[jypettiford]

Mini is a 4yr old chihuahua,I have had here since she was 5 weeks.Mike is 9 weeks and got him 2 days ago.Mini avoids Mike and he just runs to her wanting to play and she wants no part of him.What can I do to help Mini adjust?

[labman]

I am afraid there is no easy answer to this. Put a couple of puppies together, and they will have a great time play biting each other. Most dogs out grow that behavior as they mature at 3 years old. In addition, Mike is an intruder taking up your time and attention. Support Mini when Mike attacks her. Give him an ''Ut, ut, ut!'' in a quiet firm voice, and distract him with a chew toy the same as you would when he bites you. Mike will find it hard to believe that none of his new pack wants to play like his litter mates did.

We are on our third new puppy since Aster the grouch turned 10 years old and came to live with us. It is a constant battle. Yesterday we were together with 4 puppies about 2-10 months old. Our 4 month old Nita had a great time. I was surprised how much Aster wanted to be running around with them as long as they left her alone. It would be better if Mike does have a chance to play with younger dogs. They must be carefully selected, healthy ones. No shot program provides puppies complete protection.

''Dog experts'' really don't have that many simple tricks to easily fix problems like this. There are some tools including crates and head collars that make a big difference. Mostly it is a matter of realistic expectations and consistency. If a dog never gets its food until it sits quietly, it quickly learns to sit quietly. So with other things.

Do make sure Mini gets plenty of attention, perhaps even more than she was getting before Mike.