Older boxer not adjusting to new puppy!

[stormysmom]

Three weeks ago we brought home our male boxer puppy, Zeus, who is now 11 weeks old. We also have a 7 year old female boxer named Stormy. She has always been the only dog, and is like our baby - very loved but also very spoiled.

Needless to say, Stormy is still not adjusting to her new brother. We've tried to do everything right with the introductions and their interactions, taking it very slow, and making sure to give Stormy her own attention seperate from Zeus. We also let her eat first, go in and outside first, give her treats first, etc. And when the two are together, the puppy is on a leash, so we can control him.

When we are all in one area, whether it is outside or inside, when Zeus gets too close to Stormy, she snaps and goes after him. Some of the times, he is antagonizing her by barking or charging her -- but other times he is doing nothing but walking too close to her. Yesterday when one of these incidents occured, it looked as if she bit him (and he yelped). It appears it is getting beyond her just *warning* him that she's the top dog. We try to be very positive and encouraging on those brief moments when she is patient with him - but it never fails that she loses it and goes after him. And this is so out-of-character for Stormy, as she is normally the sweetest dog in the world.

Does anyone have any advise on what we can do to help this situation? I understand these things take time, but if there is anything different we can or should be doing, I'd like to know.

Thank you!

Dana

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

I think Stormy needs to understand that there are consequences for her bad behavior. She needs a time out to think about it when she is mean to the puppy for no reason. The pup can't do this for himself as he's too young and doesn't understand yet. You need to be there as Leader of the Pack to maintain pack order and discipline.

May I suggest (broken record here) getting a copy of one or both of these books: Mine! by Jean Donaldson and The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell. I think these two books can be of great value to you in a multi-dog household.

Good luck.

 

[oremug]

We have a 6 year old male(sherbert) and now have a 10 week old female(Sunny), at first we didn't think he would get along, he would also snap(sounds worst than it seems) at her if she were too close or got close to his food when eating, but now after about 2 weeks they get along great. He will still snap at her but I think its just normal in the learning process. This may sound stupid but we would tell him that he has to take care of his puppy, and now its like he's big brother watching over her. Be patient, I think they will get along just great.

 

[JodyO]

We brought our new puppy home last night. Our male Boxer, Cole, is two years old and, Copper, our new puppy is 10 weeks.

Cole was boxing him a lot last night and licking him really hardand rolling him around. This morning he was "mouthing" him around the neck a lot. When I say mouthing, I mean biting motions but not using teeth. Does that make sense? Cole is acting jealous as well. When Copper runs for safety (usually my arms), Cole tries to get in between us.

I am trying to be positive as well, but I do not want to reinforce the bad behavior. Maybe this is all normal?

I guess my question is: WHen the puppy needs a break, what should I do? Crate him? I do not want to isolate Cole or make him feel put out of the pack and I also don't want to isolate the puppy.

As for the more agressive behavior from Stormy, give her a little more time. When my little brother came along, I wanted to name him Booger. She is probably feeling the same way. Maybe regular alone time with you and stormy would help her be more tolerant? Not sure as I am learning as I go too!

JODY

 

[stormysmom]

Jody,

It has been over 3 months since I posted my message about the problem with Stormy and our new puppy Zeus. I am happy to report that things are good with the two of them now. It did take a good month or so before Stormy really started to accept Zeus, and learned to play with him. It is so important to spend one-on-one time with each of them (especially the older dog), but also together time too. I take Stormy for walks on her own, or for car rides - just so she felt she was still #1. It was a lot of work and took a lot of patience to work with them in the first few weeks....it can be very exhausting. We had them separated more than together during those first few weeks - that's what worked the best for us. You need to give Cole some time to get used to the idea of the puppy invading his territory, without letting Copper just have the run of the house automatically.

When you think the Copper needs a break, crate him so he can have a nap and rest. This will also give Cole a chance to relax without worrying what the puppy is doing. You won't be isolating either dog......more just giving each their own space.

As for the "mouthing" you describe, I was soon to find out this is how boxers play together. You don't have to worry about Cole biting him (although the puppy may do this to him......they don't know any better - but the older dog will teach them what is and isn't acceptable). When Copper runs to you for safety, I'd set him down and stay out of it (as long as they're playing) -- don't show favoritism to the puppy at that time.

Good luck with everything!!!

 

[JodyO]

Stormysmom,

Thanks for the advice! I just read your post to my husband over the phone (i am at work). I think we are going to need BW a lot over the next couple of weeks. We were on here constantly when Cole was a puppy. For some reason we thought we had this puppy thing down. It is amazing how quickly you forget!!

This two boxer thing is very new to us! And I really want them to love each other like brothers.

Is it okay if I pm you if I have more questions?

Jody

 

[stormysmom]

Jody,

Definitely feel free to send me messages! I'm only a few months ahead of you in this......and yet it seems like an eternity! This is my first time having two boxers also, so its new to me too.

Keep in touch,

 

[LeahR]

New Pup

This has been very informational for me as well as reassuring. HB brought me home a 6wk old girl and my 3 yr old male was none too happy. I have been doing all of the things that you've said you've done and it seems to be going OK. You're right, it is exhausting but great things are never gotten easily right???? I am always worried that Aspen will get hurt, but she seems to holding her own just fine and any "incidents" where she yelps has been due to Mason accidently rolling over on or sitting on her, whereas she grabs on to his lips and bites hard, or nips his legs. The biggest worry I have is that Mason will NOT put her in her place ( He let a kitten beat him up) and that he will feel overwhelmed as time goes by. I never want him to feel apprehensive in his own house. I've been trying to tell Aspen "No" when she really grabs onto him since he won't but I don't want to intervene too much. Guess I am stuck between a rock and a hard place and will have to let them work it out.

 

[pcprovost]

We have two other dogs that didn't take to well to the puppy when we brought her home. Our male dog is 7 and our female dog is around 3 years old. When our female dog jumped on the puppy I got real upset and sent her outside. I wish I hadn't done this now because Layla our boxer pup constantly bites her, barks and charges at her and she will do nothing to her. Only one time have I seen her put the puppy in her place and that was while she was eating. She placed her whole mouth over the puppies mouth to say Hey im eating here go away and she did! She ran and had food and slobber all over her face . But again she never hurt her.

She runs all over the house trying to get away from the puppy, I feel so sorry for her! Now our male dog is a different story. He doesn't put up with much from Layla. last night he actually grabbed her with his mouth and made her sit while growling at her.

He never hurt her but he let her know who was in charge. She came right back at him and the next time he just growled and she walked away hanging her head.

I think this behavior is normal, Adult dogs aren't stupid they know your dog is just a puppy and it is completely natural for them to astablish dominance. They were there first and they want the puppy to know that they run the house.


I wouldn't be alarmed at all and when they are ready they will play with the pup but it will be on thier terms not the puppies. I wouldn't get onto your older dog for this no matter what you do because like me it may come back to bite you in the end.

Your older dog wont hurt your puppy so don't worry about that. Most dogs are territorial and Boxers especially are fearless dogs. That is quite obvious with our Layla.

She even thinks she runs me so the older dogs putting her in her place isn't a bad idea at all.

Christie