I did the same thing - I brought Ruthie home when Oscar was about 9mths and he was doing really well with his training and actually slept in bed with me. I knew that I wasn't going to be able to put Ruthie in the bed too, so I wasn't really sure what I was going to do. BUT, in the beginning, when you first bring your new puppy home I really feel that it is important to keep your first dog's routine as unchanged as possible - in addition to paying more attention to him, giving him treats/food first, etc. I think it's important to continue to give him free run of the house, let him sleep where he's accustomed, etc. so that he doesn't feel he is being replaced or PUNISHED with the arrival of the new puppy. Does this make sense? I continued to let Oscar sleep in the bed with me, but after a week or so, he was sleeping on the floor with Ruthie in the ex-pen. I felt bad keeping Oscar up and leaving Ruthie on the floor (even though the pen is in my room and she can see me), but as they bonded more and more, Oscar seems to love sleeping with her.
You might find that an ex-pen will make things a little easier on you. In the beginning she will likely be too small to leave her unsupervised with your older puppy - I can't leave Oscar and Ruthie alone and when I do, I put Ruthie in the pen and Oscar has free run. The ex-pen has been a lifesaver for me with both dogs and I recommend it to everyone. |