Re: introducing 5-yr-old JRT male to female JRT puppy

In Reply to: introducing 5-yr-old JRT male to female JRT puppy
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Posted by:  Linda Hewlings
Posted on:  August 28, 2002 at 20:07:01

: Our 5-year-old JRT male, Jake, spent the first 3 years of his life with our elderly female lab. They were fine together; he curled up with her every night. Since Belle's death two years ago, Jake's been on his own. Two weeks ago we brought home Gracie, a female JRT puppy. Jake is very unhappy. We don't dare put the two of them on the floor together; we sense that would be the end of the puppy. How do we get Jake to accept her?

: Thanks for your help.

Response:

Dear Linda,

While we recommend that the interaction between an adult terrier and a young pup should be regulated based on the adult's tolerance, this does not mean that the two should not be allowed to spend any time with each other; Jake and Gracie should regularly interact under your supervision. Understand that an adult dog's "unhappiness" is most often caused by our very human response to FIRST protect the pup rather then to see to the needs of the adult; unfortunately, this attitude causes more harm then good.

If despite your efforts, Jake continues to be "unhappy" then I suggest you return the pup to whomever you got her from. Whatever your intentions were for getting another terrier, Jake's needs should come first.