Introducing a new pup to an older pup
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A lot depends on where they're introduced. The best way is to do it on neutral territory (anywhere outside where Bailee won't view the newbie as an interloper on his turf) and make sure Bailee is on a leash so that the smaller puppy can sniff without getting trampled  not out of hostility but rather pure sheepdog enthusiasm.
Monitor their interaction and if either one gets too mouthy (the little one could do it too!) gently correct, no scolding. As long as their humans are calm and in charge the puppies will figure it out. |
| Lynn, I know what you're saying and it makes sense for older dogs of unknown backgrounds, but if Bailee is a temperamentally sound dog who was with his litter long enough to know proper dog etiquette, all of this is going to be a non-issue. He will instinctively know to not trample the little girl and make himself small to invite her to meet him. Just make sure he has an escape route in case he'd rather not be bothered with a puppy (though at his age I'd be surprised if that happened). And let them focus on each other. No going ga-ga over puppy and giving him reason to feel threatened (jealous)
When I first bring a puppy home I let my guys "adopt" the dog and I don't interfer but praise them for the wonderful job they're doing. Mind you, three of my bitches have had a litter so they're already puppy savvy, but even the ones who have not instinctively seem to know how to react and take the job of puppy raising very seriously. This is Liz when I brought a friend's 8 week old puppy home (she stayed with me from week 8-12): 
She was quite thrilled with herself and basically adopted the little girl, but all six of them were fine with her and all added something to her education. Sybil was more interested in showing her the finer points of agility  :
I don't correct for mouthing/nipping etc. A well-adjusted dog will know exactly when and how hard to correct the puppy for inappropriate mouthing and can really be an asset in raising her right. As humans we usually get this wrong. She is going to mouth him and he's going to tell her when enough is enough or she bites too hard and be her continuting education in the bite inhibition department and you have to love THAT. Mind you, at her age she almost certainly has some time left on her puppy license so he's apt to give her a lot of leeway in the beginning and then gradually rein her in. Now, all of this is contingent upon him being dog savvy, which I'm guessing he is. If he turns out not to have a clue then, yes, Lynn's method is the prescribed way. You should have some clue based on his other dog reaction to date. Ah, puppy breath  Hopefully he'll enjoy being a big brother of sorts. Take pictures!!!!
Kristine |
How darn cute is that pic??????  |
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