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Old 06-11-2015, 09:01 PM   #3
Maximo
♥ Maximo and Teddy
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Northern Virginia
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First, I would allow them to interact only while closely supervised because of the size difference (ideally with you sitting on the floor with them). Dogs can 'play' rough during the adjustment period. I went through something similar when I brought home my second Yorkie, but he was 8 months old so we didn't have as big of a size difference.

Teddy, my younger one, is the wrestler while Max, the older one, is not aggressive. Max was a little confused by Teddy's puppy-ish ways. We had a lot of play biting of legs and backs and sometimes it would get out of hand (occasionally it still gets out of hand, usually when the boys have pent up energy).

I raised my voice only when things got dangerous, and only to get their attention, break them out of wrestling. But no yelling/anger.

I used keywords and phrases like "settle down!" and then I would make them perform a sit. Start training your puppy for general obedience, performing sits. Basic training is what helped my boys bond and learn to do constructive things together.

Having a schedule of activities also helped. They knew when to anticipate meals, brief games of fetch, and walks (which I know you can't do until your puppy is done with shots, and is ready).

I would skip using the kennel (a dog's safe place) as a time out. Instead, separate with a baby gate or xpen.

Put your older dog first, greet him first, and reassure him that he still holds his position with you.
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