Need some Advice

[pyermoli]

About a month and a half ago BF and I brought in the new addition to our family. We have a 3 year old boxer named Oscar and the new one is Jasmine. I have been trying very hard to make sure that Oscar gets just as much attention as the little one. But he seems to have changed. He seems annoyed with BF and I. I think he's partly upset because we HAVE to pay attention to the little one, because she gets into everything. I don't know what to do. I feel so sad for Oscar, because he gives us these looks like he's sick of her. Don't get me wrong, when they play it's the greatest thing in the world, and he doesn't seem to be mad at her, just us. Does anyone have any advice on how to get Oscar back to his normal self?
Thanks,

 

[lafsalot]

We've been a multi-dog family for years and it is always takes a little time to adjust for all involved. Continue to give Oscar his full share of attention., maybe even a tad bit more. Things like feeding him first, petting him first, etc. will assure him that his place in the family is secure. Good luck - Cathy

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Keep doing what you are doing. Give each dog some individual attention when you can and some "group" attention. The older dog will get over it in time. I've experienced that same look like "ok, time for this new dog to leave now" from my girls, when I added Susie (from Maggie) and especially from Susie when I added Rider. They all get along very well now and we've had no issues at all. They seem to have adjusted quite well.

Good luck and don't worry so much. All will work out in time.

 

[MyGirlHeidi]

Oh, I know that look! We just added a little Shih Tzu pup to our family in October. Heidi tolerates him but is not too impressed. Last night she was laying with me on the couch when the new pup started barking. I looked at Heidi and she looked at me as if to say, "Well, why don't you do something about the little #$%^&, I'm not the one who wanted him!" They do play alot and seem to have a blast. I have noticed now that as the pup is getting bigger Heidi is laying down her laws as far as how much she will tolerate from Barkley. And then sometimes she gets so frazzled she comes running thru the house and jumps up on the couch with this HELP ME look on her face! I know she has to adjust but we always give Heidi a special treat, the first rub on the head when we come home, she gets to snuggle with me at night in the bed and all kinds of stuff that I hope make her feel as special as we think she is.

 

[pyermoli]

Thanks for the advice. I have been trying to give Oscar all of the first cuddles, and pats on the head. It's hard when I get home because the little one is such a firecracker that she starts barking and growling at us when we give the big guy some attention. I think at first we were afraid to exclude her, but now that she's getting older she'll just have to realize that there is enough room and love to share with both, and to not be so greedy. One more question...Is it ok to take one out and leave the other one home? Since Oscar has had such a tough time these passed few months I would like to take him out tomorrow for some QT that we haven't had in awhile. Would that be smart or is there a better way?

 

[Taliesyn88]

I have a multi-dog family, and it is very, very difficult to keep everybody from being jealous. It is just like sibling rivalry, the oldest child always feels like they are the one left out. Honestly, there will always be jealousy problems, but it will get better. Oscar is hurt, a new baby is in the family, and he now has to share with somebody else. My recommendation is to spend time with both dogs, but right now more with Oscar than anything. I have always given more attention to Rusty, my 9 year old, basically because he has had to deal with so many new additons, my fiancee, Casey, Rocky, Saddam, Willie, Betty and Baby. You have to really show Oscar that you still love him just as much as before, and really reinforce it. Right now he is angry and upset, but things will even out. Spend alone time with Oscar, pay extra special attention to him, and things will get better as time goes on. Paying special attention to him now will prove to him that you still love and care for him, and he will start to open up to the idea of sharing. I think you and Oscar need some quality time together, no, it is not a mistake to do so. Just like with children, it is good to spend time with each and every one of them, so that the jealousy does not develop. Good luck, believe me, it will work out!!!!!