Introducing new baby to older dogs-help - YorkieTalk.com Forums

LuvMyFurkidz · 10-22-2011, 06:21 AM

My two Shih Tzu, 10 & 12, are less than happy with the new arrival. I expect it to take awhile BUT I am really afraid to allow them any actual contact with her. They stalk her playpen when she is in it, one growls, one barks a bit. They go to time out (isolation for a short time totally away from us all). I have the baby, Lexi, mostly with me as she definitely prefers that but some time in the playpen & then with the two older dogs gated off I let her down for play time. I am giving the two oldest ones LOTs of extra attention, treats for being good, lots of praising & pampering & cuddling in hopes of reassuring them. They do quite well with me holding Lexi. They come up & sniff & most of the time ignore her when I am holding her. She just looks at them, curious, but no jumping, growling, snapping from her at all. She seems cautious but not fearful. I want her first actual physical contact with them to be a positive experience & most of all I do NOT want them to hurt her!. What do you suggest?

Teresa Ford · 10-22-2011, 07:29 AM

How can I make us a Family?
Seems like you are instinctively are doing the right things so far. I have several suggestions.
1. Walk your dogs together. This says we are a group (pack) Do this for several days.
2. Let them potty in the same area outside, even if you have to take them out on a leash at different times. This says to the older dogs, this puppy is ours. She is allowed in this yard, house, lap etc.
3. Let the older dogs sniff, lay on, chew, and play with an old T-shirt that you wore, then let the puppy lay on for a few nights.
4. At some point you have to make the leap and let them interact. Try this in the yard first. Have a helper and be ready for a fight. All the dogs should be dragging leashes, this helps if you have to grab someone. Have a spray bottle of water that you can squirt on them to break an aggression trance. If a fight seems to be happening say 'ENOUGH' firmly and separate the dogs. If a fight happens, remember to pull the biting dog off by his back legs. This will help you avoid being bitten yourself. Sometimes it is ok to pick them up by the scruff of the neck, or pull them back by the leash on their harness. If skin is broken in a fight you must take the bitten dog to the Vet. Bites get infected very quickly.
5. Check out the threads about introducing dogs.
Hope this helps.

LuvMyFurkidz · 10-22-2011, 08:38 AM

Teresa, thank you SO much for the terrific suggestions. I will definitely give these a try! I feel sorry for my older babies but I so want them all to become a family. I know it takes time. I think one of the best things I have done so far is allow the oldsters to come to the new puppy & haven't allowed her into their space. I think they feel less threatened.

10-22-2011, 06:21 AM	#1
LuvMyFurkidz YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 431	Introducing new baby to older dogs-help My two Shih Tzu, 10 & 12, are less than happy with the new arrival. I expect it to take awhile BUT I am really afraid to allow them any actual contact with her. They stalk her playpen when she is in it, one growls, one barks a bit. They go to time out (isolation for a short time totally away from us all). I have the baby, Lexi, mostly with me as she definitely prefers that but some time in the playpen & then with the two older dogs gated off I let her down for play time. I am giving the two oldest ones LOTs of extra attention, treats for being good, lots of praising & pampering & cuddling in hopes of reassuring them. They do quite well with me holding Lexi. They come up & sniff & most of the time ignore her when I am holding her. She just looks at them, curious, but no jumping, growling, snapping from her at all. She seems cautious but not fearful. I want her first actual physical contact with them to be a positive experience & most of all I do NOT want them to hurt her!. What do you suggest?

10-22-2011, 07:29 AM	#2
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	How can I make us a Family? Seems like you are instinctively are doing the right things so far. I have several suggestions. 1. Walk your dogs together. This says we are a group (pack) Do this for several days. 2. Let them potty in the same area outside, even if you have to take them out on a leash at different times. This says to the older dogs, this puppy is ours. She is allowed in this yard, house, lap etc. 3. Let the older dogs sniff, lay on, chew, and play with an old T-shirt that you wore, then let the puppy lay on for a few nights. 4. At some point you have to make the leap and let them interact. Try this in the yard first. Have a helper and be ready for a fight. All the dogs should be dragging leashes, this helps if you have to grab someone. Have a spray bottle of water that you can squirt on them to break an aggression trance. If a fight seems to be happening say 'ENOUGH' firmly and separate the dogs. If a fight happens, remember to pull the biting dog off by his back legs. This will help you avoid being bitten yourself. Sometimes it is ok to pick them up by the scruff of the neck, or pull them back by the leash on their harness. If skin is broken in a fight you must take the bitten dog to the Vet. Bites get infected very quickly. 5. Check out the threads about introducing dogs. Hope this helps. __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal.

10-22-2011, 08:38 AM	#3
LuvMyFurkidz YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 431	Teresa, thank you SO much for the terrific suggestions. I will definitely give these a try! I feel sorry for my older babies but I so want them all to become a family. I know it takes time. I think one of the best things I have done so far is allow the oldsters to come to the new puppy & haven't allowed her into their space. I think they feel less threatened.