OPINIONS NEEDED! Mickey doesn't like our new Yorkie

[MickeyTheYork]

Everyone here called me nuts for not wanting another dog. Well, what do you know? I was right....for now. Mickey is having a really tough couple of days adjusting to his new roommate. He growls at the new one every time he passes or starts crying for attention. Sometimes it looks like Mick is about to bit off the new one's head. Mickey just seems to be some other dog, not himself. I can see a terribly upset look on his face and it makes me really sad. The thing is, I really like this new dog (which we've yet to name) and I'd like to keep him. If we'd have to give him away today I'd be really upset. His personality is truly a million bucks. That's why we have to make a decision within the next couple of days.

My parents now see it my way and don't want Mickey to suffer. I'm just not willing to expose Mickey to a prolonged period of adjustment like the past couple of days. I'd like to hear from people who were in the exact same situation as we are. How long did it take for your first dog to accept the second dog? Is this normal behavior that will go away soon? Is this something that will last weeks or even months?

[JeanieK]

I've been thee many times
It doesn't take long
Mickey just wants the new dog to know he is boss

But you have to let Mickey know that you are the top dog
if you don't he will assume the roll and when a diog runs the house it doesn't go well.

I assure you it is not bothering the dog as much as it is you.

[Rem&Silkmom]

It took Remmy about a week to get adjusted. They are not the best of friends but they do play together and sleep together and Remmy growls a lot less at Chance.

[yougetthesmiles]

what kind of dog is it? You just have to reasure Micky, that he is still the "big dog" of the house. Always give Micky treats first, and always feed Micky first. I'm sure it will pass over. I'm getting a new Yorkie pup in 2 weeks and I'm worried that Kloey will act the same way, she is very spoiled and set in her ways, but we also have a Husky and we have had her for 3 years and she welcomed Kloey into the family right away. So hopefully everything will be just fine.
Good luck and keep me posted!

[MickeyTheYork]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

I assure you it is not bothering the dog as much as it is you.

With all due respect, JeanieK, I don't mean to be rude when I say that you can't know that for sure. I've been doing research from articles online and they say that the older dog always feels it more than anyone else. This whole situation is getting under my skin because I can't find anyone that understands ME. Everyone's telling me that I am the one overreacting. I'm being the jealous one. That's not true at all. I am just worried about Mickey. HE is my first priority. Doesn't anyone understand me?

[GurleyGirl]

I am so sorry you are having troubles with your new puppy and Mickey. I find that my males just "tolerate" the other dogs.... I don't think they are as friendly or accepting as my females... with the exception of my Butch... he is still a puppy (almost 10 months old)... he likes to kiss all the other dogs.

Hopefully it will all work out. Best of luck.

[Madison Avenue]

We have an eight year old cairn terrier named Madison. Madison loves everyone--there is not a person, child, or dog she doesn't want to befriend. She is the first dog I ever had, and I love her with all my heart.

My daughter received a yorkie puppy for her 21st birthday in March, but for the last two weeks and throughout the summer, her 18 week old puppy is staying with us and will continue to be with us throughout the summer until my daughter goes back to school.

Our perfect dog, who I would trust with an infant, who I thought did not have an aggressive bone in her body, has suddenly become the alpha dog. She weighs 16 pounds while the puppy weighs 3 3/4 pounds. Madison barks at the puppy or paws him or just ignores him. The puppy is an alpha dog. The puppy barks back, steals Madison's chews (even though he has one of his very own) and constantly tries to engage our older dog. Sometimes I feel like a referee. Despite all this, when I came back into the kitchen this morning, both dogs were laying close beside one another, each chomping away at a chew stick, peaceful and content. I think it just takes time. If your older dog is basically happy, well-socialized and friendly, I imagine all will work out.

[gutu28]

Please dont give up yet..I can imagine its so stressful for you..but there are SOO many YTers who have introduced a new pup into their household and to their older yorkie..although its taken some timethey have come around..I hope some of them see this and answer you..

[tpaxton23]

I am having the same problem. I had an 8 year old yorkie who was attacked by another dog and killed in January of this year. My little chihuahua, Maddie (4 yrs old) just seemed so lonely without her playmate, Kramer, so I got another yorkie for her (okay and for me also). I got another male because Kramer and Maddie were such great friends that I thought she would accept another male dog with no problem. Well I was wrong. I have had little Dylan now for 6 weeks and Maddie still hates him. She growls at him like she is going to bite his head off and she has even nipped at him a couple of times. Dylan just loves her and tries to follow her everywhere. I think Maddie is getting a little bit better as she will still growl at him even as the puppy is licking her face and mouth. The only time I rescue the puppy is if Maddie has a treat or is trying to eat. The rest of the time she just growls at him. I keep the puppy in a port-a-pen when I'm not home but let him out with me when I'm home. I try to give Maddie extra attention to reassure her that I still love her but she doesn't even want to sit with me if the puppy is around. I don't know what else I can do. I hope that Maddie will accept the puppy as he gets bigger. Puppies are pretty annoying always biting and jumping around. For now she can get up on the stairs to get away from him or sometimes I just hold her and don't pick the puppy up (he hates that though). I just hope all Maddie's growling doesn't make the puppy aggressive. I've noticed he growls at his toys now when he is playing with them. Anyone have any additional suggestions? I'm not about to give up either one of my dogs. I already love my little Dylan. I'll somehow make it work.

