Male Dog Won’T Leave Female Puppy Alone? The 61 Top Answers

Introducing a new puppy to an older dog.

As many experienced dog owners will know, when deciding to bring a puppy into a household with an older dog, chaos can quickly ensue! Owners may not have had a puppy for many years and their dog may be middle or old age before they decide to add a new puppy to their family.

This Holidays4Dogs article provides some tips on introducing a puppy into a household with one or more adult dogs and can be useful for both owners and Holidays4Dogs carers who have dogs of their own and are fortunate enough to have a cuddly puppy stay!

Having a new puppy is always an exciting time for the human family members, but sometimes the four-legged members might not be quite as excited about the idea! However, it is important to remember that your current dog will usually behave completely naturally, even if he or she is a bit grumpy. Knowing what to expect is half the battle in ensuring that the new addition fits into family life as smoothly as possible.

While many dogs will greet a new puppy with open paws, many others will growl, snap and try to escape the puppy from the start. However, it is VERY rare for an adult dog to injure a puppy.

When puppies go to new homes for their new lives, they’re still learning the basics of canine communication and they don’t always get it right! Just like human children, puppies are not entirely aware of the rules of social interaction – having only had their littermates to play with, they will often want to play with adult dogs in their new homes with the same reckless abandon!

When you first bring the pup home, leave your current dog on a leash and let the pup run around and investigate on their own. Once you’re satisfied that your adult dog is staying calm, let him greet the puppy, but try not to allow tension on the leash – a long line is better. The older dog may want to play with the puppy right away. So if there is a size difference, watch the situation in case the puppy gets scared. Likewise, the existing dog may want to back away from the puppy, he may even growl at first, so in this case put more distance between the two dogs until they are happier with each other’s presence. Don’t force interactions, instead allow the dogs to be comfortable in their own time. Be patient because sometimes it takes time for both dogs to relax.

Adult dogs will gradually teach the new puppy once they’ve crossed the line, and there are certain behaviors that adult dogs find puppy unacceptable; For example, an adult dog generally doesn’t like having their head sat on, their tail or ears pulled, literally stepped on, or barked right in the face!

In such circumstances, you will find an adult dog letting out a low growl, baring his teeth, or “gasping” near the puppy and walking away. After a few weeks of the puppy learning from this discipline, the adult dog will usually show more interest in playing with the dog as the puppy has begun to learn the rules of the game.

The most important thing owners can do is always make sure they are supervising the interactions between puppies and other adult dogs in the household. Some puppies can be relentless in their pursuit of rough play, and it’s unfair to expect an adult dog, especially one that’s older, to put up with this. Sometimes it’s appropriate to intervene, using gates or crates to separate the dogs, always making sure the adult dog (and the puppy coming to it) has an escape route.

As tempting as it may be to correct the adult dog’s growl, try to resist the temptation. Always supervise such interactions, but as long as the adult dog is not in contact with the puppy, let the puppy learn that a growl means, “Leave me alone.” If he doesn’t heed this warning, he may be snapped at; usually this is enough to stop a stubborn puppy, but if he still won’t leave the adult dog alone, give both dogs some time off so you have a chance to calm the situation and allow the adult dog to rest that he needs .

There are a few dogs that just don’t get along with puppies at all, so it’s important to be vigilant and make sure things don’t get out of hand. For example, if a puppy squeaks and barks and the adult dog doesn’t back down, you need to intervene. A squeaking puppy should be the signal for an adult dog to back off – if it becomes more argumentative, remove it immediately.

It’s also wise to make sure your adult dog doesn’t make up the rules! This sounds odd, but while it’s acceptable for the adult dog to correct a puppy during interaction or if its head has been jumped on while it’s sleeping, it’s not acceptable for it to correct a puppy for walking around the house or engages in another activity in which he minds his own affairs.

Keep an eye on trigger areas like toys and food to make sure guarding isn’t taking place. Toys should not “belong” to one dog or another. So if you suspect there is rivalry over toys, remove it and only use it for supervised play.

For the first few days and weeks, it’s best not to let a puppy and an adult dog together, but to keep them in separate rooms or put one or the other in a crate. While you are out, you cannot monitor the behavior of the puppy, who may take the opportunity to mercilessly harass the older dog.

After what may seem like an age of mediation between the dogs, it will only be two or three weeks before you will begin to see signs of bonding and a mutual understanding of ground rules between older dog and pup. Your pup will also have begun to understand their new routine and environment, and you can get used to watching the pup and adult form a new friendship.

What has been your experience of introducing puppies to existing dogs in the household? We’d love to know all about them in the comments section.

Andrea Gordon – Dog Trainer and Holidays4Dogs Coordinator.

“How long does a dog stay in heat? And in the meantime, how do I deal with the mess?” Yes, you probably have some awkward questions when it comes to whether your dog is getting her period. We’re here to answer them all. Here’s your guide to your dog’s period!

What is estrus or heat?

The heat is on! Estrus or heat is a phase of the bitch’s reproductive cycle. During this time she is receptive to mating with males. Her estrogen levels first rise and then fall drastically, and eggs are released from her ovaries. She could also produce a bloody discharge from her vagina. All of this will happen if you don’t spay your dog (which we HIGHLY recommend!).

How long does a dog stay in heat?

Unneutered bitches usually come into heat between the ages of 6 and 24 months. Heat occurs earlier in small dogs and later in larger dogs. While frequency varies by breed and individual dog, dogs generally come into heat about twice a year or every six months. Each heat period lasts about 18 days. Males are attracted to a female for the entire 18 days, but the female is only receptive to males about half of that time.

How do I know if my dog ​​is in heat?

You’ll know your dog is on her period when she cries at the smallest things and feasts on Lifetime movies and chocolate M&Ms (ha! just kidding). But seriously, your dog may seem nervous, distracted, or overly alert when she is in heat. She might also raise her hindquarters towards males when they are near her. After that, she will move her tail to the side and tense her hind legs. The other main sign of a dog in heat is bloody discharge and a swollen vulva. When the bitch is ready to mate, the vaginal discharge decreases, turning from red to straw-colored.

What should I do if my dog ​​gets her period?

You have two main concerns when your dog is in heat: male attention and the blood. First you need to isolate your dog and keep him away from all unneutered male dogs, including those related to him. Also, always keep them on a leash when you leave the house and never leave them outside alone, even if you have a fenced yard.

The second problem during heat is bleeding. To get the clutter under control, you have a few options: You can either limit their access to areas of your home that are easy to clean, like the laundry room and bathroom. You can also put them in a box for a short time. Finally, you can also try using diapers. They’re an easy way to reduce clutter without restricting where your dog can go in your home.

All in all, it’s difficult to take care of a dog when it’s in heat. You need to take care of her physical and mental needs, give her lots of affection, but also be aware that she may be irritable. The easiest way to avoid dealing with estrus altogether is to neuter your dog!

Charlotte Bryan Published on 08/04/2021

If you have at least two dogs under one roof, you know that keeping your furry pair of friends under control can get pretty hectic at times—especially if your two dogs are opposite sexes. Things often get crazy during a bitch’s estrus as the male and female turn on each other in a hormonal frenzy!

Let’s talk about what’s going on with your female dog that is causing your male dog to go wild and have some pretty lewd reactions.

Jump to:

Lady Signals – The What & Why

Rude answers

Here’s how to keep your male dog calm during a female’s estrus cycle

lady signals

A typical bitch will have between one and four heat cycles per year, lasting between two and three weeks. Depending on your pooch, you may not notice she’s in heat right away; But often the first sign you see is bloody discharge.

During a heat, a bitch produces pheromones and hormones that male dogs can detect from miles away. And this is the source of the problems, as intact males within range will sense a hint of a viable mate nearby and knock.

Rude answers

When an intact male senses that a female is in heat nearby, they will do almost anything to get at the potential friend. This is where a normally docile dog begins to behave erratically, making them difficult to control. Male dogs might jump over or dig under fences or cross a busy freeway just to get to the bitch in heat.

If you have both a non-desexed male and female dog living under the same roof, things can get a little messy for you if you don’t want a pregnancy.

How to keep your male dog calm during a female dog’s estrus cycle

Here are 3 things you can do to keep your male dog calm when he shares a roof with a female dog on heat.

Separate the dogs. Under no circumstances should an intact male and female in heat be kept together when trying to avoid pregnancy. Keep the dogs separate until the female’s heat is over. Put the dogs in rooms on opposite sides of the house for maximum distance. If you are short on space, you can keep your male dog outside in the yard and the female dog indoors. Don’t keep your female dog in heat outdoors, she may attract nearby males or try to flee to find a mate. An alternative to keeping your dogs separate is to place the male dog in a kennel or veterinary practice where a housing service is available until the female dog is out of heat. Having a friend or family take your male dog off your hands for a while is a cheaper method. Mask the scent of the woman in heat. You need to create a conducive environment in your home by keeping the woman on heat odor under control. One way to do this is to keep your house clean. While grooming is something you should be doing anyway, it’s especially important if you have a dog in heat. A dog in heat produces a free-drip discharge that is not only messy, but the main source of male attraction hormones and pheromones. Clean the house with vinegar or bleach for hard surfaces and shampoo for your carpets to mask the odor. Also, make sure you clean the dog’s bedding on heat regularly. Also, you need to bathe your dog more frequently with a mild shampoo. Adding a dash of apple cider vinegar to the rinse water will help mask the smell. Applying a menthol rub or spray to the bitch’s tail will also help, but make sure she doesn’t lick it off before it dries as it can be toxic. Also, be careful not to get the menthol on sensitive areas as it can be very irritating. Movement is good for everyone. Exercise is a great way to distract and calm your dog while you use up a lot of his aggressive energy. Play with both dogs separately; the male outside and the female inside, and provide them with toys to keep them busy and relaxed. Your male dog should be walked regularly and make sure he gets a long enough walk for his size and breed. Avoid walking your female dog when she is in heat as this can cause problems with other male dogs nearby. However, you can walk her in a fenced area and supervise her at all times so she doesn’t get into trouble.

Another remedy you could try is a physical barrier. Put a dog diaper on your dog. This will collect any discharge and help mask your dog’s odor. Make sure you change the diaper regularly to prevent possible infection.

