Will older dog ever accept new puppy?

[Maxwell2405]

It's been 4 months since we added our Biewer pup to the family. I really thought our 11 yo 15lb cockapoo would love to have a play buddy and would become friends with the new pup.

Well, it's been 4 months and the 11yo is still nowhere near accepting of the puppy, who is now 7 months old and 7 lbs. The pup will get in the 11yo's face, trying to submit to him and play, and the older dog just growls and growls and then holds the pup down to send him the message that he's not interested in playing with the pup.

I feel so bad for the new pup every time it happens -- he ends up slinking along the floor, cowering from the older dog.

Anyone have any advice for us?

[Maximo]

How energetic is your cockapoo? My first dog was a cockapoo and she was laid back compared to the Yorkies I have now.

Your Biewer is still essentially a puppy at 7 months. Puppies can be annoying to dogs who are older.

Try engaging both dogs in a shared activity like trick training or playtime that you are involved in.

Make sure your cockapoo has a place to escape your Biewer when he wants to. I would also separate them when you can't supervise for safety.

[TeresaM]

When I brought Gracie Ruth home, Boo was still mourning deeply for Annie B. He wanted nothing to do with this energizer bunny. Boo would be on the couch and I'd sit on the floor by him, play with G and talk and pet Boo. Boo doesn't like toys, but does like to rough house. So I'd slowly turn the petting into a little rough housing while still playing with G. It didn't take long for Boo to follow my lead and want to join in the play with G & me. I also gave them treats during this time and it wasn't long before Boo started interacting with G without me.

It's possible that your cockapoo won't ever want to play with your pup. With a little more time and maturity on your pups part, maybe they can become just good friends.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by TeresaM

It's possible that your cockapoo won't ever want to play with your pup. With a little more time and maturity on your pups part, maybe they can become just good friends.

I agree with this.

Keep in mind that not all dogs, no matter what the breed or age combination, will get together and play.

My boys love each other, but they do not self-entertain. They don't get a toy and play with each other. They will wrestle, but most of their day is spent waiting for me to take them walking, to play fetch with them, and so on.

[ilovejoel]

Maybe they just need more time, and what worked here is feeding them treats together

When our first Akita Dakota was older(11 years) he wanted nothing to do with the new Akita puppy(Rosco) He was annoyed the whole time until he passed away And now Rosco is the old man but it only took him a few months to like Joel, now there buddies.....most the time

[chinalee61]

Mine took about a month. He figured she wasn't visiting and not leaving, lol. He doesn't really play with her now, but he's always been the only dog, and is pretty anti social anyway. So he tolerates her good luck, give it more time.

[Maxwell2405]

Originally Posted by chinalee61

Mine took about a month. He figured she wasn't visiting and not leaving, lol. He doesn't really play with her now, but he's always been the only dog, and is pretty anti social anyway. So he tolerates her good luck, give it more time.

I was hoping that in a month's time, my dogs also would have worked it out. Now I"m hoping by the time summer comes they will be co-existing peacefully, at least.

My older dog has some health issues which I think could impact his tolerance of the pup -- he's diabetic and hypothyroid.

Thanks for the suggestions and advice, everyone!

[Teresiana]

I have a 10 year old Lab who never really warmed up to my Yorkies. He's just an old man & set in his ways. He doesn't play anymore. In fact, these days he's more like a cat. They don't play or interact when we're out in the backyard or anything, but I do catch my little ones snuggled up to my Lab's belly during nap time. Aside from that, they don't even pay attention to each other.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by Maxwell2405

It's been 4 months since we added our Biewer pup to the family. I really thought our 11 yo 15lb cockapoo would love to have a play buddy and would become friends with the new pup.

Well, it's been 4 months and the 11yo is still nowhere near accepting of the puppy, who is now 7 months old and 7 lbs. The pup will get in the 11yo's face, trying to submit to him and play, and the older dog just growls and growls and then holds the pup down to send him the message that he's not interested in playing with the pup.

I feel so bad for the new pup every time it happens -- he ends up slinking along the floor, cowering from the older dog.

Anyone have any advice for us?

My Mini was not enthralled with Mia although she always watched her. The snarling etc was a daily, but Mini wouldn't hurt a fly. A few times I recently saw Mini show more interest...that was after 1 year together!!! As long as there is no harm being done don't worry too much! I was about to get a playmate for Mia because of this and I really think that is a good idea if you can do it. Mini is almost 8 so I'm sure she won't change her ways! She does look for Mia and did mourn her passing but close, they never were.