Introducing Puppy to My 4 year old Rott/German Shepherd

[KrazyPunk]

I recently recieved a puppy maybe 6 weeks old. He looks like maybe a chow mixed with something else. I tried introducing him to my 4 year old german shepherd/rott mix and the puppie got growled at. I am afraid to let the puppie outside because I don't know if my other dog will bite him. It is capable of doing serious damage to the puppy. what can I do?

[E's]

A 4 year old dog should have been "socialized" and taught proper response around other dogs, long ago. If the dog is truly hostile toward the pup, then it is likely to be dangerous around people too, especially children. My suggestion is to get another person who knows dog handling - a preferably an actual trainer - in on this situation ASAP, to help you indroduce the two dogs. Most areas have dog trainers listed in the Yellow Pages... call and ask - they are usually happy to answer questions. Or ask your vet for someone to advise you if s/he can't. Or go to a PetSmart. Good luck, and please don't wait to begin training both dogs.

[Kallie]

A 4 year old dog should have been "socialized" and taught proper response around other dogs, long ago. If the dog is truly hostile toward the pup, then it is likely to be dangerous around people too, especially children.

Hi E's how are you doing? Long time:) I am sorry but I really do not agree with, that if a dog is hostile towards the pups, then it is likely to be dangerous around other people, and espically children. It sounds like she just got the pup, and to me to expect any dog right off the bat to warm up to any new puppy is expecting allot. All dogs are different in nature, take Kallie she took over a momma role as soon as I brought some pups in the house that I rescued. Misty and Max on the other hand did not care for these pups. When I first got Max, Kallie warmed up immediatly to Max, Misty on the other hand growled at Max. I sure do not think it was a indication that Misty would harm a child or anyone. Max and Misty are now good buddies also.

I think the key thing is to "introduce" your dogs correctly, just do not throw a new puppy in the pack and expect it to be welcomed by all your dogs. It takes time to introduce any new pet to your bunch.

I would never let a new puppy in the yard with my dogs UNTIL I knew they were all okay with it, THEN it would only be with me out there with them. I do agree that a adult dog or any dog from start should be socialized to get along with other dogs. However I do not think that a adult dog growling at a new addition is a concern to the point of saying the dog is dangerous. It takes time and work:)

Just my view:)

Hope you are doing well E's!

[E's]

I should have taken time to make that a strong IF, as in "IF the [adult] dog is TRULY hostile..." but time is what I ain't got much of these days. I just took a quick read and saw in my mind a person, probably young, who is very inexperienced in dog handling, with a mix of two breeds, either of which breed can be dangerous if not properly trained. That's the clue, I believe... I just don't picture an experienced person posting such a question, but I realize I jumped ahead and your reply is definitely better than mine.

Good to see you here Kallie! Yes I am okay. Hope you and yours are also. I'm just rushed all the time, and am still dealing with the same old rickety browser system, so am not online very much. I don't have your current addy to hand... If you have mine (which is same old Ma Bell) drop me a msg and I'll fill you in on the current soap opera at Thorn Castle! Otherwise, will post in Kevin's Room later this week. Meanwhile, take care.
Dot B, Lakeview

[KrazyPunk]

Well there are some interesting developments now. I was away from the house and my mother's friend's daughters let the pup outside and it turns out that when there is not a person present my dog plays with the puppy, but when someone goes outside with them the dog ignores the puppy and occassionally growls... is this normal? I think my dog is just jealous, should I still not allow the pup to be outside?