A permanent solution

To avoid having the problem of a bitch in heat every few months, veterinarians recommend that you have your bitch spayed (removal of the ovaries in bitches) and your male dog spayed.

Not only is desexing effective in preventing your dogs from becoming parents, it can also reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and help improve your dogs’ overall behavior.

Hope that helps! If you have additional questions on this topic, read the following frequently asked questions:

frequently asked Questions

Do male dogs go crazy when a bitch is in heat?

Yes, often male dogs can increase their marking behavior, stop eating, become more aggressive, and become obsessed with tracking down the bitch in heat for the duration of her cycle.

How long is a male attracted to a female in heat?

Typically it will be for the duration of her cycle. Typically, the oestrus period in dogs is around 18 days.

Why is my male dog howling so much?

There are several reasons your male dog whines so much, including; Excitement, anticipation, concern or fear. This behavior can be exacerbated when a bitch in heat is nearby.

How do you calm down a male dog?

Separate the dogs

Mask the woman’s scent

Train your male

Put a dog diaper on your dog

Adrienne is a certified dog trainer and former vet assistant who works with some of the best vets in the world.

There are several reasons why your neutered bitch may still attract males, such as stray pheromones or tissue debris. Image by Николай Синицын from Pixabay

Are neutered dogs still attractive to males?

You may have spent a fair amount of money neutering your dog, but she still attracts male dogs. What gives? Should she no longer be interesting for males? If this attraction started out of the blue, you’re right to ask.

Intact dogs vs. neutered dogs

An intact bitch is a fertile bitch. It is intact by definition because it still has the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterine horns, and womb.

Bitch is a dog capable of breeding. It is intact by definition because it still has the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterine horns, and womb. A spayed female dog underwent a medical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy (OHE). This operation essentially removes their ability to reproduce. As their reproductive organs are removed, the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone is also stopped. These are the hormones responsible for triggering the dog’s estrus cycle.

Men are attracted to pheromones when an intact woman is in heat

Most males are not particularly interested in females sexually until they show signs of heat. Blessed with over 220 million olfactory receptors, a male dog’s nose “knows” with certainty when a female is in heat. In fact, a bitch gives off very powerful pheromones that help advertise her availability.

There are countless stories of male dogs being able to spot the scent of bitches in heat from afar. Many of these pheromones are released in the bitch’s urine, which is why male dogs are so obsessed with smelling all the spots where intact bitches have urinated.

If my dog ​​can’t come into heat, why are the males chasing him?

So if your dog is neutered (and therefore not in heat), how does he go about attracting males? Great question! There are a few explanations for this, which we will look at in the next few paragraphs.

Is your neutered dog suddenly attracting male dogs? alexadry all rights reserved

3 Reasons Your Neutered Dog Might Attract Males

So things definitely don’t add up: your dog has been spayed, her reproductive organs removed and her ability to produce hormones linked to the heat cycle stopped, so why is she attracting men out of the blue? First of all, it is important to know whether she attracts only one specific male or all males in general. Let’s look at three possible explanations.

1. Maybe the pheromones aren’t hers

Maybe the pheromones aren’t your dog’s. In fact, if your bitch has been properly spayed, she should never come into heat or act as if she is in heat. In this case, we are talking about a neighbor’s dog in heat. In fact, if you own a spayed female dog and your male dog suddenly becomes obsessed with her, there could be a female dog in heat somewhere in your neighborhood.

This happened to a customer at the vet once. Her male dog suddenly became obsessed with her neutered dog, and after receiving a clean bill of health, she casually noticed that one of her neighbor’s dogs was in heat. Unable to get access to the bitch in heat, her male diverted his pent-up frustration onto the spayed bitch!

2. Tissue debris may have been left behind

If your dog has been spayed and is now acting like heat and your male dog is interested, yes you are right to be concerned. In some rare cases, neutering a dog can go awry. In this case, it is likely that small pieces of ovarian tissue were left behind during sterilization. Left in the body, this tissue grows and then triggers the brain to produce the hormones associated with the estrus cycle, explains veterinarian Janet Tobiassen Crosby.

In this case, if the uterus has been successfully removed, your bitch technically cannot conceive. If in doubt, go to the nearest vet and have your dog checked out!

3. There may be an undiagnosed medical condition

So there are no females in heat around, but males have shown a clear interest in your dog. What else could be the problem? In some cases, medical conditions can cause your dog to smell a bit like a dog in heat.

What medical conditions are causing this? We’re probably eyeing a possible cystitis, infection of the cervix or vulva, or a case of vaginitis. In some cases, the anal bags can also be to blame. All of these conditions can sometimes make a bitch attractive to males. The reasons for this are not entirely clear, explains veterinarian Mike Richards.

This article is accurate and truthful to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal and individual advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs and symptoms of stress should be presented to a veterinarian immediately.

Answer questions

Question: When I got my dog ​​the person who gave him to me told me he was neutered but my male chihuahua is trying to do with him. What could be the reason?

Answer: There are several possibilities. 1) The person who provided you with this dog gave you incorrect information, 2) she is neutered but the vet accidentally left some ovarian tissue behind (quite rare), 3) she is neutered but there is another one nearby bitch on heat and so on arouses him, or 4) she emits an odor due to a health problem.

Question: Even though my dog ​​was spayed three years ago, she is still releasing the hormones that are meant to get her into heat. I know this because our male dog takes the life out of her for about a week every six months. What can I do?

Answer: That’s interesting. Did you also happen to notice any swelling or discharge during these times? Sometimes when dogs are spayed, the vet may inadvertently leave some ovarian tissue behind. When this happens, dogs will still come into heat after spaying and may even develop pyometra (it’s called blunt pyometra). I would speak to the vet who spayed her and ask and describe what you are seeing.

Question: My neutered cat will attract male cats that have not yet been neutered. They don’t usually mount her, but they constantly follow her everywhere with their noses as close to her butt as possible. What could be causing this?

Answer: Sometimes a piece of ovarian or uterine tissue is left behind during spaying, which can cause her to come into heat and attract males. I’m not saying that’s the case, but it could be a possibility.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on June 15, 2020:

It could be that some ovarian tissue was left behind. I would get a second opinion from another vet.

Teri Underwood on June 03, 2020:

My unuddered male dog is always whimpering and acting crazy around my female dog. My dog ​​was spayed when she was about 9 weeks old and went into heat when she was almost a year old. I took her to the vet and they had messed up the spay and had to pay it back. She is 2 now and our male dog is still acting like she is in heat but she shows no signs of it. She goes and puts her butt on him like she’s teasing him and he freaks out! What could be the problem? Could the vet mess up her spay twice and she’s showing no signs? She’s not acting like there’s anything wrong, so I don’t think she’s sick. Please help us because our male is driving us crazy, howls all the time and wants to fuck her.

Wendy on February 29, 2020:

My son adopted a female dog from the shelter 2 years ago, they told us she was neutered but she always puts it but in our male dog face and tries to mate with him and so on. We have an appointment to get his shots and get him alright, but now all the male dogs in the neighborhood are trying to get to her. She’s leaking a clear liquid that we’ve never seen before.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on February 25, 2020:

And your Rottweiler is properly neutered? Have tests been performed to confirm or rule out possible residual ovarian syndrome? Could it be that there is a dog in heat in your neighborhood?

Deborah Neilson on February 25, 2020:

My 11 year old intact male is acting like my neutered 2 year old Rottweiler is in heat…. He just won’t let her rest… no other males are attracted to her… I’m really confused and not sure what to do…she has been checked by the vet for infections etc and is perfectly fine?

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on June 02, 2019:

More than an extra ovary, I think what your vet is implying is that maybe some ovarian tissue was left behind. An ultrasound can be used to visualize the ovarian tissue if done while the dog is in heat. However, this may not always be accurate.

Kimt95 on May 29, 2019:

I had my labrador retriever (9 months old) desexed 3 months ago and over the past 7 days I have noticed that she is bleeding, nipples and vagina are swollen and has been attracting male dogs into my home. I took her to the vet this morning and they told me that she might have an extra ovary laying around somewhere or that she might have an infection. They put me on antibiotics to see if it stops. However I would like to know if it is possible that she has an extra ovary and would the infection cause her to show heat symptoms? How can a vet know if they desexed her properly or not without putting her under water again?

Many Thanks.

Theresa on December 15, 2018:

Hi,

It would be interesting to hear from some people who figured out the problem, but I guess they stop googling it when they don’t have the same problem anymore.

My two intact male dogs are relentlessly annoying to my neutered female dog and she is so fed up that she brutally attacks them every time they approach. She’s smaller than them and doesn’t hurt them, so just ignore the behavior.

Alison on 08/01/2018:

Can a male dog still have sex with my dressed female dog?

My dog ​​on November 13, 2017:

My dog ​​is neutered but another dog is mating her, will that hurt her?

Complaint on November 03, 2017:

Why does my dog ​​smell strange once a month if she was neutered 6 months ago?

Kimberly Drennan on October 31, 2017:

I have a 16 year old boxer…she is definitely old and has been fixed since she was 3 years old…I have 2 3 year old labradors and am now driving them crazy by licking them and not leaving them alone will. .. what gives!! Why do they lick them all the time?

John on 09/19/2017:

I have an 8 month spayed bitch and my steady male stepping on her and doing that stuff…?

Kelli Contreras on August 07, 2017:

Hello again! I’m the one who sent you a message about my daughter’s labrador terrier mix and my rat terrier. I haven’t seen you text me back until now. So it had been several months since the dogs had been together. We’ve all been living together since yesterday.

Well, I’m going to have a sleepless night because he’s so frustrated that he can’t reach her. I’ll have her checked out. I need sleep! He won’t even eat!

LadyNightmare on April 12, 2017:

Great information! My pit bull is now about 18 years old and my male dogs absolutely adore them! It started a few months ago and although I have 3 other spayed females the boys just want to bother them! I will take her for a check to see if she has an infection as she is quite old now.

Thanks again!

Marc Bush on October 11, 2016:

I’m guessing this has to be one of the reasons my miniature male York Shire terrier who is only a year old and my 7/8 year old female buff colored Cocker Spaniel was overwhelming. Thank you for the helpful information… appreciated

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on August 24, 2016:

Has your daughter’s dog been checked for any diseases? I assume she is neutered.

