Like Maddie's Mom said - keep some traditions for your oldest that he can do with you - without the puppy. We do the same thing with car rides. Ringo loves to go with me to pick my son up from school . . . Lucy is too young to ride without her crate. So this is something special for Ringo that he still enjoys that he gets to do - alone.
Walking them together (maybe with help at first) is a good bonding activity for them. This will help as well.
Your puppy should be spending some time in her crate and your oldest can come up and smell her; get to know her slowly. Baby steps.
I agree with the other poster that when they are together - try not to interfere too much and don't reprimand your oldest unless there is a real fight going on. Ringo would stand over top of Lucy and she would squeal - but if we left them alone - Lucy would come running back for more. (It sounded like he was ripping her throat out - he wasn't!) Don't reprimand your oldest for showing dominance over the puppy. IF it becomes more than that - then you can step in. That's a last resort.
Take your oldest for a long walk with just the two of you sometimes.
If there has been no real fighting up to now (no blood drawn only growling) - then I think things will settle down soon.
Believe me, many times I wondered if I should give the puppy back. It WILL work out but perhaps not overnite.
Takes time and patience.
Good Luck and keep us posted! |