My dogs are NOT getting along!

[NicknDallas]

Hello

I brought Dallas into our home about 5-6 weeks ago, where our 10yr old female cocker spaniel lives (Sassy). We did our best to introduce them properly, outside in neutral territory, and by letting them slowly get to know each other.

I thought by now they could be friends but they are always fighting. It always starts because the 13 week old pup will use her paws and try to play with Sassy. Sassy is not interested with playing at all and will growl, snap at, and eventually start barking at Dallas to show she's not interested. This behavior just encourages the pup to pounce and "box" her more.

I will raise my voice and try to separate them but they are too involved to listen. I'll grab them both and make them sit. They listen sometimes but other times just try to continue fighting.

Any ideas?

 

[Cami]

To be honest what you describe doesn't sound like "fighting". More so it seems as if Sassy doesn't care for the antics of a Boxer pup (understandable)!
Sally is actually being very helpful in the training department. She is giving the pup multiple signs that his behavior is not wanted.
Cockers don't have near the stamina, interest nor activity level as a Boxer pup (in general) and perhaps even more so due to Sassy being a senior. It is really asking a lot of her to deal with.
On the flip side *most* Boxer pups thoroughly enjoy the interaction with other dogs and love nothing more than playing.
You can continue the corrections by separating them but you would more than likely get better results if you gave the pup another means of releasing his energy away from Sally. If he is given the opportunity to burn off his energy elsewhere he would be more able to learn from HER corrections enough so that you don't have to step in all the time.

 

[EAO76]

I agree with Susi and I will add that you need to get him some other dog friends that DO like to play but are also well socialized and confident so he can learn appropriate interactions & play in the canine world. You are nearing the end of a VERY critical socialization stage with your pup so it’s important to have some really positive experiences in the next couple of weeks.

 

[Sansal]

I agree with Susi and I will add that you need to get him some other dog friends that DO like to play but are also well socialized and confident so he can learn appropriate interactions & play in the canine world. You are nearing the end of a VERY critical socialization stage with your pup so it’s important to have some really positive experiences in the next couple of weeks.

You could check for a puppy playgroup in your area. Many training facilities offer those so puppies can socialize and play in a safe environment. I took Sky last year and really liked it. The trainer was really good and would explain a lot what was going on during play, body language and so on. It helped me understand what normal play between puppies looks like and it helped Sky to come out of her shell (she was on the shy side) and burn off some energy. Plus it was fun to hang out with all the cute puppies !