Hi! I currently have a Bichon, male five years old. Many problems as a pup with aggression and dominance, but happily he and I worked them out and he is now well mannered, well trained and much loved.

I have decided after a couple of years of deep thought and research to purchase a Bouvier, I have a few concerns, be nut’s if I didn’t. Was hoping you people here could offer me some advise on how to introduce this new pup to my existing dog, who will be turning six at the time I expect to get the pup. I would like things to go as smoothly as possible.

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

Pam

Pam, read Ed's article on introducing dogs, it's on the wedsite as are many other great training tips.

Thank you Kim, I just found this section, so will start reading. Also meet with the breeder and her family yesterday and looks like she her self is going to be a great help.

Thanks again Kim Pam.

Lucky for you most older dogs are tolerant of puppies. At least more tolerant than they would be of older dogs. I set it up so that my first day home with my new pup was just he and I. I think that was good because it gave him a chance to check this place out without a dog barking at him in a crate. Then at least when he did meet my adult dog, he knew his surroundings and me.

Yes this is along the lines of what the breeder said. She also pointed out that as my present dog had quite a few issues to work out as a young dog, is well trained, socialized and I have many friends who drop by with their different breeds, even one that stays over for the day now and then, that with proper attention paid to introduction there should be little if any problems.

This new dog is going to grow into a strong and large animal, I have no illusions that handling a dog this size could be more challenging than grabbing a little fluff ball by the neck, (should give the little guy some credit here, he is very well muscled) so I know from the word go I have to have control over this situation, training and so on. For now I will read all that I can, and take all the advise offered by people here and else where on the site.

My thanks to each again Pam.

I would spend time bonding with the puppy for the first couple of weeks and still try to keep the older dog routine the same. After I play with the puppy, I would go pet the older dog, play some fetch and contiue caring fo him the way you use to. He will smell the scent of the young dog and this will start the beginging of his introduction. Gradually introducing the puppy's smell and then while puppy is crated and sleep.
Introducing the older dog to the puppy to smell and get use to. After about three days of this, place the older dog on leash introduce the puppy let the puppy run free and since the older dog better trained and on leash you can control it better.

Try to keep the older dogs attention on you, when the puppy approaches, watch the older dog for aggressive behavior, pet him and tell him "easy good boy", if he stays compose. Most dogs will not show aggression toward a puppy if introduced in a slow grandual method and their position and rountine is not alter much.

Now I there was a time when I introduce my 14 wk old my Male puppy to two female bitches that I kept chained, because they would jump the fence. The puppy was kept inside the house, which was something that the females rarely got to do. When I placed him down, he trouted toward them and stopped, they both charged him as if to kill him. He ran back to me. In short there were too many issues going on and I rushed the introduction because they were female I thought they would nuture the pup. They saw who is this special little intruder.

They were sold off, he became a new beginging that almost never was. I made too big a difference, in treatment and they felt it.

Incidents like this could ruin a puppy, make him dog aggressive or make him fearful. It didn't seem to bother this dog, he not dog aggressive.
Recently I've tried the slow grandual approach and it worked out just fine, there was some positioning with two females. But no real forceful aggression. Take it slow, be careful and study all the tapes and books you can get your mitts on. Ed got some good ones. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Yes after reading through quite a few of the question and answer sections here, (fell asleep reading right at the computer) I have to agree, I think the tapes are a good idea and plan on getting them.

The last time I ordered from the USA I was beat to death on the exchange, taxes, and a handling fee from UPS. They explained that they have to act as my agent, hence the fee. It’s only if things aren’t a gift or over a certain amount that I’m hit this hard.

I am looking into this right now, trying to find a better way of getting things like this. But one way or another I will be getting his tapes on puppies and basic training.

Thanks for the advice it is greatly appreciated Pam.