My dog does not like his new companion! HELP!

We lived with my in-laws for six months while building a new house. We finally moved in and my dog (a 18 month old Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mix) was very mopey and sad to be home alone all day again. He was used to it before when we lived in our old house, but he got used to my inlaws dog, Murphy, always being there as a companion. We decided to get a new friend for him that is the same breed as Owen.

Here is the problem: The first night we brought Jack home Owen was immediately put off. Jack is 11 weeks old and VERY playful. In fact, the only time he stops playing is when he is sleeping. Owen won't even look at him and only pays attention to Jack when Jack bites his ears to get him play. They they start wrestling but it doesn't seem good natured to Owen. He seems to be fighting more than playing.

Owen is a very sweet and gentle dog. He was easy to train and has a great personality. We're not even sure if Jack will be a good fit in our family. He is very hyperactive (he is a puppy so we are hoping he will grow out of it) and also whines constantly. I didn't get a wink of sleep last nigth because Jack whined the whole night. We put him in the laundry room with a blanket and food and water and he barked all night. So, we brought him up in the bed with us (Owen sleeps with us at the end of the bed) and even thought Jack did eventually fall asleep he whined and freaked out for hours before he finally dozed off.

When he isn't sleeping, he's whining or trying to play. We do try to play with him but can't do it every second of the day. Owen will not initiate play and if Jack comes around Owen leaves and shuns him.

So what do we do? We've only had Jack for a day and a half now. Does it just require time and adjustment? Or did we make a mistake in buying Owen a companion?

ANY SUGGESTIONS?

 

Don't Worry

I would give this friendship several more days or even weeks. My older dog was very wary of my new puppy for some time before they became the friends that they are today. My older dog ignored the puppy and was almost rough with her for a short while until he understood that she was a new member of the family. I would give it a little more time if I was you.
Also, congrats on the new puppy!

 

Reply

Thanks! He is actually getting better today. I hope they become friends.

 

There usually is an adjustment period for the first dog when another enters the pack. Some dogs accept right away others need a little more time. Owen is probably starting to mature and calm down, so naturally a hyper, excited puppy alters things for him a little. What sounds like fighting is likely Owen putting Jack in his place and setting the boundaries. Jack has to learn. I'd let them be, in time it will sort itself out.

How much exercise does Jack get? It sounds to me like he has a lot of pent up energy and may need more walks or playtime with some dogs closer to his age. A tired is a good dog! I know how moving and work etc can take up a lot of time, but make sure you make a point of giving your dogs enough exercise daily, you'll be thankful for it later!

He needs some tough love. Guess why he whines? Because you've responded to it in the past and it worked. He got exactly what he wanted last night by ending up in your bed! Dogs are very smart that way!!! Remember puppies are used to sleeping in warm little clumps with their littermates so you can imagine how unappealing the lonely, dark laundry room is to him, especially knowing you guys are all snuggled up in warm big bed!! Do you have a crate for Owen? Why don't you set up his crate on the floor next to your bed? Because he already knows you will give in you may have a long night (or two) ahead with him whining but you must NOT let him out. Unless it's to go to the bathroom - then it is straight outside (no attention) and right back to bed. Some might event use a squirt gun and say Shhhh or NO when he whines.

So
-make sure Owen is well exercised
-NO attention for whining - even negative attention is still attention
-crate at night, no bringing him into bed if he whines (he can earn that privilege when older
-consistency

Give it some time and they'll be fine.
Cheers,
Jas

 

Well, we've only had him for a day.

When we had our old house, and even at our in laws, we took Owen for walks/Run at least four days a week. So, I think we will have to start taking both of them once things get settled.

Maybe we will try to put him in the laundry room again and just let him cry all night. My husband is such a softie though. He can't take it! That's why Owen has been in our bed since he was 8 weeks old. I don't know if another dog will fit in our bed. LOL I guess we are just going to have to bite the bullet and do it.

Jack has been better today. I think he is getting used to us. And we did just let him and Owen fight things out today and wouldn't you know, they are getting along better! Owen still isn't loving him, but at least they play together at times.

Thanks for all of the replies everyone! It really is making me feel better. I was so worried. Any other suggestions are still appreciated.

 

Hi, and welcome

I totally agree!

Unfortuantly for me, I was a softy too :wink:

Both my boys sleep in bed w/us, you can make room.

Now when I got Rosco, Max was just over a year, Rosco was and still is a lot more energetic and hyper than Max ever was. I will have to admit though, they have so much fun together. They know their limits I think, I was so nervous because Max was 11 lbs and Rosco was only 1.5 lb, but believe it or not, Rosco is the fisty one all the time. Although he is 5 lbs now, and Max is still 11 they know how rough to play. Every once and a while Rosco will yell out a yelp and Max will stop, but they will let each other know if it hurts.

I think it will just take time, they will become best friends, you watch!

As for the hyperness also, once you get him neutered he will mellow out a little too

Keep us posted.

 

I got a puppy about 9 days ago. I had to let her sleep with us or chance her climbing a doubled up baby gate and hurting herself. My other poodle sleeps with us too. She is usually very Bi*chy. but it has worked out fine. Now my terrier mix, whom sheds alot and sleeps on the floor. He showed his stress by not eating for a day and a hlaf, though he showed interest in the pup. Everything is fine now, Rufus is eating and loves to run and play with her. My older poo trys to play here and there. But everything has smoothed out. Give it a week and I can almost guarantee things will improve.

 

Oh Puttin, I am so happy for you, you have a new bundle of joy in your life now. Was it the apricot poodle you were thinking about getting? I don't recall seeing any pictures :wink:

I really think that everything will come out wonderful, just give it time. :wink:

 

Yes, I posted a bunch of pictures on the other forum. Lilly will turn cream just like sasha. She got a bad clip at the groomers. Shirley was very upset about that. Considering she had such a nice coat before. But here is a picture of her. She has lighten up alot.

 

She is just beautiful, Puttin....What a sweet face!

 

Thanks, pekemom. She is one fiesty girl. Gives rufus and sasha a run for their money(or kibble)