Ringo is the alpha dog in our house and he will let Lucy have the toys too. That way, she will leave him alone AND he might get some extra petting and attention while she is busy with the toy.
Sometimes, it's hard to tell who is alpha. Lucy leads on a walk and Ringo allows her to go inside first . . . but, I'm not sure. I think he just wants to be outside.
He can still take anything from her like a bone or food and she allows it.
I second the walking them together; that will help them bond a lot. You can sometimes facilitate their playing together a little; take turns throwing a toy for one then the other. When my older dog runs, my younger one will join in and soon they will be playing. Ringo was 4 when we brought Lucy home, too.
Your older dog might be feeling a little jealousy and this will hamper their relationship. I would be giving him a little extra attention. Feed him first; greet him first; treat him first . . . let him know he has not lost his 'status' in your house. He might lighten up a bit and relax and have some fun!
__________________  Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew |