We also have an older dog, a 12 year old eskimo spitz named Sheena. She was none to pleased when Sissy came home. Sheena has never been a "normal" dog, has never played with any dog toys, does not fetch, refuses to walk on a leash and hates the car. She is also not fond of other animals. I did not try to keep them separated when Sissy came, cause I wanted them to get to know each other as much as possible.
Sissy thinks Sheena will play with her, so she jumps up at her and bites at her feet. Sheena keeps to herself most of the time, but occasionally Sissy will seek her out and Sheena starts growling and barking at Sissy. She has nipped close to her a few times also. Since Sheena is older, I just tell her to go downstairs - since Sissy will not go down the stairs and that keeps them apart. Sissy has been with us since the beginning of November, so I don't expect thigns to change.
Not a major problem since I'm home most of the time and when I am Sissy is usually on my lap or lounging in a sun spot on the floor. She wants to be where I am. Sheena stays in our bedroom, either in her dog bed or on our bed. Sissy's room is the downstairs bathroom where she is when no one is home and at night. I feel more comfortable knowing that she can't get hurt this way.
__________________  Sissy & Angel |