Hi, everybody just have a question my husband has a 120lb rottweiler his names Angus, while I myself wasn't thinking and went out and got a puppy now I'm really scared to have them around each other, now they've had a few encounters, one where the puppy tried to eat out of Angus's bowl and Angus wasn't happy at all(he actually growled)! and Angus just doesn't know his size and still likes to play so I'm not sure what to do, I don't want to bring the puppy back but I really could use some advice
Thanks

In October i introduced my 70kg (154lb) bullmastiff x rott to a new GSD pup.

They were first introduced on lead, and i took the day off work to be able to supervise them. (not always where they could see me). They played and set the 'rules' with each other.

My rules was they NEVER touch or go near each others food bowls, though food times are always supervised. My dogs are not free fed, they have certain meal times and if they dont eat it, they miss out til the next feed time.

Originally Posted by lovindiego0506

Hi, everybody just have a question my husband has a 120lb rottweiler his names Angus, while I myself wasn't thinking and went out and got a puppy now I'm really scared to have them around each other, now they've had a few encounters, one where the puppy tried to eat out of Angus's bowl and Angus wasn't happy at all(he actually growled)! and Angus just doesn't know his size and still likes to play so I'm not sure what to do, I don't want to bring the puppy back but I really could use some advice
Thanks

How well trained is the Angus?

The fact that Angus growled at the puppy getting into his food bowl isn't necessarily a bad thing--he could just be teaching the puppy boundaries. BUT, it could also be a sign of resource guarding. Does Augus get protective of his food, toys, treats, with you or other people/animals? If Angus has an issue with resource guarding, that is something you will want to address and quickly. You don't want a 120lb dog getting aggressive over resources.

You will also want to supervise any playtime they have together.

What breed is the puppy?

How did you go about introducing the puppy to Angus and the house?

Angus is so so on the training, he knows basics (sit stay off etc) No I've never noticed him being protective over anything, he's usually really great with those things as I have a 3yr old and 4 yr old so he tolerates alot from them, but he looks at the puppy differently and something that might be helpful is we've had Angus for a few years but before we got him he was used as a stud and lived on the grounds with all the other rotties but never puppies I don't believe, I actually think this is he first time with a pup (who is black lab mix), don't know if that'll be helpful in anyway(b/c I'll never be 100% sure what happened their and how he was treated), and we introduced them on their leashes, they sniffed each other a bit and Angus went on his way.

How old is Angus......it may take a bit longer if there is an age gap of a few years- the older they are the less tolerant they can be of an exuberant pup. Hang in there--it took 4 mos til my 1st & 2nd dog were ok with the 3rd.....

Put them in separate room when eating...
Angus growled because the puppy eat his food...
Maybe you can introduce the puppy to him in better way...
Like playing...
So that they can be used to each other...

I think it's normal for Angus to growl at your puppy since he is not familiar with the puppy and the fact that the puppy is eating in his bowl. I'm sure they will get along in time...

Yes, Angus was well within his rights to growl-- he was just talking to the puppy, "Excuse me, that's MY food!" He didn't actually attack the puppy, and if he had, you should not scold Angus because it isn't really his fault-- it's your responsibility to teach the puppy to respect Angus' space. We just brought in a one year old setter two weeks ago, in addition to our five year old spaniel we've had a long time. The setter takes a bit longer to eat her food than the spaniel does, and the spaniel is a bit piggy. So we have to watch the dogs at meal times, and prevent the spaniel from horning in and gobbling up the setter's food. This is just part of owning multiple dogs that we have to become accustomed to, just as with parenting humans. In a short while, some of these things you've never thought of before will be second nature to you. Don't worry, they'll bond; it just takes time and patience-- just like raising humans.