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enchanted00 · Aug 9, 2009, 09:31 PM

Hello again! I have signed up to ask some MORE questions about dogs. As I've stated in other questions I have a four year old Australian cattle dog (Scooter -yes-he is neutered). Plays VERY well with other dogs- the trainer says he always plays the role of dominate yet the peace maker and is willing to play the submissive one if he notices there are two dogs about to argue over dominance.

We talked about getting another Heeler and found one at a rescue- she is almost 8 weeks old. I guess you could say Scooter has been a very spoiled dog- My boyfriend and I have no kids and are home during the day. We literally take him every where we go. He listens very well.
When we brought the new puppy home he sniffed her out and went on playing with his toys. Later in the day he started to do a low-growl and barks in her face when he noticed she was playing with one of us- or even by herself. Since scooter has been the only dog in our life- he thinks EVERYTHING is his. When speaking with the trainer she told us before hand that there will be times where he will show her dominance and she will squeal and cry but he has been showing more jealousy than just dominance. Coming over just to growl and bark in her face- then go play with something in the corner.. etc. Should I just let this run its course. Do I need to show him barking and growling at the puppy is a no no? Or just let them bicker it out until he realizes she's not a threat? (shes only been here for two days- so I'm hoping this will pass)

Wondergirl · Aug 9, 2009, 09:38 PM

Originally Posted by enchanted00

he thinks EVERYTHING is his.

He's right. Everything IS his -- or at least has been his until you brought this upstart puppy home who is stealing his toys and his food and even his owners' hearts.

I'm a cat person, but I think the same thing goes for dogs. Give Scooter a lot of time and love. He has been the center of your life since forever. He does not understand what is going on. It would be like one of you adults would bring home a new housemate and spend all your time with him or her, and let that person take over your bed and your bathroom and spread clothes all over and even sit in the favorite recliner. Ignore the puppy as much as you can (the puppy won't care), so that Scooter doesn't feel pushed out of your lives. Yes, he will learn to love the puppy, but you've got to take it slow.

Catsmine · Aug 10, 2009, 02:06 AM

Wondergirl is right about patience; I'd like to add just one small cautionary note. Do not let Scooter start acting out to get attention. Make sure he gets attention without having to act out to get it.

enchanted00 · Aug 11, 2009, 07:24 AM

Hi! Thanks for the advice! Lola has been here now for four days and they are both doing a lot better everyday. We still have a little ways to go- I know this is a big adjustment to scooter but he is catching on quickly. He gets a treat when he approaches nicely- and Lola is learning to assert herself when scooter is being jealous- she will nip him on the nose if he gets too pushy and scooter will back off. I am sure they will be best friends soon! Thanks again- I'm sure I'll be back on here with another question soon.