kellynash

I have a new problem to deal with now. The dogs were beginning to get along - playing (albeit too rough for my liking) and very occassionally we could get them sitting peacefully in the same room together (ususally when the pup was tired) - but now the adult Husky has injured herself (completely unrelated to the puppy). As a result we've had to keep them apart from each other for a few days while she recovers - now they seem to have gone backwards - the pup continually barks around the older dog (i assume this is either a fear thing or wanting to play) and the adult dog growls and bares her teeth at the puppy. The only time i can get them really close without growling or barking is when i am training the puppy - i have started re-training the adult dog at the same time so that they are more occupied with the activity and the food than with each other. Any advice???? It really worries me that they won't get along and at the rate the puppy is growing he'll be vying for dominance very soon if not already.

Thanks so much to everyone for the advice!!!!! I will definitely block off some of the yard for him to play in while i'm at work. They're starting to work themselves out very slowly and hopefully they'll be cuddling up together, best friends in no time. All of the behaviours you have all mentioned are exactly what is happening here so it's very reassuring to hear that in the long run they should be good play mates. Thanks again

Thanks for that - he's going to puppy pre-school so hopefully i can begin to correct any bad behaviour on his behalf (my poor training skills). I'd be interested in hearing some of the professional trainers etc too. I think i will build a temporary run - if it does nothing other than appease my mind while at work then it will have accomplished a lot. Will upload photos soon :nahnah:

Hi all, I just got my beautiful 8 week old German Shepherd puppy and have some concerns about whether his introduction to my housemate's 6 year old female husky is going well. They have supervised play sessions at the moment where the husky tries to herd him and prevent him from being able to get back to me but also sometimes gets quite rough and tips him over, mouths his back and head, growls and paws at him. Is this normal play or not? I don't want him growing up fearful and/or playing roughly/aggressively with other animals. He's now also a bit hesitant about walking past her in small spaces (e.g. doorways). I'm also a little worried about leaving him in the backyard with the husky next week when i return to work - should i organise for part of the yard to be fenced off til i'm more confident he won't get hurt while i'm out?? (am i being an overly nervous first-time puppy owner??) If anyone could offer some advice I would be very grateful. Thanks