I just got a new puppy (heeler mix) a few days ago, she’s 8 weeks. My current dog (also a heeler mix) is 6. I mainly got the puppy because I feel like my dog lives a very boring life. He is deathly afraid of cars so no walks for him. He doesn’t get along with other adult dogs so no dog parks or play dates (he’s only good with dogs he knows and usually puppies). He just sits around all day and barks at dogs going past my window. I introduced them slowly when I first got her, she has her crate and toy set up in my guest bedroom blocked by a gate, so he has his own space. I’ve set up ways for him to get away from her if she’s being too much. We started off great, he corrected her twice, once on food and a growl for getting in his face too much, both of which I didn’t discourage because I think older dogs are great for teaching puppies manners. But after playing with her yesterday for short spans, today he seems totally uninterested and growling at her as he runs to get away. It’s nothing too serious – yet – I am just looking for advice on how to balance giving him space to correct her without running the risk of him hurting her. Any tips on how to go forward and make sure they end up being buddies and setting them up to succeed? I should add, I don’t want to introduce treats around the two of them yet, my older dog can get food aggressive and the puppy is absolutely nuts about food right now, seems like a bad recipe but curious to know people’s thoughts.
submitted by /u/tango369
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