12 Year Old Poodle/10 Week Poodle

Question
Hi, two weeks ago I purchased a 8 week toy poodle girl and currently have a 12 year old male poodle (had since 14 weeks and he is fixed).  The 12 year old male toy poodle will not inter react with the puppy.  He even bit her today, not very hard but enough for her to yelp and run away from him.  He also growls at her from time to time when she tries to play with him and he just turns his head away from her.  Any suggestions on how to get the 12 year old male to accept (only as playmates)the 10 week old girl puppy to get along would be great.  Thanks.

Answer
Hello Chris,
Sorry about your Poodle issues.  I hope I can help some.  I know that when I am in a new situation with someone, whether it be meeting a new friend or maybe that special someone, it takes time to get to know them.  I have been single for quite some time so when I meet someone for the first time I like to do it on my terms.  I perfer to go somewhere other than my home, meet and talk, then say our good-byes for then.  
Its not too unlike our dogs.  Your 12 yr old Poodle has been by himself for, well, almost 12 years and now he has to share "his" space with this tiny invader who wants to chew his toys, eat his food and get the attention of HIS person.  
You need to let him know that he is the first dog first and foremost and that you are not trying to bring in some "newness" or replace him.  Feed him first, pet him first and interact with him before the puppy.  This shows him that he is still dominate and that you respect that.  
Play with him separately and give him one-on-one time with you.  Also, feed them in separate locations and don't allow her to play with his toys or personal items.
Take them out together to a "netural" spot to see if he will interact more with her.  Away from his "things", you may see that he reacts differently to her.  Parents who adopt or foster children see the same thing in their younger children.  The biological child will react this way to the foster child because now he/she has to share his/her toys and things with this new stranger.  In time, once boundarys are estabolished, friendship is allowed to develop.  

If your dog does become aggressive, first look to see why he is being so.  Is puppy bothering him or his things?  If its an un-provoked attack then get onto him to show him that that is unacceptable to you.  If She, however is bothering him, then get on to her to let her know that she needs to respect his boundarys.  While tight now, he may expand them later.  
Give him some more time, while letting him know that she is here to stay and he needs to eventually accept her or at least know that he can't be mean to her.  Don't force an interaction or push either one on the other.  Let acceptance happen in its own time.  Also realize that he may never accept her.  Dogs are individuals and each has their different personality.

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions or issues about this, or other Poodle questions in generel, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim