Having two Labs

Question
Dear Labman
I have a 7 yo male yellow Lab-quiet, gentle and ex carer dog.
I have inherited a 16 week old female desexed black lab. She is behaving just like a pup-playful, inquisitive, no aggression.
My question is that the adult dog wags his tail at her but shies away from her-doesnt like her licking his face or ears. On several occasions  when I let them run around together he became exhausted and began growling at her behaviour, so I have only let them be together when she is on a leash.
I am introducing them slowly together and make her sit/stop jumping on him and reward him every time he touches noses with her and it seems to be working but is taking weeks of effort.
Am I using the best approach to this or should I just let them work it out between themselves?
Thanks

Paul


Answer
What you have done is likely good.  You may relax a little.  Older dogs usually don't want much to do with sharp toothed little puppies.  I have a 12 year old Lab and a 4 month old, the third new puppy since Aster, the old Lab came to live with us over 2 years ago.  I call her Aster the grouch.  When the puppy tries to get her to play, she growls and snaps, but never really hurt any of them.  A male is even less likely to hurt a female.