Kelli on August 22, 2016:

Thank you for this article. My daughter’s 18 month old black labrador terrier mix comes to visit from time to time. My dog ​​Chico, 14 years old, a tactful male rat terrier, goes absolutely mad when she comes. She lived here when my daughter got her at 8 weeks. It has been fixed. He just won’t leave her alone! She spent the night last night. He kept me up all night and won by not being able to reach her. Is he too old for castration? Thanks very much!

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 13, 2016:

At least until the problem that attracts him in the first place is solved.

Derek on May 13, 2016:

Will my male dog eventually lose interest in her and stop reaching out to her?

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on April 18, 2016:

The article above explains it. Fixed and neutered are the same.

Victoria Lawence on April 15, 2016:

What makes a man want a fixed woman?

Reta on March 19, 2016:

In my case the male also lives in my house and since last week he has been chasing her constantly so we have to keep them separated most of the time.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 05, 2013:

It happens every now and then, although not that often. It often leaves owners confused and that’s understandable! However, sometimes the mystery is never really solved 😉

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 05, 2013:

Thanks Storytellersus, I’m glad to hear that you like my writing style and that you find the article interesting, thanks for stopping by!

Wetnosedogs from Alabama on 5/5/2013:

I have heard of that. Thanks for clearing that up. Now only if the males would smell right!

Barbara from Stepping past Clutter on 05/05/2013:

Interesting! I also really like your casual style of writing…

View files for dogs When a dog is in heat, it can make her regular pet grooming more difficult. Their psychological state can be fearful, but they can also become aggressive. If you have male dogs at home or walk the dog, your primary concern may be one thing: keeping male dogs under control when they sense a female in heat. This is primarily a practical problem. If you have a female dog and are trying to give her exercise, getting male attention from other dogs can prove distracting. If your dog isn’t neutered (or, in rare cases, if it has been), having sex with dogs can result in an unwanted pregnancy. This can mean a much greater responsibility as a pet owner. Failure to meet that responsibility can further strain already-stretched shelters and adoption systems. That’s why AnimalWised offers ways to control a male dog around a female dog in heat so you can help avert a difficult situation for everyone.

Is my dog ​​in heat?

The first thing we need to know is if our dog is actually in heat. Although all mammals have similar reproductive organs, they don’t all work the same way. If they did, it would take dogs 9 months to give birth to puppies, and quintuplets would be much more common in humans. While humans have a menstrual cycle, dogs have an estrus cycle. When a dog is in heat during this cycle, we refer to it as “in heat”. The stages of the estrus cycle in dogs are as follows: Proestrus: Although it can be difficult to detect, the dog’s vulva should become inflamed and there may be some discharge. This discharge may contain a little blood, which is why some people think dogs have “periods.” Estrus: the true “running” phase, when the dog is most fertile and most committed to mating. The dog ovulates due to high estrogen levels and seeks out a male up to 21 days after the onset of proestrus. Diestrus: This is the time after mating that determines if the bitch will actually become pregnant. Anestrus: This is the time when the dog is no longer fertile and accordingly they are not interested in finding a male to mate with. It is quite natural for a male to seek out a female during this time, they are simply responding to their natural desire to breed and continue their kind. Male and female dogs can be unpredictable in behavior and males will also compete with other males for mating opportunities. This leads some people to ask, “Do males go in heat?” Male dogs do not come into heat. On average, a female comes into heat twice a year, the only time she is interested in mating. Males can mate at any time of the year and will seek every opportunity to do so. Of course, this only applies if they have not been neutered. By spaying your dog, you remove the organs that produce sex hormones, and with it, its sex drive.

How do males behave towards females in heat?

Some neighborhoods allow you to have a dog that roams relatively freely. They can be well behaved dogs that generally stay close to your property and will not disturb your neighbors. This can be the case whether your dog is male or female. There are many benefits such as B. allowing the dog to relieve itself without requiring your physical presence, more access to exercise, and providing an enriching environment to meet its needs. Unfortunately, whether you have a male or female dog, being outside can also cause problems. Your freedom may be good for the dog, but your neighbors may not appreciate it. If you have a bitch in heat, this is especially the case. Even if your dog is well-behaved, there’s always a chance that their hormonal changes will lead to erratic behavior that causes problems in your otherwise calm community. They can be more aggressive towards neighbors and strangers. Especially when children are present, this can lead to serious negative consequences for which you as the pet owner are responsible. There is also the problem of other males. Male dogs that are attracted to a bitch in heat also exhibit negative behavior. If you have a female dog in heat, male dogs can come to your property and damage or upset your pet. Male dogs are also particularly territorial during this time, so they may often urinate on your property. Of course, there is also the possibility that the bitch will become pregnant. When your dog is in heat, you should not leave him outside alone and unsupervised. It can lead to many problems, many of which you may not expect if you have never seen your dog’s behavior during this time. To be honest, you shouldn’t have a free-roaming dog at any point. There are many dangers and factors that can make this a bad idea, even the easy possibility of getting lost. Females in heat are not necessarily as aggressive, but they do signal their need to mate. The physical signs of their thermal cycle are explained above, but their behavior may also change. You can: urinate more often.

Either become lazier or more boisterous.

Be confused.

Become more affectionate and seek out interactions.

Raise their hind quarters when males are around. As you can see, the two dogs act together. To prevent unwanted pregnancy it is important that we keep the male dog away from the female dog. However, if you are the keeper of a bitch, the responsibility of birthing and raising the puppies rests with you.

Keep the odor under control

Keeping a clean home is something you should be doing anyway, but this is especially the case if you have a dog in heat. Although you may not notice it, they leave their smell everywhere. This is a hidden sign of their sex cycle. If you have a male dog in the home, that smell alone can cause him to become over-excited and exhibit his own behavioral issues. Because dogs have such an amazing sense of smell, it’s imperative to keep that smell under control as much as possible. If you have a male dog that lives in the same household as a female dog in heat, it should be fairly obvious that you need to keep them in separate areas of the home. That also means preventing them from using the same materials as blankets and dog beds. Thorough cleaning of common areas also helps keep their hormones under control and prevent destructive behavior.

Doggie pants for bitches in heat

You may find it a little odd, but dog underwear is becoming more accepted in the dog grooming community. Such is the acceptance that pet shops have started stocking specially made dog pants to keep pooches healthy during hot spells. There are many types and types that can be used for both male and female dogs to help with incontinence as well as a bitch’s estrus cycle. However, you don’t have to buy special dog underwear if you want to help keep male dogs away from a female dog in heat. Human underwear can be adapted to make dog pants by either cutting holes or securing with safety pins. A pad similar to a human sanitary napkin can be placed inside the underwear to absorb secretions and help mask odor. They should also serve as a form of birth control when male dogs attempt to mount them.

Change your hiking plan

Changing your dog’s walking times can be a very practical solution to this problem. By taking advantage of the quieter hours of the day, you can take a female dog on heat for a walk without worrying about male dogs disturbing her. Your dog may usually be very happy walking around off-leash with no problems. However, when they are in heat, it is recommended that they be kept on a leash. The reason for keeping bitches in heat on a leash is for their own benefit as well as that of others. Not only does it help you keep them calm and avoiding the dog’s attention around male dogs, but it also means other dogs and people are protected from potentially aggressive behavior during this time.

Products to mask the smell

As we have already said, keeping male dogs quiet around bitches on heat is very helpful by keeping smell under control. To achieve this goal, there are some other commercially available products that can help. This includes odor-fighting scents that mask the smell and distract male dogs. Their effectiveness may vary, but they are all designed to help mask or neutralize the pheromones released during the hot spell. These include methanol scents, similar to Vicks Vaporub, which is used for cold-related treatments.

Proligestone injections for dogs in heat

Talk to your veterinarian about other medical options that may help prevent a dog in heat from being disturbed. These include injections designed to regulate the heat cycle. The most common drug for this purpose is known as Proligestone, which is sold under the brand names Delvosteron[1] and Covinan. While these medications can be effective in controlling a dog’s estrus cycle, they are more commonly used to treat dogs with related problematic issues, such as hypersexuality. Proligestone has been used to treat other health issues in dogs such as: B. Problems related to dwarfism in German shepherds[2]. However, these studies have shown the possibility of undesirable side effects. These include obesity, coat problems, and insulin-related issues. These treatments also come in pill form. These treatments are often used on animals that are too old to undergo spaying surgery. Not only are they expensive options, their use could be detrimental to your pet’s quality of life. If you want to consider these treatments, it’s very important that you speak to your veterinarian first.

Spend your pent-up energy in a healthy way

When you have a male dog around a female dog in heat, whether you are caring for a dog for a friend or letting these pets grow up together, it can take time to keep them calm and distracted. Because bitches have a relatively short heat period over the course of a year, this can mean that males can become particularly aggressive in attempting to assert dominance while awaiting mating. As a dog owner, taking your dog for a walk and helping them expend that aggressive energy can be the best way to keep them in check. Make sure you guide them properly and give them education and training to keep certain behaviors in check. Get involved in intelligence games and do what you can to make a bitch the last thing on their mind. Unfortunately, that’s a lot easier said than done.

The importance of sterilization in dogs

The last piece of advice we have is the one you should consider first. Unless you are a professional dog breeder with the knowledge and resources to care for puppies, spaying in the form of spaying or neutering is recommended. Not only does it prevent unwanted pregnancy, but it also keeps your dog’s overall health in check. The mental state of bitches and male dogs also improves after sterilization. It keeps their hormones in check and allows them to enjoy other aspects of life. In bitches, castration (removal of the ovaries) means that they are no longer in heat. However, there may still be some heat cycle symptoms that show up. This can lead male dogs to believe the dog is in heat. There is also the problem of false pregnancies, where the dog’s physiology creates symptoms of pregnancy without actually being pregnant. For both female and male dogs, spaying is the best course of action if you wish to control male dogs around a female dog in heat. This often eliminates the need for the previous steps in this article because the issue is resolved before it occurs. If you need more help calming a feral dog, our video below may be helpful:

If you would like to read articles similar to How to control a male dog around a female in heat, we recommend you visit our Heat category.

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Animal reproduction is a very interesting and complex subject. Reproduction is one of the basic laws of biology. In order to survive, all living things must have the ability to reproduce.

