Backstory:
Rescued my 1st boxer, Princess, when she was 2 yrs old. After a year I rescued another male boxer, Shadow, when he was 2 years old as well. Brief struggle for domance on day 1 and Princess became the Alpha. They had a great life together, but Shadow never really played. I found it weird that a Boxer wouldn't play, but I accepted it as potentally an issue from his previous owners. He is a very loving dog, very cuddly, but doesn't play with chew toys or other dogs. He gets along with all dogs, but doesn't play, and has no fear of anything. Princess passed away from cancer in January at age 11, Shadow is now 10 years old and in good health.

Last week I brought home an 8 week old female boxer, Maya. I took all the precautions that I read on this website and others on intrucing a puppy to a resident dog. It went great, no problems, no aggression. The first couple days Shadow was very curious and followed Maya around everywhere. Then he stopped caring. Maya being the typical puppy really wants to play with him. She chases after him, nips at his chin, chest and legs. She does not stop. I separate them and she plays whith her toys a while, but always goes back. He just trys to get away. He doesn't ever respond by yelping, biting back, or putting her in her place. He simply tries to get away and hide from her. The last couple days I have found him on his bed shaking nervously.

I need advice on how to ease Shadow's stress, I am worried that at his age it will start to affect his health.
I will see this through no matter what it takes. I will not give up on either dog.



All help is apprecaited.

I would keep them separated most of the time and if you want them to socialize, do it only when you are there. The poor old guy should live his last years in peace, so I'd recommend you being there to arbitrate. Plus, I think it's best to keep them separated so Maya, can bond more to you than to Shadow.

Edited by Alex Corral (07/02/2008 04:00 PM)
Edit reason: Added comment

I'd separate them.

He needs to be assured that you are in charge and that you will not allow him to be terrorized.

Separating dogs all the time except when you are right there is far easier than many people think at first, I believe.

And with an eight-week-old puppy, the puppy is naturally always in one of these places: in the crate, outside, tethered to you, or actively playing with you -- never having the run of the house with access to a senior dog.

I'd make this adjustment immediately.

P.S. I was typing and didn't see Alex's good advice before I posted.

Edited by Connie Sutherland (07/02/2008 04:03 PM)
Edit reason: p.s.

 Quote: Dan Abel

I separate them and she plays whith her toys a while, but always goes back. He just trys to get away.

Hi Dan, when you separate them, you mean just put space between them? As opposed to a physical barrier (another room, a child gate across a door way, a crate, etc.)? That would explain her being able to go back to him when she got bored...?

I think your older dog needs more space, he's obviously not keen on being a jungle gym all day, and especially if he isn't one for playing at ALL, he deserves quiet time when he's not worried about getting assaulted (in a playful way). The shivering sounds like anxiety...

Are you doing any tethering with the new pup? Leashing her to your belt or something so she has no choice but to follow you around and settle down wherever you do? Ed recommends this for puppies, and it would make it impossible for her to get to the older dog without you going too... your older dog would also have the freedom in this type of situation to approach the pup on HIS terms, when he felt ready to say hello.

Just a thought.
~Natalya

 Quote: Alex Corral

Plus, I think it's best to keep them separated so Maya, can bond more to you than to Shadow.

Yes!

~Natalya