[peaceand harmony]

Hello everyone,

I am a newbie to this forum and would like to say a big hello to you all

A bit about me and the family.......

We have 2 kids, 2 dogs(female) and a boy puppy( 9 weeks old).

Looking for a little advise with the situation.

Cassie the oldest dog (5 YRS 9 MTHS) is not bothered by the pup......she will tell him of if needed. However, she is a bit protective of him and is very aware of every move.

Daisy the now middle dog is 2 yrs and 6 months. She is not too interested at all in the puppy and would like to ignore him. She will give him a wild berth and stays away. When he first arrived she would give a small warning to tell him to get lost. If he runs too near she gets a bit worried and will run away in a bit of a panic...............this is where any issues started.

We never leave the 3 alone and have been introducing them gradually...still very early days puppy has been here just 2 days.

Cassie being protective she was not impressed with Daisy yesterday when she tried to escape the puppy. Although to be fair daisy never showed any aggressive behaviour to pup nor did she snap at him just tried to get away. Cassie attacked Daisy and I had to part them with a mop. They were fine with each after afterwards. Cassie and Daisy were both wary of each other rest of the day and a few small incidents occured which were more easy stopped as I then knew what I could expect.

Puppy (Dexter) is in a cage in another room at night ............he woke at 3.30am .............I took him out into garden he did a wee n went in. Cassie was already inside and Daisy was still outside. Daisy loves being outside and can be stubborn........ a treat is often required to bribe her inside. I called Daisy in and she immediately started on Cassie for no reason................other than maybe leader of the pack issues!

Had to call hubby from bed and he seperated them, although Daisy didn't want to call it a day. This time cassie did not fight back and has been a bit more wary.

My problem, well 1 of them, is how to get Daisy to socialise with the puppy without Cassie interfering. Daisy shows no interest if the puppy near Cassie but Cassie is always watching what's happening with Daisy and puppy.

I have condsidered putting Cassie into kennels for few days .............but will still have to bring them all back together after few days. But it may give Daisy a chance to interact with Dexter under supervision at her own pace.

Possibly putting the puppy in a cage whilst we supervise with the 2 other dogs able to stiff and see him without being pounced on by him.......as he wants to play!

Last result...............should I consider a muzzle for the 2 older dogs for short periods of time when they all together. But doubt they will be too happy with that.

I don't want to make the situation worse by rushing things or my making the dogs feel they being punished due to a new arrival.

Any thoughts and help greatly appreciated

Jill
x

[cigwyllt]

Are the girls spayed? If no that could be contributing to their issues.

First of all - don't muzzle them. That will contribute to the stress levels and escalate any aggression.

You can not force Daisy to enjoy the pup's company - my oldest dog had no interest at all in Manny when we brought him home. She really could not be bothered. Four years on they coexist happily - Manny will rest with his head on her back - but they never, ever play together.

Letting the girls interact while the pup is in the cage is good. But you need to show Cassie that it is your job to protect the pup, not hers, and you need to respect Daisy's desire to keep away from him.

Put your foot down and show Cassie that you are in charge and they will soon settle.