Without her there would be no life. Without reproduction, our favorite animal species—dogs—would not exist.

Why is dog reproduction an interesting topic of conversation?

Well, a dog’s behavior changes drastically during its heat. In fact, not only are dogs going through behavior changes, but their bodies are beginning to change as well.

Both male and female dogs go through a mating season at some point in their lives while reaching sexual maturity.

If you notice any unusual changes in behavior in your growing dog, heat should be the first thing that comes to mind.

First-time dog owners often have no idea why their male dog is behaving differently than usual. And no, he’s not sick and he’s definitely not going crazy.

Well, maybe he’s going nuts – crazy head over heels… or should I say head over heels for the bitch of his life!

Male dogs fall in love easily and they are definitely not afraid to show it!

Today we are going to talk about the specific signs that a male dog wants to mate. After reading this article, you’ll be able to spot the signs your male dog is showing when he’s ready to take on this sweet little bitch that he’s had his eye on for a long time!

So let’s start by mentioning some of the most important signs a male dog might show during heat!

behavior changes

The urge to mate is much more pronounced in males than in females.

The first signs of a male in heat are shown by different behavior patterns. Behavior changes aren’t really subtle, so it will be relatively easy for you to figure out what’s going on.

Your male dog will show the following signs: straying and restlessness, urine marking behavior, and rearing (bucking).

All of these signs are provoked by the presence of an intact bitch in heat. Let’s see what happens when a male wants to mate!

If an intact male is willing to mate but is unable to do so, he is likely to become sexually frustrated. These behavioral changes are the first signs to look out for.

1. Roaming and unrest

The first sign to look for in a male dog ready to mate is restlessness and straying. This basically means that your male dog will want to go out more often than usual.

Not only that, your male dog will most likely run off in search of a female.

Roaming is a very specific behavior for male animals. It is particularly expressed in intact male dogs.

Females leave scent trails that males use as clues. So it’s no surprise that male dogs become obsessed with anything that a female dog has previously been in contact with.

Bitches in heat will also play a major role. You will not ignore the male dogs. Instead, they make sure to place themselves anywhere near a male dog that is looking for a mate.

If you come across a bitch in heat while your male dog is at home, he will surely notice her scent as soon as you get home. This triggers other mating behavioral actions.

Roaming can be very annoying and annoying for both the owner and the male dog. Your dog can easily be lost or even stolen from you.

Because he is only focused on finding his mate, a male dog doesn’t pay much attention to his surroundings. He’ll walk for miles until he finds the love of his life…when he finds her, that is.

It’s good to know that this type of behavior can depend heavily on a dog breed. Some dog breeds such as the Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky and German Shepherd are known to be more likely to wander away from home.

Usually, members of the giant races have more stamina to run for miles without getting tired. Don’t expect much of this behavior from a male Chihuahua or any smaller breed.

What can I do against it?

To prevent and stop your male dog from straying and generally restless behavior, include things that distract him from mating.

If you are not yet planning to spay your dog, you can try to include as many domestic activities as possible. That doesn’t mean you won’t take your male dog on walks.

This means that you should come up with fun new games for your dog to engage in. The main goal should be that he forgets about sniffing and searching for bitches. So distract him with lots of new activities.

If you usually let your dog run around in the yard, make sure you have a good fence around the house. But beware… some dogs are quite sneaky and athletic. Sometimes a mere fence isn’t enough to prevent a male dog from running off and chasing potential girlfriends.

Also see: Professional Canine Escape Artists: How to Stop the Dog from Jumping the Fence

Another way to stop roaming is with positive reinforcement training. Again, this will act as a distraction and your dog will be happy with tasty treats. However, this may not be a long-term solution.

Surely this will be an uphill battle between you and your male dog’s strong, natural mating instincts. You can win the battle, but you will most likely lose the war.

The only real way to stop this behavior is to have your dog spayed. Neutering a male dog has proven to be the most successful method of preventing the male dog from running away.

As a result, you get a slightly calmer male dog that doesn’t go crazy over the smell of a female dog. He just won’t be interested anymore!

2. Urine marking behavior

Urine marking can be a real problem for any dog ​​owner when done indoors. And mind you, male dogs will urinate indoors if they pick up even the slightest odor from a female.

Although this behavior is entirely instinctive and natural, urine marking is often referred to as an undesirable and problematic canine behavior, which is entirely understandable.

The urine mark is usually expressed when males reach sexual maturity and begin foraging for females. What happens is that male dogs start urinating on objects, sometimes even other animals and people.

A male won’t always do this to leave marks for a female… he will also pee around to show other males that he is the alpha. Therefore, urine marking is commonly seen in homes with two or more male dogs.

Urinating is not excessive. Smaller amounts of more concentrated urine are released, leaving a sharper, stronger odor.

So if a male dog starts urinating on furniture and carpets, the house will get quite smelly.

Male dogs usually have a few “favorite objects” to pee on. This can also be a specific place in the house, e.g. B. a wall corner or on doors.

How do I stop my male dog from marking urine?

First of all, it is important for you to recognize if your male dog has urine markings due to his mating urges or due to health issues.

Health issues like urinary tract infections can cause your dog to pee small amounts frequently throughout the day.

Once you’ve got that out of the way, your next step should be to train your dog with positive reinforcement. Just like the horseback training method, the male dog must know the basic voice command “NO”.

If you see your dog preparing to urinate anywhere in the house, be sure to let him know not to. Then call him outside. Once he urinates outside, give him a snack as a reward for being a good boy and not peeing in the house!

That sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well, it’s when your dog listens and obeys your commands. However, if your dog tends to be stubborn, you may want to seek professional training.

At the end of the day, spaying your male dog will help solve this problem. Consult your veterinarian to find the best solution for you and your pup!

3. Assembly behavior

Mounting and hopping in dogs is a common and normal behavior. We must point this out at the outset. A dog can jump on other dogs (both males and females), people, and even objects like pillows or stuffed animals. Also, you might notice your dog limping the air!

Mounting is a sexually motivated behavior, but this is not always the case. In fact, montage is purely instinctive and completely natural.

But this type of behavior becomes a problem when a male dog starts humping people or other animals. It becomes an even bigger problem when it occurs frequently.

It can be very embarrassing for dog owners when their male dog starts limping to everyone and everything around them.

Mount and buck: why male dogs do it

Although this behavior can really make your cheeks red with embarrassment, it’s important that you understand why your male dog is doing it.

Here are some of the most likely causes of the mounting behavior:

Sexuality/Hormones

Because of their hormones and sexual desire, unneutered male dogs can mount other dogs. Usually the high testosterone levels in males are to blame.

The hormone testosterone is the most important hormone in animal reproduction because it triggers sexual behavior.

Insemination can lead to insemination if the male is not spayed and the bitch is not spayed. Therefore, if you do not want puppies, you should stop this activity immediately.

Timely neutering of your male dog will help resolve this unwanted behavior.

But here’s the catch: Some dogs develop this habit. The habit of mounting continues even after spaying, and you may not be able to stop it.

You can prevent this behavior from becoming a habit by stopping your male dog when he starts limping other dogs or inanimate objects. You should redirect it to other activities.

excitement and dominance

When your male dog is happy or in a state of excitement, energy, or even stress, he will try to vent it one way or another.

Some dogs show excitement by barking, running, or jumping, others by mounting. This is normal in most dogs, especially young, growing dogs that have just reached puberty.

It is possible to regulate this behavior with regular training or by redirecting your dog to something else. Some dogs buck because they are looking for attention or are just bored.

Another reason your male dog will fuck other dogs, including male dogs, is because of his dominance. That sounds so strange, doesn’t it? But that’s pretty normal in the dog world.

health problems

This is a more serious issue that we wish to address as it should be settled immediately. Your dog’s health is a top priority, so it’s important to be aware of potential health issues that can actually lead to ramping behavior in male dogs.

For example, UTIs (urinary tract infections) and skin allergies can both cause an increase. When mounting is caused by health problems, other symptoms of the disease follow.

Look out for skin rashes, unusual genital discharge, howling, frequent urination, and changes in urine color. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any of these health issues.

Health problems of this type are usually not due to the male dog’s urge to mate. Some health problems may have been there before, but only became apparent during the mating season.

Your vet will perform a detailed exam, along with blood tests, to show if there are any signs of inflammation or infection in your dog’s system.

How do you keep your male dog from stepping up?

Luckily for you, rearing behavior in male dogs can be solved in a number of ways. If you decide not to spay your intact male dog, there is another way to stop mounting and that is through regular training.

You must show the male dog that you disapprove of the behavior if he performs it. Call out your pet’s name and give them a sharp command: “NO” or “STOP”.

If the dog stops for a moment, give him a treat and redirect his focus to his favorite snack by removing the object he likes to hobble on.

Simple, you need to train your dog using voice commands and positive reinforcement – he’ll get a snack when he stops limping.

If the snacking method doesn’t work, use a whistling toy. The main goal is to distract your dog and redirect him to another activity.

Don’t be surprised if these methods don’t work in the end. It is very likely that your growing male dog’s testosterone levels will overcome his train of thought. One cannot resist the animal instinct.

There’s a pretty good chance your male dog isn’t paying much attention to you or your commands. He will only have one thing in mind – mating.

You can opt for professional training and socialization. Neutering your male dog could be the best solution if this behavior persists.

Other signs a male wants to mate

Among all the above signs, there are a few more. Most of them are the result of the previously mentioned signs of mating behavior in male dogs.

For example, activities like mounting, poking, and humping are anxiolytic and even calming for some male dogs.

Male dogs find joy in these activities as they are relieved of all the built up hormones and pressure of a constant strong instinct that kicks in over and over again.

It sometimes happens that a male ejaculates even though he has not had contact with a female. Ejaculation can occur spontaneously or as a result of erection.

If you’ve witnessed this, it’s important not to scold your male dog for it. Their negative feedback can create higher levels of anxiety and stress, which can trigger even more of this behavior.

Instead, do your best to prevent this by following the tips above and preparing your male dog for spaying.

sexual maturity in males

Males become fertile as early as six months of age. But that’s just an estimate.

When a male becomes sexually mature depends heavily on the dog breed and of course – genetics!

Depending on the breed of dog, a male can become fertile between the ages of six months and two years. So, here’s how to do it.

