Older dog growls at new puppy. How do I get them to like each other?

Question

I just got a puppy and my older dog won't play with it or she growls at the puppy,How can I get them to like each other. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

It's very common for older dogs to not like a new puppy much at first - puppies can be rude, pushy, and overly playful for an adult dog :). You will need to give your older dog plenty of time to adjust to the pup at her own pace. Make sure she has someplace she can go to relax if she doesn't want to be bothered, and supervise them closely to make sure that the puppy isn't allowed to harass her when she doesn't want to play. It's also very normal for adult dogs to growl or snap at puppies who are being pushy and rude - this is how puppies learn manners, and your older dog should not be corrected for this. Things should improve over the next 2-3 weeks as they get used to each other. If there is no improvement in this time, or if you have concerns that your older dog may injure the puppy, then I would recommend making an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist for some hands-on guidance.

Older dog growls at new puppy. How do I get them to like each other?

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