Hi
I've visited this board for some time and picked up some good advise so I hope you guys can help!

I have a 3 year old Flatcoated Retriever (lovely boy!) and a nine week old boxer pup who I've had for 2 weeks and shes great fun but! I have been reading The Perfect Puppy which says I should stop the puppy from getting too OTT with my older dog as dogs she meets in the future will not take kindly to a mad pup. In the day time I have both at work and she is quiet calm there, home is a different story! She goes loopy and continually barks, growls, jumps on my older dog Norton. Is it reasonable to pop pup in her crate for a chill out time when things get out of hand or have you any other suggestions to help?

I also have the problem of her bonding with Norton more than she does with me, I have tried to spend more time with her and keep the two apart more in the day but again any help given would be gratefully received.
Thanks

Hi,

Definately a good idea to have the crate as chillout time, you do need to stop the pup harrassing your older dog, not only because of what Gwen Bailey says, but also if your dog finally lost it because he was constantly being pestered, you would never forgive yourself if anything happened to the pup.

Many people make the mistake of letting the puppy get on with it, DEFINATELY not a good idea!!!

The bonding thing is another reason why you should seperate the puppy, he needs to spend time on his own anyway to get used to being left and to stand on his own 4 feet :), but also so you can spend time with him alone and start the bonding process.

Make sure you give them both individual time along, time together and special time with each personally with you. Have you carried Norton out to socialise as he isn't allowed down yet, this is a good way of bonding, because you are his source of protection while you are out.

Good luck with your new baby.

manda
x

Hi Mushroom, If puppy is settled & well behaved at work, then that is good & she is charging her batteries for playtime! Play is an important aspect of growing up, so it's good that she is allowed to have lots of fun - however it's also important that when you & your FCR have had enough then you must be in control to say enough is enough. I think cages are excellent if used sensibly & i think it's a good idea to pop her in it, when she needs to chill. This will give your FCR a bit of piece too. The other thing to take into consideration is your FCR's behaviour towards the new baby - if he plays & is happy then great, if he gets fed up & feels pestered then maybe that's time to cool things off a bit.
hope this is helpful, PS I have a liver FCR :)

hiya I got my pup in january and my 7 yro didnt speak to me for a month! Her crate was used regurly 2hours a day, to get her to calm down and let my old boy get some peace. She clings to me like a rash, and Iv found my other dog has become more independant since i got her, as he used to bark alot when left alone. Both dogs get on brilliantly now and I have no problem with him telling her when shes gone to far with her games. Of course not all dogs are as tolerant and I am wary of her getting 2 bossy with other dogs.

HI

Thanks for all your advise its good to hear I seem to be doing the right thing. Since I posted I've spent a little more time alone with each dog as a result Lara (boxer pup) is more interested in me than hassling poor old Norton all the time! Their play is a little calmer and Norton is getting better at telling her off when shes out of line.

Thank you again,
all the best
Jane