Puppies of small and medium-sized dog breeds are known to hit puberty around five to six months of age. This can be extended up to the age of nine months.

Males of giant breeds, on the other hand, only become sexually mature a little later. These dogs are considered sexually mature when they reach 15 to 16 months of age. Sometimes this period can be extended to 24 months, but these are very rare cases.

A growing intact male will exhibit a much stronger urge to mate than an adult dog that has already passed this point.

For example, most male puppies begin to change their behavior around six months of age. As the body grows, so does the testosterone level, which peaks during the mating season.

Dealing with a puppy going through puberty will not be easy!

Males in heat?

Dogs’ sexual cycle is natural and instinctive. It dominates all physical and mental processes in the body.

The road to sexual maturity is slightly different for males than for females. It’s actually easier to understand.

There is no such thing as a male in heat. “First heat” in males is simply a misnomer for the male’s instinct and urge to mate with his female.

In fact, most scientists, veterinarians, dog behaviorists, and the American Kennel Club all claim that male dogs don’t actually come into heat. which is true.

And here is an explanation:

Males do not have an estrus cycle like females. This means that male dogs do not go through periods of estrus and proestrus, nor do they develop major visible changes in the genitals.

The sex drive of a sexually mature adult male only arises when a sexually mature bitch is in the vicinity.

The vaginal secretion of a bitch in heat is the main pheromone-producing substance that triggers mating behavior in male dogs.

This means that if there isn’t a bitch on heat around and no doggy smell to be found anywhere, your intact male will show no signs of wanting to mate.

Remember that dogs have a really keen sense of smell, so even a little whiff of a dog’s scent can go a long way.

The role of pheromones

Let me introduce you to the magical chemical compounds that all animals have – the pheromones! This behaviour-altering, natural substance is the reason your dog changed his behavior.

Pheromones are compounds produced by the dog’s sebaceous glands. They play an important role in every dog’s social life. In fact, pheromones are intermediaries through which dogs communicate. In this case, they are an important factor in dog mating.

Basically, if there weren’t pheromones, there would have been no dog mating or reproduction in general. Pheromones are “the chemistry” between the two animals.

In a bitch, pheromones are released through vaginal fluids during her estrus cycle. They are released not only from vaginal secretions, but also from urine and mammary glands.

That is, when a bitch is in heat, she “leaves” tracks that the male will follow. Male dogs are very attracted to the bitch’s pheromones. And vice versa!

These pheromones are released through urine and vaginal discharge. Wherever the bitch is, her pheromones will follow. So male dogs are sniffing around all the time and focusing on the smell of a bitch’s pheromones.

Not all sex pheromones work. A male dog may be attracted to the scent of a female, but does not find her very interesting. I think she’s just not his type. This can also happen in the dog world.

Dog breeders know this all too well. When a male dog first meets a female dog, it’s either an instant connection or it’s a “I guess we should just be friends” situation.

Next time you think “love is in the air”, guess again – the pheromones are in the air!

Bitches in heat

Proestrus is the first stage of heat in bitches. Some describe it as the “ready stage,” meaning the bitch’s body is preparing for mating.

This is where a lot of changes happen in the bitch’s body. Most if not all of the changes take place in and around the genitals.

The bitch’s vulva swells and becomes redder. This is the first sign of heat that owners will notice in unneutered female dogs.

What also happens is that it produces vaginal discharge that can vary in color from dark brown to red. Most first-time owners worry when they notice this, so it’s important to identify it as a sign of a bitch in heat.

The proestrous stage is when the bitch’s behavior changes significantly: they become aggressive towards male dogs, restless, have mood swings and urinary markings.

The estrous stage comes right after the proestrous stage. During this time, a bitch is more receptive to males.

How spaying and neutering helps

Some dog owners are very reluctant when it comes to the subject of spaying and neutering. But you don’t have to run away from something that will benefit both you and your dog.

neuter males

Neutering is a surgical procedure performed on male dogs. Both testicles are removed through a surgical incision. The entire procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the vet’s skills and equipment.

There are some clear signs that your dog needs to be spayed, and spaying your male dog will help in a number of ways:

Firstly, the dog will not have such a strong urge to mate. This means he feels less stressed and calmer.

Second, you don’t have to worry about your male dog running away. Roaming and restless behavior is greatly reduced by castration.

And third, but most importantly, neutering reduces the risk of prostate and testicular cancer in adult dogs. This should be one of the main reasons why you should spay your male dog.

neuter bitches

Neutering is a surgical procedure performed on female dogs. It’s a relatively simple procedure, but slightly more complicated compared to castration. For this reason, spaying a female dog is usually more expensive than spaying a male dog.

The procedure itself involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Sometimes only the ovaries are removed. This is called an ovariotomy. When both ovaries and the uterus are removed, it’s called an ovariohysterectomy.

Spaying a bitch helps with behavior changes during the heat, reduces the risk of pyometra (uterine tract infections) and prevents breast cancer.

Conclusion

Photo by: @yuma_eurasier

Both females and males go through hormonal changes during the mating season. This means that their behavior changes drastically.

Behavioral changes in adolescent and adult male dogs are quite common. This can be due to many external factors such as stress, change of environment, a new owner, the presence of other animals and so on.

But some internal factors, such as B. a raging testosterone level, influence the behavior of the male dog the most.

If you think your young male has started to be nervous, stubborn or even aggressive, the first thing to think about is mating season.

Hopefully this article will help you spot the signs that a male dog is looking to mate. It is very important – especially for first-time owners – to know when and why sudden behavioral changes occur in your dog.

In the end, you can connect the dots and find out if he’s actually just looking for a bitch. After all, we all go a little crazy when we’re in love!

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Dogs are a bit like potato chips – it can be really hard to only have one! Adding a second dog to the family can be a joy. That’s twice as much fun, but also twice as much work. There are some unique challenges and common mistakes that come with adding a second dog to your home. Here are some tips to make sure you don’t make them!

Second Canine Syndrome

There is a phrase in Dogdom called “Second Dog Syndrome”. This describes the process of bringing another dog into the house quite well, but not necessarily in a positive light. As humans, we need to forget all the time and effort it takes to properly raise a puppy. All too often a second dog comes into the household and the expectation is that he will behave in exactly the same way as the existing dog in the house, so he is often given the same freedom right away. The truth is that every new dog is a completely blank slate. If you think they can match your existing dog in terms of understanding, you will experience a lot of frustration later on.

This new puppy will come without the experience your other dog had. Don’t get caught expecting the new puppy to be perfect. Remember all the work you put into your other dog – the new puppy will take as much time, effort and persistence as he grows.

one-on-one time

This is difficult as it’s usually very rewarding to watch your new puppy and older dog hang out and enjoy their time together, but when bringing a new puppy home it’s important that he doesn’t spend his entire time with you spends with the older dog . It’s far too easy for dogs to bond with one another, and allowing them to spend all of their time together takes people out of the equation. Eventually, the bond could be so dangerously close that the puppy has a hard time functioning in normal life without the older dog’s presence.

Make sure you plan to separate the puppy and older dog most of the time. This gives the new pup a chance to bond with the people around the house and it also gives the new pup exercise time. Puppies have limited energy in the early days, so giving them quality time over quantity time is a key tactic. If I have a kid at home, I’ll bring them out if I can give them 100% of my focus. I use this time to bond, exercise, play with them, etc. By the time I’ve spent 20 minutes to 1/2 hour with the pup, they’re usually ready for another nap.

While you’re spending this time with the puppy, it’s always nice to do something special for the older dog. Maybe a Kong stuffed with his favorite things, or a bone he only gets if you spend quality time with the pup. That way, you’re less likely to see frustration in the older dog, who will likely want to be part of the fun.

While you plan individual time with the puppy, you should also plan some individual time for the older dog. You will continue to want to maintain a relationship with them. Plan something fun with the older dog – whether it’s a group class, individual walks or trick training sessions, it’s always good to keep your bond with your older dog strong as well.

Don’t expose your other dog

Often people expect their dogs to be overly tolerant of a puppy, and they allow the puppy to constantly molest the older dog. This is a dangerous scene. Most senior dogs are tolerant to some degree, but they all have their limitations. Don’t let the puppy push your adult dog to this point. People often see the pup being pushy and either want the older dog to be more tolerant or expect the older dog to put the pup in his place. Wanting the older dog to discipline your pup is not a good tactic. Discipline, when necessary, should come from the people in the household. Don’t feed the frustration and resentment that builds up in your senior dog. Stand up for the adult dog, not just the puppy. Remember that her life has changed too.

Supervise consistently and intervene often when giving the dogs time for each other. Make sure you check your older dog’s comfort level, especially if the puppy nips or likes to hop and bark at the older dog. A good way to do this is to remove the puppy and see what the older dog is doing. If the older dog keeps trying to interact with the puppy, great – he’s still enjoying the puppy. If they don’t look for the pup when you remove them, they won’t enjoy the interaction. Get in early – don’t wait until they’ve reached their limits.

Bringing another dog into the home is a wonderful experience – with a few management tips and some sweat capital, he’ll fit in nicely!

As always, have fun training!

Mother dogs nurture and care for their young and certainly recognize their own puppies. This is evident in the fact that they will reject litters they did not give birth to, while carefully nurturing and caring for their own. But what about father dogs? Do male dogs recognize their own puppies? Male dogs don’t seem to recognize their own puppies, but it’s difficult to make a definitive statement as to whether they do. Male dogs treat puppies differently than adult dogs, but it’s hard to determine if this is a simple recognition that they’re babies or if they know they belong with them.

Do father dogs have paternal instincts?

It is generally accepted that male dogs do not recognize their own puppies and lack paternal instincts. Her paternal instincts are generalized rather than specific to her own litters.

Dogs recognize puppies as immature pack members and treat them differently than adult dogs. Even male dogs can be protective of puppies, but this behavior is not specific to puppies they fathered. While wild dogs, like wolves, exhibit paternalistic behaviors, domestic dogs do not. This is likely the result of decades of human interference in the life and breeding of dogs.

Because humans have actively interfered in the processes of breeding dogs and raising puppies, male dogs are not kept for giving birth and raising puppies. They are not required to provide shelter or hunt for food. They are also not needed to teach puppies their role within the pack hierarchy. These jobs are done by human owners.

