Aggressive or Normal Socialization?

Question
Good Day Dr Connor,

We recently brought a new puppy into our home to assist in transistioning the passing of our 14 year old dog. She is a female Cocker Spaniel, fixed, seven months old. Our "middle" dog is a German Short Hair mix, male, 3 years old. He is very loveable and affectionate with those in the house and those we let in but not so much with strangers. The first night we brought the puppy home they got along great, better than I ever imagined! They played together, playfully chased one another,  and just were great in general. The second night home the older male was trying to rest and the puppy started to bark. This startled the male and when he got up the puppy chased him and that is when the older male snapped and growled at the puppy. We reprimanded the male and seperated them but the situation the remainder of the night was tenuous at best between them, the puppy wanting to play and the male not interested. It seemed to occur again this morning with the male chasing the puppy and growling - I wasn't home, this was reported by our 10 year old daughter who saw it occur. Is this just a case of the older male trying to establish dominance, is it part of the "bonding" process or is it something more? Any suggestion you have would be greatly appreciated - thank you in advance.

Brett

Answer
Do NOT reprimand the older dog for making a normal adult statement to a rambunctious puppy...you are worsening the problem.  You are giving the puppy incorrect signals regarding its rank and punishing the older dog for doing the appropriate thing.  Put the puppy on a house leash (long lightweight nylon) so you have instant control by picking up the leash.  Allow the older dog to teach the puppy what is appropriate and what is not.  Do NOT interfere unless the older dog shows serious aggression, such as viciously biting, which might occur if you keep short circuiting the normal interaction between these two.  If the puppy shows too much inappropriate behavior despite your older dog's righteous indignation, remove the puppy with the leash (NO hands on, touch is a primary reward) and make the puppy "work" for a minute or two by doing some command/obedience work.  You should be using positive reinforcement to work with this puppy anyway and the house leash will also greatly assist you in avoiding destructive puppy behaviors and house training accidents.  Within a short time, all things being equal, your puppy should have learned what is allowed by your older dog and should also have begun to learn that you are THE highest ranking of all.