Is your older dog being aggressive to the puppy? If your older dog snaps at or growls at the new puppy when the pup becomes rambunctious, that's normal. The older dog is telling the youngster to respect him and back off, much as the puppy's mother would do.
Dogs aren't programmed to take care of youngsters. Your dog may want to go away from the puppy or may growl or even snap to tell the puppy to go away. However, if your older dog uses his teeth on the new puppy, that is not normal, and it may be time to consult with a veterinary behaviorist.
It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.
However, when your old dog gets tired and has had enough, help him stop the play. Move the puppy away, give them each something to chew on, take the puppy for a walk, or put the older dog in another room for a nap. As your puppy grows up and gets bigger and your old dog ages, run interference for him.
BODY LANGUAGE THAT CAN BE SIGNS OF AGGRESSION
Here are some signs of aggressive behavior during play to look out for: Raised hackles (the hair on the back of their necks and along the spine) Stiffness in their torso and legs. Stiff tail in a high position.
It's normal for puppies and dogs to growl and romp over one another in a mock battle. Most dogs display behaviors that can seem a little aggressive to us, but as long as they are within the boundaries of good fun, it is usually okay (and can help them with socialization skills).
Beaver said major changes in a dog's life could lead to periods of depression. Those include moving into a new home, a new spouse or baby in the household, or adding another pet. Even a change in the dog's schedule, for instance a stay-at-home owner who takes a job, can cause a dog to get down.
In dogdom, there's a turn of phrase called, "Second Dog Syndrome". This describes the process of adding another dog to the home quite well, but not necessarily in a positive light. As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right.
Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.
But two dogs living together is also about them getting on well together. Be alert for encouraging signs that the older dog is accepting the younger. This could be the older one wagging his tail when the pup approaches, or engaging in a game of tug.
Calmly remove your dog from the situation.
No scolding, no yelling, and no physical punishment. Gently take hold of her collar, lead her to a quiet room away from the action, and leave her there with a bowl of water and a chew toy.
Put these two dogs on the same level when you are training them both and work with them at the same time. Be sure to offer both a treat at the same time if possible. If you give one dog a treat, be sure to give the other dog a treat. This will teach the two dogs that they are both equal in the household.
Dogs are inherently social animals that live well together in groups, but that does not mean that all dogs get along. Most dogs will welcome a new sibling, but it is not always smooth sailing. The furry family member you have now will face many changes when a new dog enters the picture and may feel a bit displaced.
For example, if you get a new pet and start paying it more attention than your dog, the dog will not feel betrayed in the true sense of the word. However, it may show signs of distress and disappointment because it is suddenly being treated differently or being deprived of something it is used to getting.
Just as you know. Dogs won't become friends instantly. It usually take several months for two newly acquainted dogs to be comfortable with each other. Supervision is absolutely necessary because a fight might occur if these dogs are left alone.
The Growl: Dogs do growl while playing, but there are two ways to tell different growls apart. An aggressive growl will be accompanied by snarling and snapping, while a playful growl is just a sound, accompanied by relaxed body movements (no tension).
Under no circumstances should the dogs be allowed to "fight it out." You could be injured due to redirected aggressive attacks, or when you attempt to break up the fight (see below).
Bringing home a new puppy or another adult dog can trigger jealousy in your dog, and they may show signs of aggression toward the new addition. Your dog might growl at the new dog, guard your lap, or try to get in between you and your new furry family member.
Playing is a healthy part of socialization for dogs and it is definitely something to be encouraged. On the other hand, rough play can be dangerous for you and your dog because it can lead to bites or other injuries to yourself or another pet.
If the puppy bites to hard, yell "ouch" and step back. Don't play anymore. This is what littermates do and how they teach each other not to play too roughly. A hard bite gets a yelp and a withdrawal from play.