Because male dogs are not actively integrated into their families after breeding, some male dogs may behave roughly or aggressively toward their puppies. Others naturally accept puppies into their pack. There is no way of knowing how a male will react to his litter, so it’s best to introduce a father dog carefully.

How do father dogs react to their puppies?

Every male is different from his puppies. Reactions range from affectionate to aggressive, which is why it’s important to be cautious when first meeting them. There are several traits father dogs exhibit when they first meet their puppies:

jealousy

Some dogs react with jealousy to new puppies because of the attention they get from their owners. The mother is also often showered with more affection (after all, she has just given birth or is actively breastfeeding). This can lead to direct or indirect aggression from a male towards the mother and pups.

At best, jealousy shows itself as avoidance. Father dogs may simply remove themselves from the situation or avoid interacting with the puppies altogether. Be sure to give him love and attention when he’s sulking to make sure he knows he’s still a valued member of the family.

Some dogs show jealousy by physically disrupting their interactions with the puppies. This behavior can be dangerous. Even if they don’t intend to harm the puppies, they can do so by stepping on them. Mother dogs are very protective of their babies and have no problem aggressively attacking a male who gets too close.

There is also a possibility that the father dog will behave aggressively towards the puppies and attack them. An adult dog can easily kill or seriously injure puppies.

indifference

Without paternal instincts to draw them to their puppies, many father dogs are simply indifferent to them. They ignore them or have no interest in interacting with them at all. While this seems a little cruel to us, it is the most common reaction for father dogs and one that doesn’t put the puppies at risk.

affection

While not common, some father dogs respond affectionately to their puppies and help with their care. You can cuddle your puppies, brush them, or even gently carry them around in your mouth. Owners who have experienced this behavior often take it as evidence that father dogs recognize their puppies, but it’s not necessarily true.

Dogs that are naturally more affectionate and affectionate may simply recognize the puppies’ vulnerabilities and act accordingly. Instead of a parental instinct, it’s usually the result of an empathetic dog.

Should father dogs be kept away from puppies?

A good rule of thumb is to keep male dogs away from their litters for the first 20 days. This is because the pups are extremely vulnerable during this time and there is no way of knowing how the male will react.

After 20 days it is beneficial to allow the puppies to interact for socialization purposes. Make sure the first few visits are supervised to ensure the father is showing friendly demeanor and not showing reluctance or aggression towards the puppies.

Conclusion

Father dogs don’t recognize their puppies. It is possible that they are loving and empathetic towards the puppies, but that is not due to paternal instincts. Father dogs have a wide range of reactions to small puppies. This is normal, but for this reason male dogs should be introduced to puppies with care and supervision.

Selected image source: kinga_fabik, Pixabay

If you have an intact male and female dog and don’t want puppies, or if your intact dog is around another dog, consider preventing the two from mating. Females come into heat fairly early in their lives, and males typically have elevated testosterone levels, giving both the natural instinct to mate.

Mating dogs when you are not ready for the consequences can be worrying and potentially expensive if a litter of puppies is the result. If you’re not willing to shoulder the expense of new puppies or the commitment of caring for a pregnant dog, you may want to take preventive measures to ensure your dog doesn’t mate.

How can I prevent my dogs from mating?

Mating is an instinct for most animals. If you have two intact dogs of the opposite sex around each other, their natural instinct will be to mate.

The first and most important preventive measure is to have your dog spayed or spayed. This is a simple procedure that your veterinarian can perform in their office. Some female dogs will come into heat before they can be spayed, or some female dogs may come into heat before you can even schedule your spay appointment. In these cases, keep your bitch away from male dogs.

Once your female dog is spayed or your male male is neutered, unwanted pregnancies will be prevented and their hormone levels will drop, making them less interested in mating.

How do I keep my male dog away from my female dog who is in heat?

One of the best ways to prevent your dogs from mating is to keep the two dogs separate. However, since your bitch is most fertile before you actually realize she’s in heat, you must work to prevent breeding before you realize your bitch is fertile and goes through her season. If you choose not to spay your female dog, consider keeping her away from other dogs that you may find at pet stores or dog parks. Keep a close eye on your bitch. Even if she is within the confines of your fenced yard, a bitch in heat will attract males from afar.

A male that is yet to be neutered may also need to be kept away from other males as they can be aggressive. But keeping your male dog away from an un-neutered female dog will certainly prevent mating.

Are there any products I can purchase to discourage my dogs from mating?

There are several products you can purchase to keep male dogs away from a female in heat.

Chlorophyll, found in plants, masks the smell of heat, which deters male dogs from looking for a bitch in heat. Chlorophyll is available at health food or pet stores in liquid or tablet form. Chlorophyll just masks the smell of heat, so your male dog will still want to mate since he has that natural urge. However, if you have a female dog around, he may not be attracted to her if she is taking chlorophyll to hide the fact that she is in heat.

There are also sprays you can buy at local pet food stores to discourage dogs from mating with each other. Some people put their dogs in dog diapers or pants to prevent the two from getting together in mating positions. While this can work temporarily, it’s not a surefire way to discourage your dogs from mating. If you choose to put your dog in pants to keep your dogs separate, make sure they are supervised as it doesn’t take much for one dog to remove another dog’s diaper.

What are the benefits of spaying/neutering my dog?

Female dogs that have been spayed have a lower risk of certain cancers and tumors, and they tend to live longer than female dogs that have not been spayed. Neutered male dogs tend to be less aggressive and usually don’t need to roam freely from the home. Preventing your dogs from mating with each other will not only provide your dogs with longer and healthier lives, but will also bring about a more balanced temperament as the hormones are balanced. Unless you want puppies, you must keep your intact dogs away from other intact dogs to prevent mating. It may take some effort to keep your dogs separate when your female dog is in heat, but separating male and female dogs is the only surefire way, aside from spaying and spaying to prevent them from bringing you a litter of puppies. Caring for a pregnant or breeding bitch can be expensive. Most pet insurance companies do not cover breeding or gestation. To prevent your dog from mating and to save on vet bills, consider purchasing pet insurance. Many pet health insurance providers offer wellness add-ons that cover the cost of spaying/neutering. Compare pet health insurance plans to find the right match for your pooch.

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You have a sweet new playful puppy. You have envisioned your older dog greeting the puppy and frolicking with it and tugging at toys.

And you picture the two of them snuggling up sweetly on the floor.

But instead, reality strikes. Your older dog wants nothing to do with the newcomer. In fact, he’s pretty rough with the little guy.

What to do?

It is important how you introduce them and let them live together. Be patient and go slowly.

Some adult dogs do better with puppies than others.

Things to consider before getting a puppy

i love puppies But not all adult dogs want a puppy to live with them — even if they’re friendly to puppies outside of the home. Consider the following before getting your new puppy:

1. Does your older dog generally like puppies?

If your older dog has been properly socialized with puppies in the past and enjoys socializing with them, there is a better chance that you will be able to adopt them into your home if the situation is managed properly.

If your senior dog doesn’t like puppies, it will be much more difficult to get him to accept them in your home.

2. Does your older dog have any behavioral problems?

If yes, it is better to solve them first before getting a puppy.

All problems are amplified when you have a puppy. Also, it’s not fair for any dog ​​to ignore problems.

If in doubt, seek advice from a dog behavior expert.

3. Does your senior dog have any health issues?

If an older dog has health issues that affect their vision, hearing, or mobility, getting a young puppy probably isn’t best. It may be too much for him.

Also if he has any problems that may affect his pain level, such as B. arthritis, he probably will not like playing with a young puppy.

My rescue Shih Tzu Trevor loves all dogs. But he’s about 16 now and he’s losing his sight.

I wouldn’t put him together with my off leash Aussie mix puppy Millie and expect them to play together. It wouldn’t be fair to any dog.

But I let her hit her on a leash, in harnesses, after Millie has had enough exercise to be calm.

4. Consider whether the puppy you choose is right for your older dog

For example, a St. Bernard puppy may be too much for an older Maltese.

When choosing a puppy, choose one that won’t overwhelm your older dog and that has a similar energy level.

This increases the likelihood that they will successfully live together.

It’s not impossible for the unlikely couple to get along. That usually just makes it harder.

But I had my Lhasa Apso Ralphie who is an adult to accept my aussie mix puppy Millie. It just required more management and work.

5. Has your senior dog been properly vaccinated?

Check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog has all of the necessary vaccinations before having a puppy.

What is normal behavior between the puppy and the older dog?

It is normal for an older dog to correct a puppy appropriately. The problems arise when the older dog becomes really aggressive towards the puppy.

It is very stressful for the older dog when a newcomer comes into the house.

Is your older dog aggressive towards the puppy?

If your older dog snaps at the new puppy or growls when the puppy gets boisterous, that’s normal.

The older dog tells the boy to respect him and back off like the puppy’s mother would.

The puppy should then withdraw from the correction. He should respect the older dog.

The puppy can even let out a cry. But as long as the interaction is brief and the pup isn’t hurt, it’s probably normal.

If at any time there is any doubt as to whether the interaction is normal, separate the dogs and seek professional help from an experienced positive reinforcement trainer.

One thing we’ve noticed with our older dogs and new puppies is what’s called the “puppy license.”

For some reason our older dogs let our puppies get away with more when they are small, but as they get older they lose their “puppy license” and the older dogs begin to correct their inappropriate behavior.

What can you do to be successful?

There are many ways you can help ensure that your older dog and puppy’s relationship is a success.

You should never rush into introducing yourself or allowing the older dog to guard desired items.

Also, the two should not be left alone together until you are sure they get along. And that takes time – even many months. Caution is the mother of the china box.

1. Prepare your house before the puppy arrives

Collect all chews, toys and food bowls. These are all items that your older dog may be guarding. (Please note that if your adult dog guards such items—or even you—before you get a puppy, get expert help before committing to a puppy.)

Set up a toy-free zone where both can learn to get along. First of all, you can have separate play areas with their toys for everyone so there is no conflict between them.

You want to set them up to be successful.

2. Swap fragrances

If possible, put something with the puppy’s scent in the older dog’s crate or bed so he gets used to the puppy upon arrival.

If possible, also leave something with your senior dog’s scent before he arrives with the puppy.

3. Introduce them outside of home base

It’s usually best to introduce your older dog to the puppy in a neutral place, not your home.

