2 days ago I brought home a 10 week old sheltie boy , jacks, to join my 2 year old sheltie girl, tuppence. Tuppence usually loves other dogs and is regularly visited by my dads 2 year old sheltie whom she plays with all the time. Tuppence does not seem really keen on jacks. She basically growls at him or ignores him. She has tried to play chase with him but he's too little and just laid there, so she just barked at him. I introduced them on neutral ground and have made sure they eat seperately and that tuppence is not neglected. I know it's early days, but I've never had 2 dogs before and I'm concerned I'm doing something wrong. Is this normal? Will tuppence ever like him? Jacks is a happy little man and seems unaware that she dosent like him, he still walks up to her and sniffs her etc. any advice ?
Not happy about getting a little brother
- Thread starter Miss
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Emmasmom
Forums Sage
Two days isn't a long time for them to get accustomed with each other. Give it time, make sure you have time with each of time.
Calliesmom
Moderator
She may not realize he`s another dog yet- I had adult dogs and got a puppy, they didn`t play until the puppy was bigger. Now that he`s grown, he`ll play with anyone
Caro
Moderator
Welcome fellow Aussie. I wouldn't worry, sounds normal. If she hasn't had regular contact with puppies she probably doesn't know what to do with him. You're doing the right thing, just give them the space to sniff each other out and Tuppence the time to watch him and work him out. If she tries to hurt him then it's time to separate but it doesn't sound like that's happening. Can you set up a little play pen for him - that lets them see each other without Tuppence feeling encroached upon (and it's a good way to contain a puppy anyway).
When I brought Tully home it was really obvious that Deska did not like her, he was very rough with her and she would cower in the corner. So I did end up separating them when I wasn't around to supervise - until Deska started breaking her out of captivity, then I knew he liked her.
When I brought Tully home it was really obvious that Deska did not like her, he was very rough with her and she would cower in the corner. So I did end up separating them when I wasn't around to supervise - until Deska started breaking her out of captivity, then I knew he liked her.
So today was better, tuppence has stopped growling so much and kinda just stares at him. Jacks is forever trying to go play but she's not really interested yet. If tuppence growls to 'loud' I move him. I put tuppence on the deck and jacks inside, but they can see each other. Then after awhile I opened the door but put a board across so they could sniff each other and 'talk'. I got jacks so that tuppence would have a friend, I hope they love each other!
Sounds like it's just the adjustment period. We've had multiple dogs for the past 25 years and there's nothing in your description that raises a red flag. Remember that every dog will have his/her own personality and you can't force them to like each other. Our 5 year old Schipperke is okay with our Sheltie pups but they don't snuggle. It's not the same relationship he had with our previous Sheltie.
As long as there is no outward aggression from either the established dog or the puppy, they'll work it out themselves. If you expect the relationship to be a certain way, or try and make it something that they aren't too keen on, you'll only end up frustrated and disappointed. Relax and enjoy them both.
FWIW, I will never go back to being a one pet household.
As long as there is no outward aggression from either the established dog or the puppy, they'll work it out themselves. If you expect the relationship to be a certain way, or try and make it something that they aren't too keen on, you'll only end up frustrated and disappointed. Relax and enjoy them both.
FWIW, I will never go back to being a one pet household.
Chris
Premium Member
When Beckon came, no one was really too thrilled with him. Now Annie Laurie pokes him to play, and his sister Layla is pretty pleased that her "little" brother loves her.
Bitsy wishes he were a ball.
Bitsy wishes he were a ball.
Morning everyone,
Thanks for all your replies
tuppence is still not that thrilled but I'm more relaxed now that I've been assured it's an adjustment thing tuppence did snap this morning because jacks was close to me and I had food ( mind you, I don't give her my food but I think she myt have thought I myt give him some) . So I picked her up straight away and put her on the other side of the room in a stay. After a few minutes I went over and patted her . Is this right? I don't know what I'm really doing as I have only had 1 dog at a time 
I figured, this is what my sister does when her kids fight, so it myt work ?
Thanks for all your replies
tuppence is still not that thrilled but I'm more relaxed now that I've been assured it's an adjustment thing tuppence did snap this morning because jacks was close to me and I had food ( mind you, I don't give her my food but I think she myt have thought I myt give him some) . So I picked her up straight away and put her on the other side of the room in a stay. After a few minutes I went over and patted her . Is this right? I don't know what I'm really doing as I have only had 1 dog at a time I figured, this is what my sister does when her kids fight, so it myt work ?