Hello! After reading the Book Of The Bitch, we decided that Babz (being 8) needs some new excitement and change in her life. So, today we purchased a beautiful Springer Spaniel (10 weeks) and we named her Pixie.
  We bought the bed, toys and food for our new arrival, and she settled in well. Pixie is so small, and we chose her because of her brilliant markings and gorgeous good looks. She is a pleasure, fun-loving puppy and loves to have cuddles. Anyway, we introduced the pair earlier on today, and after one glance of Babz, Pixie literally flipped and began screaming, crying and yelping! Babz was curious but then got scared herself, and Pixie (the puppy) was shell-shocked. After an interesting and shocking first meeting, Pixie is now completely petrified of Babz, and always wants cuddles and affection! She doesn't even want to be in the same room as her. Basically, im just wondering and pleading to you knowledgable people what to do in this awkward situation?! I realise Babz needs the attention, but Pixie is just constantly crying and we're not sure whether we should wait until tomorrow- or put them in a room together now. We cannot go on seeing our two girlies upset and disturbed like this. Phoebe, Babz and Pixie x

You haven't mentioned what breed your adult is

If you comfort your puppy you are telling her that it is alright to be frightened & make a fuss

I personally would not leave them alone together & make sure that your adult has a place to escape & vica versa

You also have not mentioned where you got your puppy from & whether or not she had seen adults other than her mother.or whether the breeders had handled the puppies & allowed them to meet adult dogs of their own

I have never had a problem like this as my adults are used to having a puppy around & although my males usually avoid puppies until they are around 6 months old & they leave the social skills training to my bitch(was bitches until last year when I lost my older bitch)

It does sound like your bitch hasn't had much dealing with puppies so might be worried or the opposite overly rough with a puppy(not in a nasty way) My very big GSD bitch insists on playing with all new puppies that come here. but she has always been very gentle with them even though she was rough when playing with my late BCs(they were the adults when she joined the Household)

Can you give anymore info ?

Hi Phoebe,

MM's advice is right - sounds like your new little one didn't know what dogs other than her mum looked like <LOL>   It's not the end of the world - just give them a little space and try gently reintroducing them again tomorrow.  Always give each one the chance to remove itself from the situation.  If your older one is trustworthy around treats, a good way is to take them both out and have treats for each which they can be fed separately but within sight of each other - thereby not seeing the other as a threat and having a pleasant association ;)

With more info on your older dog and the background of your new pup, it will be easier to offer a variety of ways to overcome what will only be a short-term problem. ;)

HTH, Regards, Teri 

Babz (the older dog) is a labrador/collie cross. Well, today we took Babz on a walk and we thought it would be a good idea if Pixie came along too. So, my daughter held Pixie as i played with Babz, so things are going okay now. Thanks for your replies, i just assumed she would be okay with Babz, and it would Babz who was a bit curious and angry!! I guess and hope that the two will just get used to one another. Thank-you for the advice of not giving Pixie praise and cuddles when she cries etc..
  Pixie was from a farm, and was kept outside in a kennel with her 2 brothers and 5 sisters! I am going to introduce a playtime which involves both dogs. The two are looking at eachother now!! Thanks again, Phoebe, Babz and Pixie. X

Hi all,

Glad things are already on a more positive note :)  It just takes time for the existing dog(s) to get used to a new arrival - a lot like younger kids suddenly having a new sibling arrive out of the blue :rolleyes:

Good luck and keep us up to speed on progress.
Regards, Teri