Hi, I am new to this and am feeling a little uneasy about my dogs. I rescued two puppies last week from the side of the hwy. Someone through them out on the side of the road. These little guys are 8 weeks old and the vet thinks they might be rotweiller and blue heeler mix. The dog I have at home is 5 yrs old and is a mix between blue heeler and husky. He is very much an only child if you know what I mean.

When we brought the puppies home in a crate, he smelled and his tail was up and wagging. He is normally an inside dog however that day he would not go inside, just wanted to stay with the pups. Seemed to like them until about Sunday night. This maybe when he realized they were staying.

Now he grumbles a lot when he is around them and seems to get agitated some. He is pretty bossy with them. My husband says that is his way of talking to them.

Then sometimes he acts as if he wants to play. I am really confused and a little worried that he might not like them and will try to hurt them.

Any suggestions??

Thanks!

Maybe he's just trying to assert his place in the pecking order of things, and teaching the kids where they belong.

I have three dogs. A 13 1/2 year old black lab cross, a 7 year old border collie cross and a 3 month old beagle.

Yes, your dog will have a period of adjustment, and he will assert his dominance over the new pups. This is normal, so no worries.

Don't leave them alone with each other until you know they'll get along. In the wild, older dogs will nip at the younger pups when they are doing something wrong, or being annoying. A nip is nothing to worry about, but since your dogs are not in the wild, and the pups may also be trying to assert their dominance, a fight can ensue. Obviously the pups are no match for your older dog. You need to be there to break up any potential fights.

If you older dog does nip them, yes, they will squeal like they've been eaten alive. Do not discipline the older dog, he's just putting them in their place, let nature take it's course unless you see that it's out of hand.

Patience and understanding, and before you know it they'll all get along famously.

I don't usually advocate a certain book, and anyone can feel free to disagree with me on this, but, Cesar Millan has some great books out for learning to be the pack leader and dealing with the dogs in your life, it really helped me when we introduced the new puppy to our home.

Good luck.

well you can maybe see what the dog does to the other dogs and then if he likes them let him get used to them. He might not like that there are other dogs in the family and that he won't get much attention.you know just let them get used to each other and see what happens=] it will be OK! =]]]]]]]<3

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Originally Posted by Altenweg

I have three dogs. A 13 1/2 year old black lab cross, a 7 year old border collie cross and a 3 month old beagle.

Yes, your dog will have a period of adjustment, and he will assert his dominance over the new pups. This is normal, so no worries.

Don't leave them alone with eachother until you know they'll get along. In the wild, older dogs will nip at the younger pups when they are doing something wrong, or being annoying. A nip is nothing to worry about, but since your dogs are not in the wild, and the pups may also be trying to assert their dominance, a fight can ensue. Obviously the pups are no match for your older dog. You need to be there to break up any potential fights.

If you older dog does nip them, yes, they will squeal like they've been eaten alive. Do not discipline the older dog, he's just putting them in their place, let nature take it's course unless you see that it's out of hand.

Patience and understanding, and before you know it they'll all get along famously.

I don't usually advocate a certain book, and anyone can feel free to disagree with me on this, but, Cesar Millan has some great books out for learning to be the pack leader and dealing with the dogs in your life, it really helped me when we introduced the new puppy to our home.

Good luck.

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I had to spread the rep Alty, but yes, you really can't argue the techniques Cesar Millan uses can you. ;) They are foolproof if you use them correctly. I think all dog owners should get his books or watch his show. The older dog will guide the pups, and it is quite unlikely he will harm them. His instincts tell him they are babies, and yes it might take him awhile to get used to the fact that there are two new additions to the home, but I'm sure he will adjust and take over the leadership role with the pups.

Can I say, that you are a wonderful person for rescuing these two little guys, getting them to the vet, and then taking them in as your own. I can't believe people can just throw out dogs like they are trash, to fend for themselves. That is so cruel! I wish there were more people like you out there! I for one want to say thank you! :)

Best of luck with the pups! :)