Introducing a male puppy to 20month old female sheltie

[shltyluvr]

Looking for general advice on introducing my male 10 week sheltie pup (omg he's so cute!) to my female sheltie Tully who is 20months. I got her as a puppy as well. These two are like yin and yang. Tully is and has always been hyperactive but also skittish around strange humans. She's had great experience playing with my sister's male dog who is an Italian Greyhound though. My new boy Toby is a very chill easy going pup - very well adjusted. So far I think things are going great, it's only been a few days though. But I want to continue to do the right things so they are comfortable with each other. Only once or twice I've seen Tully get in his face too much (like I said she's a tad aggressive with playtime, aka spaz) and Toby gives him a paw and a little snarl that she's gotten too close, but it dissipated quickly.
Do I continue to make sure Tully gets the first of everything? Food, treats, love, the bed? Eventually I want both of them to be able to sleep with me, but Tully isn't so sure of that yet. She stands above him and tries to get between us, so I'm only letting him up for a few minutes then put him in the crate next to my bed.
How do I ensure that jealousy doesn't escalate and they behave well together in the future? I'm hoping their personalities will balance and because Tully is older and more dominate that it will likely work out positively.

*btw - first time having two dogs of my own! and I'm single, no other humans or dogs around that often.

 

[ghggp]

This seems like good advice...

For the first week or two, the older dog and puppy should be continuously monitored to ensure the dogs are comfortable with one another. Follow your older dog’s regular routine. Begin establishing a routine for the puppy as well, to provide necessary structure.

Watching your dogs’ body language for the first several weeks will help you gauge how they’re reacting to one another. If the puppy is young, he may not understand the body language of the adult dog very well. For instance, the puppy will likely want to engage in playtime even if the older dog is showing signs of discomfort.

What body language should you watch out for?

• Raised fur on the back of the neck/back
• Prolonged stares
• Growling
• Snarling
• Display of teeth
• Hunched back

What Not to Do


What’s off limits?

• Do not allow the older dog to bully the puppy
• Do not, ever, allow the two dogs to fight
• Do not hold the puppy in your arms during the introduction
• Do not force them to be together
• Do not allow them to share a crate. Purchase a new crate for the puppy so both dogs have their own space.

What to Do Instead

• Do allow them to get used to one another at their own pace
• Do introduce them in a neutral area
• Do allow them to escape to their crate if desired
• Do feed them in separate areas
• Do spend quality time with them separately
• Do allow them to interact positively if desired
• Do allow them to play with supervision
• Do supervise them at all times for the first several weeks

The Takeaway
Following the steps above will result in an easier transition for both the puppy and the older dog. They’re both likely to feel more comfortable with one another and become ‘friends’ faster if you help them get to know each other comfortably. A peaceful home is good for everyone—human and canine alike.

 

[corbinam]

It's one of those things that you sort of have to read the situation as it develops. I have a dog who doesn't stand up for himself when it comes to the puppy, so I have to step in when I think she's being annoying or he's had enough. I also have one that plays, but maybe can get a bit too rough with the puppy. So again, I step in if I have to. And the third one really doesn't like puppies, but I allow her to tell the puppy so in appropriate ways. For example, if she doesn't want the puppy in her face, a snarl is acceptable communication. But, no pursuing the puppy, etc.

I'm not sure the order of operations matters as much as making sure that you spend time with both dogs individually. Help your older dog know she's not being replaced, and help the puppy know he's just as important to you.

Good luck!