New Puppy Aggression

[netnurse31]

I have an 8 year old Maltese and I recently brought home a 9 week old YorkiPoo who is constantly lunging at my older dog. The Maltese is not aggressive at all but she obviously gets upset when the puppy does this. I recently began keeping the puppy on a leash when they are together so that I am able to pull her away if she becomes aggressive. I use a firm "NO" when this happens and it has gotten somewhat better. I long for the day that the 2 dogs will be able to co-exist and I won't have to worry. I keep them apart during the times that no one is home. Is there anything else I can do in order to help them get along?

[Teresa]

Congratulations on your new puppy!
First you want to troubleshoot whether this is aggression or play.

Many times play can seem aggressive to us because of how the dogs jump on each other, growl, bark, and bite. The interactions between the dogs, and the body language they display, give us information about the intentions of their actions.
Some breeds have a tendency to play more roughly than others. Maltese tend to be fairly gentle with play, while terriers (such as your YorkiPoo) can be pretty rough.

Getting familiar with dog body language and what it means will help you determine what is actually going on between your dogs. Do they ever interact with lunging? Do you ever see a play bow (dog down on front end with butt high in the air) from the puppy? Are tails up/down, wagging or not wagging?

Below is a link to a page in our Self Help section about Canine Body Language.
http://www.selfhelpdogtraining.com/D...gLanguage.html

Here is a video on Canine body language also from the self help section.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D-zKp1Lnx4


In either case, keeping a leash on the puppy can be helpful in managing their interactions. Allow your maltese to have an area that is puppy free, so that he/she doesn't have to be pestered by the new frisky puppy. Tire the puppy out prior to them interacting.

After reviewing body language and observing the interactions between your dogs, you should be able to better determine if it is play or aggression. Please post your observations and more detail about their interactions and I can help you determine the source of the behavior and proper steps to take. If you can take a short video that would be helpful too.

If it is rough play and your maltese does not like it, then try short interactions where you call the puppy and lead him / her away (with a treat) before things get too out of hand. If you practice this repeatedly with the puppy, he/she will get in the habit of keeping interactions short and looking to you for a treat. This will also give your maltese more confidence with the puppy. Gradually make the interactions longer and longer as long as they stay appropriate. Make sure to pay attention to the Maltese body language as well. Dogs will usually growl or snap at a puppy if they get out of hand. This is normal and appropriate and gives the puppy important feedback that their rough behavior won't be tolerated. Naturally, drawing blood or intense fights that need to be broken up is not normal play or interaction.

I hope this information helps!

We will be glad to help you troubleshoot this scenario with your additional details and observations.

Best,
Teresa

[netnurse31]

Thanks for your response Teresa!

We have been working with them just as you explained and it has gotten somewhat better. The puppy does go down on her front legs as you explained and it does seem like she wants to play. Every once and a while she will lunge and she will aim at her face. I certainly don't want either dog to get hurt. The Maltese does growl at her at times which is understandable. The problem is the puppy doesnt usually back off when she does this (I wish she would!) When they are interacting they both have their tails up. It seems as though neither one of them wants to be the submissive one. My bedroom is my Maltese's haven. The puppy isn't allowed in my room. When no one is home, the puppy is taken downstairs and kept in my son's apartment ( I have a mother/daughter set up in my home)., for safety. I don't trust them together without supervision but I long for the day that it is possible.

I have a friend who had great success with a training class that PetSmart offers so I enrolled the puppy in the class begins on 11/12. The class is supposed to teach basic commands such as sit, stay etc.and also provides for some socialization with other dogs. I am hoping that the puppy can learn some basic manners as a result.

[Teresa]

Puppy classes are an excellent start for all dogs. Starting obedience and socialization with other puppies around the same age is helpful.

What you are describing sounds like exuberant play on the yorkipoo's end. Lunging for the face isn't necessarily aggressive, although not appreciated by your Maltese. I think given some time these two will work things out. Keep on working with them, and you should have harmony soon enough!

Teresa