May 13, 2011
I'm trying to introduce an 11-week-old Malamute into the house. The older dog stands over her and follows her around. Is this something I should worry about?
Full Question:
Hello,I have read most of your articles on bringing a dog into a home with other dogs, I have not been able to discover your suggestion on what to do if you have a new puppy. I have 3 dogs a 12 year old, a 7 year old, and a 3 year, these are the dogs that I have had for years I have raised all these dogs from less then a year old most since they were puppies. The 3 year old is the only one that I have questions on, he is a malamute and he is a big baby. The puppy I am trying to introduce is a malamute that is 11 weeks old. The older dog does some dominate behavior, he stands over her and follows her around, is this something that I should worry about? The other thing that I am worried about is the older dog keeps trying to play with the little one, he nips, pushes, and does not let up when she yelps. He is not hurting her, he just does not stop. Another thing is he drools A LOT, I have rarely seen him do this, is this something I should worry about. The other two dogs are ignoring the little puppy, which, from what I have read means they have accepted her. Is there anything to worry about or am I just stressing over nothing?
Thank you,
Bradley
Cindy's Answer:
Our article on becoming your puppies pack leader covers how we add new pups to our home.
I would NOT allow any contact between your other dogs and the puppy, this should not be happening at all. You need to work on pack structure with your older dogs, so they understand the pup is off limits but at the same time let the pup know that bugging the other dogs is not allowed. All dogs should have crates and they should be used to control interactions with the older dogs and the pup.
The dominant behavior and drooling (unless it’s a medical issue) are big warning signs that you need to maintain more structure for the dogs. I’d have the vet check the drooling dog’s mouth, teeth and throat just to make sure there isn’t a medical problem. Drooling can be a sign of anxiety or stress, or can be seen when dogs are fixated on something. I would stop this dog from having any contact with your puppy immediately.
I would direct you to the search function in the upper left corner of the website for any additional questions you may have. If you type in your key words it will guide you to articles, Q & A’s and posts on our forum.
I hope this helps.
Cindy
I would NOT allow any contact between your other dogs and the puppy, this should not be happening at all. You need to work on pack structure with your older dogs, so they understand the pup is off limits but at the same time let the pup know that bugging the other dogs is not allowed. All dogs should have crates and they should be used to control interactions with the older dogs and the pup.
The dominant behavior and drooling (unless it’s a medical issue) are big warning signs that you need to maintain more structure for the dogs. I’d have the vet check the drooling dog’s mouth, teeth and throat just to make sure there isn’t a medical problem. Drooling can be a sign of anxiety or stress, or can be seen when dogs are fixated on something. I would stop this dog from having any contact with your puppy immediately.
I would direct you to the search function in the upper left corner of the website for any additional questions you may have. If you type in your key words it will guide you to articles, Q & A’s and posts on our forum.
I hope this helps.
Cindy
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