How can I make Hootie feel special?

[RLC12345678]

Hubby and I recently got a lab puppy who is now 12 weeks old. Hobbs is completely obsessed with him and they just play and play and play. Hootie, on the other hand, does NOT like the new addition to our family. All she does is sit on the couch and watch Lamar and Hobbs play together. Most of me and hubby's time when we are home is spent watching Lamar like a hawk making sure he doesn't eat or tear up something. So, I'm feeling quite guilty that maybe we are ignoring Hootie. We have tried to give the yorkies more privileges that Lamar doesn't have...the yorkies are allowed on the furniture and Lamar is not and the yorkies sleep in the bed with us and Lamar sleeps in his crate. But ever since we brought Lamar home, I just get the feeling that Hootie is depressed and/or feels left out. What can I do to make her feel more special? I try to give her extra loving and lap time, but I just don't feel like that is enough. Any ideas?

[JCarlson2004]

I had something like that happen when I brought home Cali. It took some time before Codie finally warmed up to her but now they're totally inseperable. I use to take Codie with me to run errands and give her some special mommy only time. I would even take him by himself for a walk or take him shopping with me. I think he helped show him that I love him and the new puppy hasn't taken his place in my heart. Good luck girly. I'm sure little Hootie will come around -- she just needs some special time with her mommy.

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

I had something like that happen when I brought home Cali. It took some time before Codie finally warmed up to her but now they're totally inseperable. I use to take Codie with me to run errands and give her some special mommy only time. I would even take him by himself for a walk or take him shopping with me. I think he helped show him that I love him and the new puppy hasn't taken his place in my heart. Good luck girly. I'm sure little Hootie will come around -- she just needs some special time with her mommy.

Thanks so much, Jen!!!! Hobbs had a hard time adjusting to Hootie when we brought her home but for some reason he has totally taken to Lamar. Hobbs is literally OBSESSED with him! It's quite hilarious. I guess I just have to remember that Hobbs did learn to accept Hootie and that Hootie will probably eventually do the same with Lamar. Thanks so much for the encouragement.

[JCarlson2004]

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

Thanks so much, Jen!!!! Hobbs had a hard time adjusting to Hootie when we brought her home but for some reason he has totally taken to Lamar. Hobbs is literally OBSESSED with him! It's quite hilarious. I guess I just have to remember that Hobbs did learn to accept Hootie and that Hootie will probably eventually do the same with Lamar. Thanks so much for the encouragement.

I just know everything will work out. I found it best not to push Codie into accepting Cali faster. I let him come around on his own. He really did not like her in the beginning ... he would snap at her if she tried to snuggle up next to him and growl at her when she would try to play with him. But now he's soooooo protective of her and he's ALWAYS cleaning her and kissing her. It was worth the wait.

Hootie could be a little jealous that Hobbs is best buddies with Lamar because before Hobbs was HER bubby, her only buddy. Give her some time ... I know she'll come around. She just needs some lovin' from mommy away from Hobbs and Lamar. Can you walk Lamar yet or is he still too young? If you can, walking them together would be great too! It would help Hootie see that Lamar is now part of the pack.

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

I just know everything will work out. I found it best not to push Codie into accepting Cali faster. I let him come around on his own. He really did not like her in the beginning ... he would snap at her if she tried to snuggle up next to him and growl at her when she would try to play with him. But now he's soooooo protective of her and he's ALWAYS cleaning her and kissing her. It was worth the wait.

Hootie could be a little jealous that Hobbs is best buddies with Lamar because before Hobbs was HER bubby, her only buddy. Give her some time ... I know she'll come around. She just needs some lovin' from mommy away from Hobbs and Lamar. Can you walk Lamar yet or is he still too young? If you can, walking them together would be great too! It would help Hootie see that Lamar is now part of the pack.

Hubby and I have been taking all three to the park every afternoon and walking them and I can really tell that it DOES help to establish a pack order. I think alot of it stems from the fact that Hootie is smaller than Hobbs and really does not know how to handle a 30lb black monster running towards her trying to play. I think she just doesn't know how to play with him or handle him. But, you are right....she will come around, especially as Lamar gets older and calms down. I'll keep you updated!!!!!!!!

[Tiger's Mom]

NO wonder I haven't seen you much on YT . . have been too busy taking care of the newest member of the family

Some are just friendlier so give Hootie some time. She probably is thinking this ain't permanent but when she eventually realizes that it is, I am sure she will warm up at Lamar. But yes, give Hootie tons of one of one although you have to be careful as she might think it is a permanent deal

Congratulations

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by Tiger's Mom

NO wonder I haven't seen you much on YT . . have been too busy taking care of the newest member of the family

Some are just friendlier so give Hootie some time. She probably is thinking this ain't permanent but when she eventually realizes that it is, I am sure she will warm up at Lamar. But yes, give Hootie tons of one of one although you have to be careful as she might think it is a permanent deal

Congratulations

Thank you SOOOO much Des! So, you noticed I haven't been around much, huh? Geez....I never comprehended how much work a lab puppy could be! A handful is an understatement, that's for sure! But I know all of our hardwork here in the beginning will really pay off in the end.

