your attention.

You must give her at the very least an equal amount if not more during this crucial time. Make sure to give only her some treats and to feed her first and so on. Make sure she knows that you still love her. Give her some special time without the puppy around and what ever you do, do not force this puppy on her.

Let nature take its course, under your watchful eye and she should come around.

Good Luck!