[RLC12345678]

We had KoKo for many years before we got another yorkie. We got Sophie 3 or 4 years later and then we just got Hobbs 6 months ago. KoKo has hated every last one of them from the very first time she laid eyes on them. The very first time KoKo met the new yorkies, KoKo jumped all over them and growled and acted like she was biting them. It scared us, but we realized that KoKo is not actually hurting them, she is just making sure that the new yorkies know that she is the boss, the alpha dog. Sophie and Hobbs know not to mess with KoKo. These two have never have gotten along with KoKo and never will get along with KoKo. KoKo likes being the only child. Sophie and Hobbs just know to stay away from her. At first we were worried about it, but now we just tell KoKo that she needs to get over it. KoKo has a very nice life, and she needs to get over the fact that she has some company in her house now. We tell her to play nice, and she usually listens.

But the way we tend to KoKo's needs is by doing what someone said earlier. Give the Alpha dog most of the attention. Give her treats first, love on her, etc. That is how we keep KoKo happy and under control. Dogs are so funny. But it is a very bad thing when they think they run the house instead of you. You need to put your foot down and let the dogs know that YOU are in charge!! With time and effort, your alpha dog may not ever "like" the new addition, but they will learn to live with each other peacefully.

[pebblesmama]

I have four dogs, all gotten at different times and they all have learned to get along fine. It is a process that takes a little bit of time. It reminds me of when my third daughter was born. My oldest daughter hated her and did not want her and spent considerable time thinking of ways to get rid of her! It took some time and patience and today they are good friends, not only sisters. I understand your anxiety about this but you really need to just give it some time. Imagine if Mickey were a child and you had another child come into the family. You just can't get rid of it. Everyone needs to learn how to get along. I think it is an important part of Mickey's growth and development. He needs to learn how to cope when things don't go his way. Does this make sense? I appreciate your sensitivity to him, but trust me, coddling him and spoiling him in this area is not helping him to be a good dog. He will soon learn that you don't love him any less and he may gain a good dog buddy in the process.

[Lacy's Mom]

Like everyone has posted it does seem to take some time, but I think he will adjust and be happy with his new friend.

I do understand you because when my Lacy was diagnosed with Cushings a lot of my friends and family were trying to get me to get another dog because they knew how devastated I was going to be when she passed. She was 12 at the time she was diagnosed and had never had to share us with anyone so I didn't want to put her through that. I wanted to give her my undivided attention as long as she was with me.

I did just recently add a new baby and already had a 14 month old who loves other dogs. It took about 2 weeks, but everyone is happy now. I do always pet and give treats to the 14 month old first.

[StewiesMom]

Originally Posted by MickeyTheYork

HE is my first priority. Doesn't anyone understand me?

I think I understand!

I'm sorry you're going through this Your situation is the exact reason I am TERRIFIED of getting another dog. I'll be looking for updates on your situation. I hope it gets better soon.

[JillandJack]

We just added Jill to our family last Thursday. I know where you are coming from. I posted a similar topic on Friday because things were not going well for us. Silly me just thought Jack would embrace Jill. That has not happened. But each day has gotten a little better with baby steps towards Jack accepting Jill. The advice given was to make everything as normal as possible for the resident dog because the new will adjust. Give extra hugs as well. Jack was always my baby so the new one has taken to hubby. I think everything will work out just be patient.

You are not alone, I feel your pain!

[SnowWa]

I have introduced several new puppies and kittens into my household --and it has always taken a couple weeks for them to get used to the new little pet. But they have never failed to become good friends.

Remember when you bring a new puppy into your home - give your older dog most of the attention (not the new puppy!). It is your older dog who is making the biggest adjustment and who feels jealous. This is the dog that is most bonded to you. The new little puppy hasn't made these bonds yet.

Definitely make your first dog feel that he is still the most important thing in your life right now...he needs extra love and attention. But - don't tolerate his being mean or aggressive with the new pup.

They need to spend time together (with you). When the puppy sleeps - spend time with your other dog.

Carol Jean