The advice I was given is to intervene only when ABSOLUTELY necessary - as in don't let anyone get hurt. But puppy play can sound very dramatic.
I have a jealous, dominant Westie and he learned to accept Lucy by following a few simple steps:
1. Pay more attention to your first dog than your new puppy - for a while.
2. Do everything FIRST for your older dog so there is no jealousy during the adjustment period.
3. Supervise their interaction and limit their interaction if necessary. Use baby gates to separate them when necessary.
4. Spend time alone with each dog - walking, playing, training
5. Give each dog their own space where they can get away from one another.
6. Guarding resources (like me or toys) is not allowed and can interfere with their relationship.
7. Feed separately (for me this is necessary)
The first month was somewhat stressful . . . but now four months later, we've all learned to get along and quite happily. Sometimes Ringo is top dog and sometimes Lucy gets to be top dog. Of course, the owner should always be the top dog.
I'm sure the OP can do it too. Maltese are usually not as rough and tumble as Westie's and I don't think is going to intentionally hurt your yorkie girl. He's just a little puppy too - he's got a lot to learn yet. Show him how you want him to behave - he'll catch on.
Good Luck! |