[vainchick5]

Awwww cutie patootie Hootie She probably feels a combination of things, one being that this other dog took away her play buddy, is taking over HER play time, and secondly that this dog is bigger and she doesn't even know how to play. Have you tried maybe having hubby take Hobbs out for a while, and let Hootie and Lamar bond a bit or at the least play with each other. Maybe she's afraid to try playing with Lamar cause him and hobbs are always playing. But if you give her some alone time with Lamar, she might realize he's an ok kid Poor Hootie, give her kisses for me Give the other two babies kisses too but keep that on the down low

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by vainchick5

Awwww cutie patootie Hootie She probably feels a combination of things, one being that this other dog took away her play buddy, is taking over HER play time, and secondly that this dog is bigger and she doesn't even know how to play. Have you tried maybe having hubby take Hobbs out for a while, and let Hootie and Lamar bond a bit or at the least play with each other. Maybe she's afraid to try playing with Lamar cause him and hobbs are always playing. But if you give her some alone time with Lamar, she might realize he's an ok kid Poor Hootie, give her kisses for me Give the other two babies kisses too but keep that on the down low

That is a good idea...taking Hobbs out of the picture for a few minutes! Thanks, Nobella!!!!!! Hootie will sometimes get on the floor and try to play, but she really doesn't know how to play with a dog that big. Sometimes I'm scared she'll get hurt bc Lamar definately thinks he's a yorkie and doesn't realize his size or strength. But Lamar is starting puppy training class on Monday, so maybe I'll be able to get some tips from the trainers there on how to teach Lamar that he is big and that he has to be gentle with Hootie.

And give your little bitty princess, Coco, kisses from me! She's such an angel!

[vainchick5]

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

That is a good idea...taking Hobbs out of the picture for a few minutes! Thanks, Nobella!!!!!! Hootie will sometimes get on the floor and try to play, but she really doesn't know how to play with a dog that big. Sometimes I'm scared she'll get hurt bc Lamar definately thinks he's a yorkie and doesn't realize his size or strength. But Lamar is starting puppy training class on Monday, so maybe I'll be able to get some tips from the trainers there on how to teach Lamar that he is big and that he has to be gentle with Hootie.

And give your little bitty princess, Coco, kisses from me! She's such an angel!

I think that might just be it. Maybe she's not jealous of losing her play buddy, she WANTS to play she's just afraid. Some Hootie and Lamar time might help, cause then she's not trying to play with two dogs playing together, she's playing with just Lamar at first, then she will be comfortable enough to get with Lamar and Hobbs to play. I will most definitely give her kisses ONLY if you give yours belly kisses from me. PSSSTT check your email

[red98vett]

Here's my contribution to Hootie feeling special......

HOOTIE.... Here's lots of smoochies from HOOSTON

[RLC12345678]

AWWWWWWWWW! Thanks everyone! I let Hootie read all the well wishes at lunch and I gave her all the smooches that were sent and she is now feeling much better. I think I'm going to get Hootie and Lamar on the floor 2nite for some supervised playtime.

[red98vett]

You're such a good mom...

I'd love to see pictures of Lamar and I just love his name - how'd you come up with that ??

[BlondieGirl87]

Aw, poor Hootie! Jaden and Jewelina send her LOTS of kisses!! It's tough when you bring a new dog into the picture, Jaden is such a momma's boy and when I brought Jewelina home he wanted NOTHING to do with her and would even act mean when she came near his bed or toys, and this is my darling sweet boy who NEVER acted mean towards anybody!!

Adjusting is hard for everyone and sometimes it just takes time. When I was a kid we used to move around a lot and every new place we moved to I kind of felt out of place and had to re-adjust and get "comfortable" again. Maybe Hootie just needs some "adjusting" time of her own. Perhaps you could crate Lamar and Hootie in the living room or somewhere where all of you are and just let Hootie run around for a little while, then let Lamar out with her for a bit with Hobbs still in his crate and then eventually let all three of them out.

I'm sure everything will work itself out in time! Hugs to you and Hootie!

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by red98vett

You're such a good mom...

I'd love to see pictures of Lamar and I just love his name - how'd you come up with that ??

Lamar is turning out to be absolutely GORGEOUS! We bought him from a show breeder who really wanted to keep him, but she couldn't say no to my pouty face. If he stays a good boy and doesn't start marking, then we will keep him intact and our breeder said she'd show him for us. We'll see, though. I may not be able to handle having an UN-neutered male running around my house. Here's some pictures...click on them for larger viewing.

As far as the name, a really good friend of ours had a coon hound named Lamar that got shot by a hunter. We named our dog Lamar to commemorate him.