Tuesday Training Byte: Help- my dog doesn't like our new pup

Depending on the new dog's past, it often can take 3 to 6 months to fully adapt to a new environment. I have introduced a new dog into our "pack", but this can be a process to avoid fights. Dogs naturally will establish a pecking order, but the owner should be the alpha. Of course people tend to gravitate to the new comer and shower that dog with lots of attention. If you have had one dog alone for some years, adding in a puppy can make your dog jealous. I make sure to give my existing dog(s) plenty of attention and not let the new dog or pup interfere with that. The new dog must learn it's place and which bowl, bed, crate and toys belong to him. My existing dogs may be tolerant but will usually set the boundaries with the new dog. Just like a mother dog will discipline her pups. When my dog does not put the pup in his place, I must intervene. Be sure to give your existing dog some one-on-one play and attention while the new dog is crated. To help ease the integration discord, all dogs are fed in their crates or at least the new dog is fed there. For long lasting chews, give each dog their own at their individual crate or bed and supervise to be sure the new dog doesn't run over to steal the treat from another. Dogs quickly learn a routine, so be sure to give the food, treats, etc on a schedule and in the same location and manner. The new dog should catch on. If my new dog is really being a pest to my older dog, I might grab the pup at the scruff of the neck as I speak in a firm tone. Be only as firm as needed for the dog to get the point. I do not leave them unsupervised together while loose for the first month to prevent a dog fight. And when play is permitted, stop it should it get too rough. Happy training!