Adding a new puppy
by Tanya
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
I have a 6 year old maltese, she is the submissive
type of personality since her older sister also a maltese
was the Alpha in the home. The alpha has recently passed
away and we have added a two pound affenpincher to our
family. She wants to play is not dominate just playful.
Our maltese is so scared of her she just runs and hides,
I've seperated them, given her plenty of attention, brought
the puppy in only on intervals and on a leash, I'm bewildered.
Any suggestions?
DISCUSSION:
Oh my, you really expect your pure white Maltese to accept that little dark fuzz ball? If it was white she might. Maltese can be snobs about other breeds. I raised Sally with an Italian Greyhound her age and they got along great but the older ones never accepted my new breed. They just growled and stayed away from the little fawn greyhound.She ran around trying to pull on their tails! It will be interesting to see them work it out but don't let the new puppy completely terrorize your submissive little Maltese.
Mary Lou
Don't know how recently you have added, but my initial response is "give it time". It sounds like you are doing right by getting them together gradually. Don't know If you use crates but if so you could put their crates right next to each other. If they are allowed to roam in separate areas do thye ever sniff under the door or through the gates? If so the older dog is probably just shy and will get used to the puppy over time. How did the older dog act with the other Alpha dog? You may want to try taking them to neutral territory. Maybe a park, tennis court that's fenced or a neighbors yard to let them get used to each other. I'm sure you will get more suggestions also. Good Luck.
Mary
Tanya, you seem to be doing all the right things, but you dont say how long you have had the puppy. It will take time, several weeks, maybe for your Maltese to get used to the new addition. Just make sure that anything you do which involves the dogs you do with the Maltese first. Feed her first, pet her first, give her the first treat, so on. This will tell her she is #1 and she should begin to feel less threatened by the puppy. Good luck :)
Sandy and Puff
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