This will help prevent any territoriality that your older dog may be showing.

In many places it is difficult to introduce a puppy to an older dog as the puppy should not be where other unvaccinated dogs may have been.

So you could introduce them to friends or some other neutral place.

When I got my Aussie mix puppy Millie last summer, the rescue group asked us to meet her at her location. And I brought my five other dogs to meet them.

My other dogs are dog friendly and will tolerate puppies and know how to correct them appropriately. But it was still important to them to meet there.

4. Introduce yourself slowly

Let your older dog get treats if he even sees the puppy and is calm. If at any point he seems aggressive (hackles on the back of his neck, lunges, growling), end all potential interaction and seek professional help.

At your presentation you will need two handlers – one for the puppy and one for the older dog. Have one person hold the puppy on the leash and the other person hold the older dog’s leash.

Hold her on 6-foot leashes—no long leashes or flexis. Also, it’s best to have them on straps where they can’t slip out.

A tight collar on the older dog can signal to him that something is wrong.

Have them on opposite sides of the room.

After they get used to being in the same room together, move them a few feet closer and make sure the older dog is comfortable.

Depending on the dog, it may be an hour or more before they meet briefly face-to-face.

Over time, approach each other when the adult dog seems relaxed, let them meet for a few seconds if everything is going well, then separate (tell them “let’s go” when you walk away).

5. Take the dogs for a walk to get to know each other

When the puppy can walk on a leash, you can walk him alongside the older dog, with each handler being led by a different handler.

This is a great way to introduce two dogs. Keep them at least 10 feet apart. They may get closer over time depending on how the older dog reacts to the puppy.

6. Slowly incorporate them together in your home

Don’t force them to interact, play together, or pose for photos.

7. Feed them separately

To avoid food conflicts, it is best to feed them in different places.

8. Manage all interactions

Use gates between rooms to make them meet. One can be on one side of the gate and the other on the opposite side.

Get your puppy used to being in a crate so that he can go in the crate with the adult dog.

Be aware of your older dog’s body language so he doesn’t cross the line and become too rude or aggressive towards the puppy.

In the beginning and for days or weeks (depending on the dog’s reaction) I would have her met in a harness on a loose leash.

Have two handlers – one for the puppy and one for the adult dog.

Take your time and be patient.

Eventually (over days) if the first few encounters go very well, you can pull two leashes so each person can grab a leash and tell the dogs to go off and go in opposite directions before things escalate.

Be careful not to let the leashes tangle or entangle the dogs. After all, you don’t want problems or want them to be too rough on each other.

If the older dog is showing any stress, such as hackles on the back of his neck or tense body language, stop the interaction immediately.

Have one handler lure the puppy away with a toy and the other handler calls the older dog over.

Put each dog in separate areas, e.g. B. Separate rooms to settle down.

9. Don’t let the puppy bother the adult dog

Even adult dogs who enjoy the company of puppies don’t want to be constantly bothered.

Steer the puppy away from the adult dog. Use a toy to get the puppy to play away from the older dog.

10. Allow the puppy to exercise before interacting with the adult dog

Align all interactions for success. If the puppy is not too frenetic, the older dog will be more accepting.

Have the puppy exercise away from the older dog by going for a walk or play session so the puppy isn’t too energetic for the older dog.

11. Teach the puppy some commands

In order for the puppy to understand what is expected, obedience training is important.

As a basis, the puppy should learn to sit, lie down, walk on a loose leash, pay attention to you, and calm down on command.

The more the pup knows, the more likely the two dogs will get along.

It is important to teach the puppy some impulse control.

12. Have both dogs sit and reward and praise

As long as your senior dog isn’t protecting resources, give everyone a treat and praise them. Give the older dog the treat first.

13. Pay attention to the older dog first

There is less likely to be a conflict between the two if the older dog is recognized first.

14. Create positive associations with the puppy

Have two handlers. Have someone hold the puppy on a leash and walk the puppy near the older dog.

They should be at least 15 feet apart so they can see each other but not reach each other.

Pet and give positive reinforcement (treats, praise) when your senior dog is quiet.

Move the puppy closer as the older dog can handle it without getting stressed. Keep giving the older dog quality treats so he associates great things with the puppy.

When the handler with the puppy leads the puppy away from the older dog, stop giving the older dog treats.

You want the older dog to think great things — treats like chicken or hot dogs — will show up when the pup is present or approaching.

Have attachment activities. Take the puppy for a walk (a short walk) at the same time as the older dog. One handler should walk the puppy while another walks the older dog. Only walk where unvaccinated dogs have not been.

Once the puppy has had all of his vaccinations (around 16 weeks old) he will be able to walk within normal ranges.

15. Redirect your senior dog to familiar commands

Call him over and give him praise and rewards. Have him aim at your hand – touch it. Let him look at you on cue.

This will help him gain control and not focus too much on the puppy – in addition to letting him know what’s expected.

PRO TIP: It’s usually best to walk them in well-fitting harnesses rather than a collar. A tight collar can signal the older dog that something is wrong. And a collar can put too much pressure on a young puppy’s windpipe.

16. Maintain a routine

Dogs are creatures of habit. So try to maintain your adult dog’s routines that you had before the puppy arrived. A routine will also help the puppy know what to expect.

17. Pay special attention to your older dog

It’s important for your senior dog to know that they are still loved and valued by you.

Still play with him and walk with him separately. Do other activities with him that you did before the puppy arrived.

18. Slowly introduce valuable items like toys

First, they should have separate play areas with separate toys.

When you see that they get along, introduce toys that your older dog doesn’t really care about and that are safe for the pup. Or bring new toys as long as the older dog is not guarding them.

Have one handler play with the puppy and another with the adult dog.

What NOT to do

There are some things not to do when trying to introduce the puppy into your household. You don’t want to spoil their interactions or make them fail unintentionally.

Don’t force them together

It’s important not to force the puppy and older dog to be face-to-face or otherwise close to one another.

Patience and time are important for the older dog to accept the puppy.

Don’t stifle the older dog’s growl

Some things the older dog does to correct the puppy are normal. A growl and gasp to let the pup know they’ve crossed boundaries are normal.

However, if your older dog seems really aggressive to the puppy, get professional help.

Don’t let them be together until all problems are solved.

frequently asked Questions

How long does it take for a puppy and an older dog to get along?

There is no set formula for how long it will take for your dog to get along with a puppy.

It depends on the two canines.

Some adult dogs accept a puppy fairly quickly. You may have been successfully exposed to them in the past.

Although even some older dogs who like puppies can take longer for the pup to live with them in the house.

Some adult dogs will never accept a puppy no matter how well you introduce them and handle the situation.

After getting professional help to assess the situation, it is sometimes better for both dogs to move the puppy to a new home.

Some older dogs may have vision problems, arthritis, or other issues, and one puppy may be too much for them.

Is it normal for my senior dog to bite my puppy’s neck?

We see this behavior quite often between our new puppies and older dogs. It usually goes back and forth, with the older dog biting the neck, and then vice versa with the puppy biting the neck.

Luckily our older dogs are very patient with our younger puppies.

Our older dogs enjoy playing a game with the puppies that we call “bite face.” Basically cheeks, throats, napes, grabbing faces, showing teeth while making a snarling sound. It’s usually a harmless game, but it can sometimes escalate.

When game escalates in our home, our older dogs sometimes make a yapping noise and sometimes correct the pup by pinching.

However, always keep a close eye on when your puppy and older dogs are playing a rough game like a snappy face. You want to make sure you’re there in case you need to regulate the game.

How do I stop my puppy from biting my other dog?

Here are some things we do to control our puppies and keep them from biting our older dogs:

Exercise your pup’s body and brain – a tired pup is a good pup. Teach Your Puppy Bite Inhibition Redirect the puppy’s biting to your puppy’s favorite chew toy—one of our favorite methods. We’re happy to switch to our favorite chew item: Bully Sticks. Distract your pup by giving him a command – use a command your pup is very familiar with. “Name” is a good name and make sure you have a quality treat ready. Use Bitter Apple Spray – often used to discourage biting and chewing on one’s fur. This can also be used to discourage another dog from biting. Check the product and make sure it won’t irritate your dog’s skin before using it. Give your pup (and your dog) a break — separating your two canines gives your pup a chance to calm down and play with your older dog more respectfully.

I always considered my first two dogs, Stetson and Linus, to be the best puppy breeders in the house as they taught the younger puppies the rules of the house. They would howl at the right times and sometimes make corrections with a quick nip on a pup’s butt.

Now that we have two looser dogs (Raven and Elsa) I often have to intervene using some of the methods above.

Conclusion

An older dog can often live well with a new puppy.

They can even become best friends.

But it will take a lot of time, patience and management to bring them to success.

And you? Did you bring home a puppy for your senior dog? How did it go?

Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

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UPDATE: This post was originally published on May 29, 2021. We regularly update blog posts with new experiences and information to keep them as relevant as possible.

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Home – Resources – Dogs – Introducing dogs to dogs

Introducing dogs to dogs

Many people don’t give two dogs time to get used to each other properly before deciding that having two dogs just isn’t working. It can take up to a month for an old dog and a new dog to really settle in and accept each other’s position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you must be willing to engage in the process and not panic. Below is information to help you decide if this step is right for you, and if so, how to make it a success. Often the old dog and the new dog will really enjoy each other after an adjustment period. You’d be surprised how two dogs who really seem to dislike each other can become best friends after a short time.

Have someone else meet you in neutral territory with your current dog. Let them sniff each other, then consider taking them for a walk around the block. Watch for signs of dislike or aggression. Don’t let one or the other snap or bite after the other. After they appear to be fine, you can let them meet you off-leash. Keep in mind that many dogs get along well off leash. When a dog is on a leash they can often show aggression, which is simply an attempt to establish dominance or to protect you, the owner. Don’t immediately assume that if you see this behavior on a leash, they won’t get along. However, use caution when introducing them off-leash if a lot of aggression is being shown. It’s usually a good idea to introduce the dogs to another person and leave the leashes on and let the dogs pull them. It’s much easier to end a dog fight by grabbing a leash than by sandwiching your body between two fighting dogs.

