I have a 4 year old gsd male and have now got an 9 week old gsd male puppy the 4 year old is quite playfull with him and permanently putting his jaw around the puppies to domineer etc. which I know is quite normal I am putting the older dog first all the time as I don't want him to feel left out, but I am not sure how much fuss I should be making of the pup as I am very affectionate with my older dog and he is very loving with us, I want the pup to be the same obviously but I don't want to cause problems between the 2 dogs with jealousy?? Has anybody got any advice on this subject I just want to do the best for both of them. thank you

We had a crate for the pup - when she was in it, we would take the older dog into another room and make a big fuss of him. Similarly with the pup, when the older dog was out for a walk (didn't take pup in the early days) we would spend some time with her. Once the two got used to each other, it was no problem making a fuss of them together as long as the older dog got it first :)

Daisy

Daisy is right. You have two hands and two dogs. The problem is, who gets petted with the right hand and who the left.

Hi Luanne,
If your older dog is playing with the new pup, then I don't think that you have to much to worry about.
I personally, would 'not' take the older dog into another room to give him 'private' time with you.
Pups usually like to play a lot, so to help with the bonding process, when both dogs are playing, get on the floor and play with them. Have a rough and tumble to include 'both' dogs, they will soon get the idea that you are ALL part of the same pack and that this new 'play-game' is great fun.
My advice is for you to be 'natural'. Don't seperate the dogs when dishing out the cuddles, give them both a cuddle at the same time. This way both dogs will belong to you, and not you belonging to 'ONE' of them.
You should not feel 'quilty' because you have got another dog. The older dog will soon come to realise that nothing has changed and that you still love him just as much, in fact it has got better because he now has a friend to be with when you are not there.
These are just my opinions on what I would do, I am sure that other owners will have other ideas. You will just have to use your own judgement and do what you think is best for your dogs.
Have fun Luanne, I envy you. I am sure that your fears will not come to anything.
Very best wishes,
Harry C.

Agree with you Harry. The best advice is to teach the older dog that he will not get any less attention because of the puppy. If the puppy is separated from the older dog, then the older dog is learning that he only gets showered with affection when the puppy is not around. Exactly the opposite of what he needs to learn.

Stacey

Hi Stacey,
You stated the case much better than I, and much shorter too!!!!!
Well done.
:D :p

Harry C.