I have a three and a half year old male Lab who took to my first puppy fantastically well. He let her take all kinds of liberties and they really are the best of friends (She is now 16 months old) I now have a new puppy who is eight and a half weeks old and he is scared to death of him. Initially I thought he was frightened becasue there were eight puppies flying about but now there are three left, two soon to go, and he is very unhappy. He hangs his head, arches his back and starts to growl whenever the pups go near him and today he went and sat under the garden table and wouldn't come out. It is a low growl but from his body language I can see he is really unhappy. I don't let the pups jump all over him and he is ok when they are in their pen and he can sniff them.My other Lab thinks the world of the pups and is having such a ball with them. I hate to see him so miserable when they are about. I have tried introducing him to them since they were four weeks old but he seems more wary than ever. Is there anything I can do to make him relax and get on with my pup? I don't want him to frighten the puppy but I really want them all to be happy.
Amy

Once the other pups go, and the current one grows a bit he should be OK. Many dogs, males especially are worried about puppies, especially as they will be worried about the mothers reactions.

Hi Amy
sounds like a typical male to me! :D :D :D
Steph

My oldest lab wasn't too happy when the new puppy cam home and would growl at him, but it was only an "I'm the boss and don't you forget it" thing.

I kept a watchful eye on them but generally just left them to get on with it and they now romp around as if they were never apart.

Small babies often scare the pants off males of any variety so don't worry about it. When the others go it will all settle down.

Had the same with my male...he hated my bitch pup with a passion.
It took him a few weeks to get totally used to her, and now they get on great.

I wouldn't worry too much, when the other pups have gone, I'm sure things will calm down and your boy will get used to the remaining pup.

Lisa

Guess what, you were right, he is getting better now there is just the one pup and will even sniff him if I am holding him and he can't leap about. I will keep my fingers crossed he will learn to love him as the other two ladies think he is fab and insist on pinning him down and washing him every five minutes.
He still freezes when the pup approaches but no more growling which is good.
Best Wishes
Amy

Hi All
We have two 3 1/2 year old labs. Brother and sister, both neuterd. We took the crazy step of getting a chocolate male pup on Sunday last. We were expecting Cloe to be ok with the little pup, and she is to a large extent. Conor though, is the problem. If puppy approaches him, he growls and walks away. If he lying down, and puppy comes over to him, he growls and on one occasion, the heckles came up and he barked. If puppy tries to ly down beside him on his bed, he retreats and starts shaking and looking at us with an expression that almost says: "What the hell have you done Mum and Dad!!"
From you are all saying, this kind of behaviour should pass, but what if it does'nt?
Looking forward to your comments!!
Regards
Derek

Hi Derek,

It's not at all unusual for adult dogs, particularly males but can be the same with bitches, to be horrified at a wriggly, biting, squeaking and thoroughly annoying addition - they don't know what puppies are and don't remember being one themselves :P

>"What the hell have you done Mum and Dad!!"<

You've read his expression pretty well - I'd say that's almost certainly what he's thinking ;)  Supervise them carefully (should do this anyway) and make sure that the older dogs get *time out* from the puppy.  Be careful not to make them feel pushed out by being over attentive to the new addition (don't sacrifice their walks, play time, interactions etc) and ensure no high value things are around such as toys/food/treats that puppy might think it can help itself to when the older dog(s) have it.

HTH, Regards, Teri  :)

Teri
Many thanks! I'll keep you posted
God bless
Derek

We have had 3 Shar Pei, we sadly lost one in the New Year.  We have Bailey who is 2.5 yrs and Dutch arrived 3 weeks ago.  Bailey for the first 2 weeks growled or completely ignored Dutch which was quite distressing.  Now after 3 weeks Bailey plays like a pup with Dutch and they sleep together and always try to eat from the same bowl.  Give it time I think they need time to adjust.  Good luck