How to help my dog stop hiding and growling at visiting puppies?

Question

Gia has been socialized and is good with dogs but our friend has a puppy and when the puppy comes over Gia will hide under the couch or table and growl if the comes near her. The puppy has a lot of energy and licks her face which is when she growls, I discipline her but would like her to stop hiding and eventually be friendly with the other dog. Is there any tips for how to facilitate a better environment or help her grow more accustom to the puppy? Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund miniature | Female | spayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 10 lbs

Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

Firstly I don't think Gia is trying to be naughty in her reaction to this puppy, it sounds much more like it is annoying her or making her anxious, so I would be careful with punishing her. Growling is her warning the pup that she doesn't like what it is doing and to back off. You need to consider that this strange puppy that Gia doesn't know is coming into her habitat. In a sense this pup who probably has very little idea how to behave around other dogs is literally invading her territory. You have to imagine from Gia's point of view that this is a very confusing situation. First and foremost Gia should feel comfortable in her own home. I would suggest that it would be better to let these two get to know each other on neutral ground. Let them socialise outside together and get to know one another. This will remove any issues if Gia feeling threatened or defensive in her territory. When you have done this you can try bringing the pup in again, but I would be careful not to let it have free reign over the house and therefore threaten Gia's space. Keep the pup to one area and let Gia cone and go from it as she wishes. As I said be very careful with punishing her as you could confuse her greatly and cause her to have negative associations with the pup.

How to help my dog stop hiding and growling at visiting puppies?

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