We have a five year old dog that we have had since she was approx. 1-2 years old. When my boyfriend adopted her, she had been badly beaten and was put on antibiotics to fight various things such as kennel cough, etc. To make a long story short, she has always been the center of his life. And about a week ago, we adopted another puppy (approx. 14 weeks old) and in about five days, Lexi has not eaten. We have had to cut up turkey, ham, and steak and put it on top of her food, in order for her to eat.

My question is, is this normal? How can we acclimate them better? I think that she might be doing it to get attention, or as a response to our new puppy. However, the puppy has also been in her food, and I think it might be a ‘scent thing’ too.

Can you please give me some minor insight? I don't want to have to give up our puppy! :(

Jacqueline, not eating is a very normal reaction when a new pup is introduced. Are you feeding the puppy first? You need to feed the older dog first. Your boyfriend's dog has been the only dog in the household and you both need to understand that dogs live with a pack and rank mentality. She feels that she is above the puppy in rank. Anytime you appear to show preferential treatment to the puppy, the older dog will become very confused and will withdraw. Crate the pup when the older one is eating. Do not let the pup eat the older dogs food. They need to eat out of their own bowls. You and your boyfriend also need to show her as much attention as she was getting before. I know it is hard because you are trying to train the pup and it does need more attention. But, you need to give the older dog some one on one time with you both as well. When the puppy is taking its nap, take the older dog for a walk and play with her. Try not to tempt her with rich foods. You will be training her to expect people food. She needs to stay on her regular chow. She won't starve herself. Make sure she is getting plenty of exercise to build up an appetite. If she doesn't eat after 15 minutes, pick up her food and try again at her next scheduled feeding.

I hate to be tough about it, but who is in charge? It sounds like Lexi. The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete (http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/) For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position, Letting your dog know you are the boss (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm)

Chances are, Lexi can go without eating some more until she accepts that you have chosen to have the new puppy. You need to continue to only offer her her regular chow, no turkey etc. Make sure the puppy doesn't wolf down its food and start on hers. Maybe shut one of them in a separate room. There is more about not eating in the sticky at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/information-articles-our-dogs-expert-labman-53153.html#post254171

Give her plenty of attention. Make sure she understands she is still very important to you. Active games like fetch may help her.