My high-energy puppy and older dog don't get along. What can I do?

Question

Our new puppy (female) and our 3 yo male dog don't seem to get along. She's more high energy and he's on the lazy side. How can I help them get along? Pet's info: Dog | Parson Russell Terrier | 3 years and 2 months old

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

I understand! Many adult dogs aren't thrilled at first to have a new puppy in the house. You can help this by making sure that your older dog has a safe place he can go when he wants to be left alone, such as a crate or a spot on the couch - when he goes there to get away, make sure to keep the puppy from bothering him. You can also keep her on a leash if needed when she's feeling rowdy, and reward her for calm behavior around the other dog. Be ready to redirect her to some other activity if she is pestering him when he wants to be left alone - you can play with her using one of her toys, or give her a bully stick or rawhide to chew on. As she gets older and learns better social skills, she and your older dog should begin to get along better. Just be patient and consistent in the meantime, and always supervise to make sure that she isn't harassing him.

My high-energy puppy and older dog don't get along. What can I do?

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