Puppies and older dogs

We have recently adopted a puppy but having trouble with older dig, have been advised to use a cage for puppy, for it to sleep in and to stay in whilst we are out, I'm finding this very distressing, so's the pup! Older dog growling at him so obviously for the best! But just wondered how to make this easier and if it is for the best or should we find a home for pup(heartbreaking!)

Sounds like your older dog is just letting the puppy know the pecking order. Growling, ignoring and a paw are normal dog behaviour.

A crate is a great way to house train a puppy and will give him a safe den to unwind, just don't be tempted to use it as somewhere to put him as a punishment. We used the bathroom for puppy time but you should only use it for a matter of seconds.

Have a look on the Internet for some reassurance and tips from other dog owners, have found it a very useful tool.

Good luck

Should have read ......Bathroom for Puppy time out

Smishar wrote:Sounds like your older dog is just letting the puppy know the pecking order. Growling, ignoring and a paw are normal dog behaviour.

A crate is a great way to house train a puppy and will give him a safe den to unwind, just don't be tempted to use it as somewhere to put him as a punishment. We used the bathroom for puppy time but you should only use it for a matter of seconds.

Have a look on the Internet for some reassurance and tips from other dog owners, have found it a very useful tool.

Good luck

My friends daughter is a vet and when my friend got a new puppy her daughter lent her a puppy cage and said it was the best and safest way to get the older dog used to the new puppy and it worked.

Jan.

As said before its a pecking order issue unless you have a particularly aggressive older dog. If its not it is simply asserting its authority and once established all should be ok.
Be careful initially not to pet/favour the puppy in view of the older dog and frequently walking them together can reinforce the puppies presence in your pack with you as the leader/boss. There is excellent advice on dog behaviour/training on YouTube.

Try contacting Julia at S.A.T,s she can give you expert advice.

There is nothing wrong with a comfy cage it's best started as soon as possible. Eventually when you leave the door open the puppy will still go into the cage for a sleep and the older dog might decide to try it as well.
Best to be safe than sorry one of my dogs came to me at 10 weeks old with a nasty injury to her face the owners were not careful and she tried to share the food bowl of the older dog.