Hi There - hope someone can help me. We had 3 dogs - 2 Yorkies and a German Shepherd - all got on really well. Unfortunately one of the little Yorkies died and we have now got a new puppy- another Yorkie. But we have a major problem in that the German Shepherd does not appear to like her. Shows real aggression. Will be devastating to part with puppy - but what can we do?

Hi Carol,

Dogs are pack animals and a house dog is often territorial, which means rank and dominance can be a problem especially with new dogs.There can be inter-male or inter-female issues that result in aggression... It's dogs genetic instinct.

3 dogs can develop a ranking order,which includes a pack leader,adding a new dog means every dog in the house has to re-establish it's personal rank within the new pack, that's where usually dog fights come in.

You need to introduce a new pack leader... which is where you come in, the dogs will evaluate you as a leader.Showing them that you will protect them against any other dog.This is a very important issue, the dog owner doesn't realize,but trust me the dog does.

Put the new puppy in a grate/cage, they are quite comfortable and at least he will be safe.Let the other dogs investigate... go up and smell/sniff him, if 1 of the dogs growels, step in and give a strong correction.

Your job as a pack leader is to show that you will not tolerate aggression towards this new member, continue this for as long as is thought necessary, gradually bringing him out, but always on a lead at first.

Stick with it, I know it will require some patience but it will be worth it in the end.

Goodluck

If you are fearful when the german shepherd is around the new puppy, the dogs will sense this. Why not try letting them be around each other with the german shepherd with a muzzle on therefore there can be smelling but no biting.