My 11 month old doesnt seem to like new pup

Question
My 11 month old Basset girl has been sulking since we got a new pup. The first day they got on ok but now two weeks later the baby has settled in well and seems happy but our 11 month old just seems to sulk.  We followed the breeders advice ie make fuss of the older girl and play with her as we was etc but the baby seems to be ruling the older girl.  She takes chews out of her mouth, eats her food out of her bowl.  We dont want to take the pup back but we dont want our girl to be unhappy.  The older one watches the baby everywhere she goes and she tries to hold her round her neck but the baby just bites her ears or something and makes her cry.  Please help with any ideas.

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

Sorry to hear your girl is unhappy.  It's only been 2 weeks though and as long as there haven't been any major blow outs, chances are you're going to be ok.  :)  

I don't agree with making a fuss of the established dog.  When a new puppy is brought into a home, the key is to continue treating the established dog as you were and to treat the puppy in the same manner.  Not making a crazy fuss over the puppy and ignoring the older dog.

You are responsible for this puppy's manners.  She should not be permitted to remove chews, toys or food from the other dog.  If she does this, give the item back to the older dog and give the puppy something of her own.  Make sure to use the proper verbal cues...an 'eh eh' when you're removing the item and praise when you give her something she is allowed to have.  Stopping her before she gets to take the item will be key which means supervision is a priority.  As soon as she makes a move for the older dog (when the older one has a possession) distract her and guide her towards proper behavior.  If you can't supervise, they aren't together.

As far as the physical contact (holding around the neck, etc.) let that go.  Your older girl is the best teacher the puppy can have.  Unless there is a dog fight, leave it be.  Eventually you're older dog will have enough and tell the puppy off.  That is normal and desired.  :)  Puppy teeth are sharp...no doubt.  If you've noticed that the older dog has tried to make the puppy calm down and it isn't working, go ahead and remove the puppy from the room.

The puppy is only doing what puppies do.  She is behaving completely like any other puppy would.  She wants to be with the older dog.  If every time she gets overly bothersome she is removed, she will learn.  

Many dogs are more tolerant of puppies than they would be of the same behavior from an adult dog.  Eventually, though, unless your oldest is extremely submissive, she will have enough.  When she does, she'll let the puppy know.  You may see her growl, snap and then bite.  Again...normal.  

Remember that having two dogs doesn't mean you have one giant dog.  You still have two with seperate personalities.  :)  Don't treat them as a lump of dog, treat them as individuals.  Give them each some alone time with you.  Find something that they enjoy and do that with that dog.  If your oldest likes walks, take her on her own.  You can spend some quality alone time with the pup working on obedience.  15-20 minutes a day of 'bonding' is always good.

Good luck.  I'm sure you're a bit overwhelmed and frustrated but if all goes as it usually does, this will be behind you and they'll grow to be best friends.  It just might take a while.  ;)