After you’ve introduced them to neutral territory and they seem fine, you can introduce them to your home. Once inside, you could still have territorial disputes over toys, attention, etc. Remember – a dog becomes the alpha dog and you can’t help but decide which one that will be. This may evolve over time, but eventually only one will be the alpha. Do not end disputes immediately unless one or both dogs are fighting aggressively. Snapping, barking, and herding are ways dogs show dominance over others and establish alpha position. Keep one or both on the leash at first so that if you get into a fight you can stop him by pulling him away with the leashes.

Make it clear to both of you that fighting isn’t acceptable behavior (you might not even have to deal with this issue, but you never know). If you need to end a fight, give them both some time off by locking them in a crate or separate area for a few minutes. After a while you will be able to tell when one “sibling” wants to start a fight with the other and end it before it starts. Notice when one dog is staring at the other and the one being stared at becomes uncomfortable or “upset”.

Don’t leave new/old dogs alone together unless you want to keep an eye on them. Don’t take the risk of not having a dog fight while you’re away. It’s not worth a hurt or dead dog. Crate them both, or if the “old” dog is used to being free around the house, crate the “new” dog in a different room. Keep the door closed so the unwrapped dog can’t taunt it through the bars. (Yes, it happens. Dogs act like children sometimes). This can only be relaxed with a baby gate to eventually separate if behavior calls for it.

Feed them in separate areas – for example, put one dog in the laundry room off the kitchen with a baby gate and feed the other in a different part of the kitchen where they can’t see each other eating. Food is a great fight starter, especially when you have one that devours and one that pierced every bite. Once the alpha dog is established, you can help prevent spats by recognizing the alpha dog as alpha. Give the alpha dog treats first, let the alpha dog out the door first, etc. Helps keep the pack organized. You will of course be alpha over both.

Jealousy can be an issue when another dog comes into the household. Be sure to take care of both and not baby the newcomer. At some point he will fit in. The “old” dog may need reassurance that you still love him. It’s a good idea to give everyone some special attention without the other person around to try to interfere.

Do not change the sleeping arrangements for the current dog. If she sleeps on the bed with you, continue to let her, but we recommend placing the new dog in a crate in your bedroom or elsewhere if you wish. You’ll also want him to be crated until burglary recovers and is very reliable. Whatever arrangement you prefer, do it from the start. We do not recommend letting the new dog sleep in the bed right away. This could lead to a territory dispute (territory is you) and cause stress for the old bitch because her world has changed.

Working with a trainer in private lessons is ALWAYS a good way. It helps both dogs recognize you as the alpha, and it can help you identify the triggers of fights and ways to deal with them. It will also help you bond as a family and get to know each other in a solid but positive way. Training is one of the best things you can do when partnering with an animal!

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I wrote about how I feel overwhelmed with a puppy.

And then I got all these nice comments about how it gets easier and your pup doesn’t have to be perfect and whatnot.

Except… my main concern is actually my older dog, Ace!

I’m concerned that my older dog is being too aggressive with my pup when it comes to resources like his dog bed, toys, or…ME.

My adult dog is aggressive towards my new puppy

It is normal for an adult dog to correct a puppy

Don’t get me wrong, it’s perfectly normal for an older dog to correct a wild puppy. You can bet the older dog will growl or growl or even lunge if a puppy is a nuisance.

For example, a puppy will learn that it’s rude to jump on a dog’s head while it’s resting.

The older dog should not be scolded for doing so as long as it does not physically harm the puppy.

(Some puppies howl and squeak even when not hurt. I don’t respond to that.)

It is the owner’s job to guide the puppy away from the older dog

The dog owner needs to make sure the puppy is no longer a nuisance so the older dog doesn’t have to correct the puppy most of the time. Call it a team effort to set boundaries.

*If you just got a new puppy, download my free puppy training guide. Click here

Where it gets complicated… Resource Guarding

My older dog Ace is definitely showing some resource protection around his bed, toys and unfortunately me too.

This is to be expected to a certain extent. If a dog is quietly chewing on a bone, he will growl when a puppy rushes over to take it. Again, it is always the owner’s job to manage these interactions.

However, I think my older dog Ace crossed a line a few times. (And that still falls on me as an owner. Dogs are dogs.)

Older dog attacks new puppy

Should I let my older dog growl at my puppy? Well, in some cases a little growl is good, but my older dog’s aggression towards my new puppy is more than what I find acceptable.

An example was when I was sitting on the floor petting Ace and he lunged at my puppy Remy for approaching us.

Ace used teeth on Remy’s head for a second, leaving a mark (no punctures or scratches). Remy squeaked and ran away.

I should have seen this coming and blocked Remy because, let’s face it, he burst into my lap.

However, I felt that Ace’s reaction was out of line.

It has really stressed me out about how I’m going to handle future interactions between my senior dog and pup.

But on the plus side, Remy is perfectly fine. He is happy go lucky and resilient. He likes Ace and isn’t afraid of Ace in the slightest. They have positive interactions with each other every day.

Additional notes on Ace:

He has been ill for 7 months and is in some pain. He was also required to wear a cone collar that blocks his vision, hearing, and movement.

I’ve seen some minor resource protections from Ace over the years (behavioural issues rarely come “out of nowhere”.)

Since he’s been ill, Ace has shown more resource protection around my cat Beamer, so it’s not just the pup.

This will prevent your older dog from becoming aggressive towards the new puppy

Here are my recommendations for introducing dogs that will live together.

In our case, these helped make managing two dogs of different “generations” as smooth as possible. Update: Unfortunately, our older dog has since passed away, but the two dogs have learned to get along well!

1. Keep the dog introductions slow between the older dog and the new puppy.

This applies to the initial consultation, but also for the next few days and weeks. Slowly integrate them into each other’s lives. Don’t force them to play, interact, cuddle, pose for photos, etc.

The two dogs may or may not choose to interact naturally, but don’t force them to be best friends.

See my post: How to introduce your dog to a puppy.

2. Prevention. Prevention.

Pick up all dog toys, bones, kongs, food bowls, etc. Don’t give them an opportunity to fight or guard these items.

It is advisable not to sit on the floor and pet a dog if there is a risk of him being “guarded” as in my example with Ace. Use gates, crates, and lines as needed.

*If you just got a new puppy, download my free puppy training guide. Click here

3. Steer the puppy away from your older dog.

The new puppy must not bother the older dog. The older dog needs to know that you are behind him.

4. Look for positive experiences between the two dogs.

Are walks good? If possible, go for a lot of walks as a pack. Bring another adult to help.

My dog ​​Ace gets along with Remy much better when we’re outside. He’s mostly tolerant of Remy looking him in the face while we’re outside.

They can walk together, sniff the same bushes, touch noses. I use this to create positive interactions. “Yay! Such good boys! Treats for everyone!”

5. Have both dogs sit still and then give them treats.

Canine behaviorist Dr. Patricia McConnell has written an excellent post on protecting dog by dog ​​resources.

One idea she listed is to give both dogs treats for calm behavior one at a time. This assumes you don’t have tension between the dogs and there’s no danger of them fighting while they’re sitting there.

In our case it works very well. I use a spoonful of peanut butter and have both dogs sit (Remy tied up) and say their names one at a time, licking them back and forth a few times.

It teaches Remy to stay and Ace that fun things happen around Remy.

How to get your older dog to accept your puppy

1. Dogs really live in the moment.

Even if they fight or bite, they generally move on by the second. You can have many positive interactions each day.

2. Dogs adapt.

Even if two dogs have had a few bad interactions, if they are set up for success, they can move on and live together peacefully. Usually anyway. There are exceptions.

3. People need to keep going too.

Dog owners also have to rethink and rethink. Even if something bad happened, you have to keep going.

For example, I need to stay light and positive (not tense). I can’t sit there and predict Ace’s reaction or it’s going to happen. I can even provoke a reaction.

4. It’s not personal.

My older dog is aggressive towards my new pup, but Ace is in no position to “hate” Remy or be upset that I got a new dog.

These are human emotions. My dog ​​is just a dog guarding what he deems valuable and protecting his space. While we can make it complicated, it’s really quite simple.

*If you just got a new puppy, download my free puppy training guide. Click here

How long does it take for an older dog to get used to a puppy?

It just depends on the dogs. In our case, things got a lot better when our pup was about 5 months old. At that age he was big enough that I wasn’t worried my older dog would hurt him.

And at that age, my pup seemed to have more common sense and awareness of my older dog’s limitations.

My pup would still push the envelope but he understood there would be consequences like a wild growl or a snap. He knew he should “proceed with caution.”

Remy and Ace often snuggled together on the same bed

I still supervised her of course, but I wasn’t too concerned that my pup might get hurt. By this time my older dog seemed to have accepted our puppy and was quite indifferent to him as long as the puppy left him alone.

Then when my pup was about 18 months old, they even napped together in the same bed.

It wasn’t because they were good friends, it was because my older dog was sound asleep and Remy would sneak in for a cuddle. Waking up right there with Remy, Ace seemed to tolerate it as long as Remy was calm and still.

OK …

What do others have to add?

I love hearing from you! Let me know your experiences or concerns in the comments.

*If you just got a new puppy, download my free puppy training guide. Click here

Some of my favorite dog products:

Wellness Treats.

Wellness Well Bites are treats that almost all dogs are willing to work and focus on! handle bag.

Carry your treats around your waist in a handy treat pouch so you can always reward your dog for following when he comes, when called, or for watching over you. Gentle leader.

A gentle leader helps many dogs learn not to pull on the leash. Darwin’s Raw Food.

My dogs eat fresh raw food delivered to our door by Darwin’s. Get 10 pounds for only $14.95 and free shipping. No code needed.

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Lindsay Stordahl is the founder of That Mutt. She writes about dog training, dog exercise, and a healthy raw food diet.

If your dog feels that his territory is being encroached upon, or if he is afraid of another dog, he may develop an aggressive obsession with the other animal. If this happens, take preventive measures to ensure the dogs don’t fight or engage their owners in physically dangerous altercations. Behavioral training your dog, if you haven’t already done so, so he’s more likely to follow your commands and directions when around the animal or animals he’s obsessed with. Do not take an aggressively possessed dog to public forums such as dog parks or community areas where they tend to show their temper. If possible, arrange for one-on-one, closely supervised interactions with the other dog’s owner to allow for a gradual and gentle introduction.