[clownfool]

I have a 9 year old Chihuahua (midsize) We had a 8 1/2 year old bulldog that was her great friend. The bulldog passed away on the 15th of January and got a bulldog puppy one week ago. The chihuahua was the dominate one. If she didn't like something she would show her teeth and attack the old bulldog to keep him in check. They loved each other.
Now we have this new bulldog puppy and she tried showing her teeth and snapping at him, but he just jumps back and barks at her and just wants to play. Since her bite doesn't scare the puppy she just jumps on the couch and trembles like crazy. She is so scared of him and I can tell she's depressed and scared. I worry she's really stressed. I can't get rid of either one.
I thought of a muzzle for the puppy, but I'm not sure that would be good or effective.
What can I do? I'm getting stressed myself.

[cigwyllt]

Don't bother with a muzzle - he will still bounce and want to play. Playing is an important part of your pup's development and he needs to be able to do that. Do you have a safe outdoor area where you can play with the pup? Obviously you can't keep the two dogs apart until the pup matures but if you can make sure that both of them get quality one to one time and that the pup has plenty of outlets for his energy that should help.

You do need to support your chi when she tells the pup off. If you back her up with a verbal correction to the pup it will make life more peaceful. Although you can not make one dog top dog - you have to work with the order they sort out between themselves - you have to be the boss so if you say the playing stops then it must stop.

[Taming Rover]

I agree with Cig also I would add to check your own reaction and energy when this happens. I know you said that your getting stressed which is understandable when your not sure what to do, but try your best to remain calm, this will help you and in turn help both your dogs to understand cues from you much better. When your chi starts shaking and getting upset, make sure you are not giving her special attention and coddling her or it can turn a mild problem into a major one based in fear. Instead, try what Cig said and back her up, she needs to know that you are the leader and you will take care of the situation. This is what she needs guidance from you, if she presents a boundary to the pup and it's not respected, it's your job to step in and make sure he respects that boundary. Bull dogs can be stubborn so you may need to show him many times where his boundaries with her are, (and you, and ... pretty much everything). Just be patient and consistent with your rules and he should soon get the message that her boundaries are to be respected. Also make sure that he is getting enough exercise, a tired puppy has much less energy to want to take out on his "sister" )

Also I find it really helps if you sit down with yourself and map out what the rules and boundaries are in your own mind first. This might seem trite but when these things are clear to us then we can more easily communicate them to our dogs.
Good luck with it!

[DoggieVogue]

I agree with the others advice. I would also suggest maybe some activities to bond the two? Maybe you could take them on walks together so they get used to being around eachother in a nonconfrontational way. I think with some time and leadership from you, the two will get used to eachother. My lab and mini daschund were like this as well when I first introduced the little one. She puts my lab in check! It's pretty funny to watch. But they love each other and really bonded during walks and eating together etc...