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By samanthaBrown
![[gb]](/images/flags/gb.png "United Kingdom")
Date 10.09.02 13:24 UTC
My Goldie Mac is 3, he is the most gentlest dog ever and has never been aggresive at all but he has a nervous nature. We have just got a new puppy at the weekend and things are going pretty well, Mac is very tolerant of the puppy and they spend a good amount of time playing together but Mac is not bowled over by his presence, but i realise it is early days yet.
My question is that today i had a workman in and Mac was very aggressive and went to bite the man, i was so shocked because he has never ever behaved like this in any way. When the man petted the puppy Mac growled. Mac did get over it and was Ok after a few moments, but now i am unsure why he behaved like this. Maybe he was trying to protect the pup?
Any Ideas?
How is the best way to deal with it? I just reassured mac as much as possible and he calmed down ok.
Sam
I can understand your shock at this change in Mac's behaviour, Sam. I, too have noticed that my six year old Lowchen has become less tolerant and generally a bit grumpier since we got our puppy. We thought he'd absolutely love having a new 'brother' but he often gives me that look - 'Why did he have to come and live here ?'
I don't know whether it's a jealousy thing or not, but it certainly takes you by surprise when they have previously had a very good nature.
Hopefully someone here can give you some advice.
Joyce
By samanthaBrown
Date 10.09.02 17:17 UTC
Hi Joyce, yes i am getting those looks too !!
I am hoping he will grow to love him :)
Sam
By Trevor
Date 11.09.02 10:41 UTC
Hi Sam
I know nothing about Goldie's but Mac's behaviour reminded me of my Trevor's when we introduced Bayley as an 8wk baby. We have Wolfhounds.
Trevor could not bear to be in the same room as her initially. If she entered a room and approached him he would leave. We did not force the issue and gradually he would stay where he was and just ignore her even when she was begging for his attention, but it wasn't long before he could resist no more and they became inseperable, he was very long suffering! :rolleyes:
Throughout this *settling in* period we were very careful that we (and all visitors) approached and stroked Trevor first so he knew he was still our baby despite the intrusion of the puppy from hell. Perhaps Mac had his nose put out when the workman touched the pup first and possibly it was a wee bit of protection too.
Let him know he is still No:1, talk to him and touch him first, feed him first and let him have his space with time away from the puppy with you, don't make to much fuss, but if he is naughty or aggressive you must let him know that it's not acceptable and do whatever you do to show him your disapproval (i.e. shouting, banishment, whatever).
Good luck, Nicky :D
By Helen
Date 11.09.02 10:53 UTC
I had a few problems introducing Harvey to Holly. Holly hated him on first site! I thought she would never like him. We didn't leave them together in the same room, unless Harvey was either in his cage or puppy pen. We didn't want to push the relationship and left Holly to come round when she wanted to. We did what Nicky did though, and always greeted Holly first. Now, they get along fine and it has been known for them to even play - which is a major achievement for Holly!
Helen
By LJS
Date 11.09.02 11:17 UTC
It took a while for Min to accept Moose when we first got her. She was very grumpy for a few weeks but even then she got very protective towards Moose even though she didn't show out right affection for her.
She now will give a warning to other dogs that come and try and be a bit too playful towards Moose even though it is Moose egging them on most of the time !! :D
They are however now the best of buddies and do everything together.
Give it time and things will settle down.
Lucy
By samanthaBrown
Date 11.09.02 13:19 UTC
Thanks for all your encouragement :)
The relationship is improving day by day, they are playing together and thankfully puppy likes his own space too and wanders off to sleep in his favourite place alone.
I am trying to keep mac as No1 dog and he seems fine.
i will just be aware in future of strangers!
Sam
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