JUST GOT A SECOND PUPPY!

Question
Hi Carol,

I have a male JRT, 5 years old, neutered, his name is Jackson.  He's not your
typical JRT.  He's extremely calm and LOVES to be a "lap dog"  I just
purchased a 5 months female JRT.  She's the cutest thing, and Jackson loves
to play with her.  I have two concerns, 1. He grabs her from the neck like
a chew toy but not hard, he's gentle but like a child he gets nervous and
sometimes squeezes.  I'm afraid he might hurt her if left alone.  I do put her
in a crate to separate them and so that they can rest.  However, will his
behavior change once she gets older?  How do I teach him not to grab her by
the neck?    2. Though Jackson has been extremely good with the new puppy,
I notice a difference in his behavior.  He spends more time in his crate,
volunteers to go in it.  When called he won't respond.  He usually likes to curl
up between my legs and sleep, but he doesn't do it anymore.  What can I do
to assure him, he's my number 1 guy?

Thank you

Vivian

Answer
Congratulations on your new puppy!
Jackson is only displaying pecking order to his new little sister... Unless he is growling and purposely hurting I wouldn't worry about this display at all.
If you want him to stop completely, when he puts his mouth on her give him a nudge or poke on his shoulder and use a verbal signal like "psssh" when you do it. It will break his concentration on the puppy and send a negative signal to him to stop it. You have to be absolutely consistent when you do this, meaning EVERY time he does it you have to correct it.
Just like when a new baby comes into a home, dogs feel the same way when a new puppy comes home.  It's good that you give them time away in their crates from eachother. You need to reassure Jackson that he's still your special guy and isn't being replaced. If he won't sit on your lap, pick him up and put him on it. When you go to sleep, put him between your legs just like he always did. He is looking for reassurance from you, and by keeping things "normal" he will know nothing is going to change. Make sure you have just special time with him. Take just him out for walk. Give just him a special treat. Lavish him with attention and extra kisses and snuggles. Make sure you don't share any of his special toys or bones with the new puppy. She has to get her own. Don't give her one of his blankets or anything that is HIS. You won't have to do this forever, just until he realizes that you're not sending him away and replacing him with this new cute little one. :)
I bet they grow into best of friends.
Female dogs can go into heat anytime after the age of 6 months, if you haven't had her spayed yet, you should definitely make an appointment pretty soon.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR LITTLE FAMILY, they sound precious.