kibbles_andcake
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Dec 2, 2007, 2:03 PM
Post #1 of 4
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Getting older dog used to new puppy
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I got a new puppy last thursday after months of wanting one as a playmate for my 7(ish) year old male bullmastiff. The puppy's an 8 week old male cross breed (his mother is a collie X spaniel, and his father is unknown) and he already idolizes Jake. The problem is Jake isn't too keen. Maxi has tried running around after him, initiating play-time, watching him endlessly, even sleeping around him but Jake just walks away. This evening, Jake had started play-bowing which I took as a really good sign, but then Maxi started chewing on Jake's tail and I know growling is a way for Jake to set limits on what's acceptable, especially since he's not that comfortable with Maxi being around, but it's worried me as Jake's never growled at anyone before. Later this evening, Maxi was sleeping at his feet and Jake jumped up, his mouth set like it is when he sees something he doesn't like. I intervened both times before anything happened but I feel like this introduction isn't going so well. Does anyone have any tips or advice on how to get their bonding back on track? I've looked all over the net but I can only find artciles that presume the older dog is getting on well with the puppy. Jake's not aggressive at all and he gets endless attention even when the puppy's around, it's only been about two days since Maxi's been with us but I'd rather get them on good terms sooner rather than wait a couple weeks for them both to settle down. Thanks in anticipation.
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