How to avoid Conflict

Question
Hello Patti,
I own a 5 year old Westie who is very much loved and I have been bought a Toy Poodle (BITCH) puppy for my 60th birthday My Westie is very posesive and I'm afraid he'll harm the new pup, can you tell me the best way to introduce the new pup to my much loved Westie without the puppy getting hurt

Answer
Hi Janet,

Ideally, and if it's at all possible, a week or so before the new puppy comes home, take your older dog to visit the new puppy. To prevent jealousy, when the two first greet, the puppy can be held by the breeder, or anyone other than you. Before you bring the puppy home, have them meet again at a park or other neutral location.

If it's not possible to introduce your Westie to the puppy at the breeding establishment, you'll have no choice but to introduce your dog and puppy at your home. This is best done in your yard, with the older dog kept initially kept on a leash so that its response can be observed without too much risk to the puppy. Normally this is unnecessary due to the fact that dogs respond differently to the body language of puppies than they do to the body language of adult dogs because the signals they observe in puppies are not threatening. However there a few occasions when an older dog hates a puppy on sight or shortly after, so it's better safe than sorry. Keep the introduction a happy event. Talk in a happy tone, and give out lots of praise and treats to your Westie. If you're going treats out to the puppy too, make sure your Westie gets his first.

When the dogs seem to be tolerating each other's presence without fearful or aggressive responses, and the investigative greeting behaviors have tapered off, you can take them inside your home.

Prepare the puppy's own personal space in your home - a crate and exercise pen - where he can escape and adjust to his new lifestyle and family. Give him a place to eat in peace, and a place where he can enjoy his toys safely. Puppies are used to sharing food with their litter mates, but an older dog may not appreciate this. Feed the dogs with separate bowls in separate areas and have a toy or toys on hand just for the new puppy.

If your puppy is being crate trained you can put him back in the crate and continue to take him out for short intervals to spend time with your other dog. Make sure the amount of time you let them spend together is increased gradually. A good rule of thumb in introducing a puppy to an older dog is to give them a month to peacefully co-exist.

Puppies usually pester adult dogs unmercifully. Before the age of four months, puppies may not recognize subtle body postures from adult dogs signaling that they've had enough. A well-socialized adult dog with a good temperament may set limits with a puppy with a warning growl or snarl. These behaviors are normal and should be allowed, it's how puppies learn. But you should monitor your adult dog to make sure a simple warning growl doesn't escalate into something more.
Your puppy shouldn't be left alone with your adult dog until you're confident the puppy isn't in any danger. Be sure to give your Westie some quiet time away from the puppy, and also some extra individual attention as well.

You can read more about introducing your adult dog to a new puppy here:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2194673_introduce-puppy-older-resident-dog.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?Puppy-Care:-Introducing-Puppy-to-an-Older-Dog&id=13490...

Best of luck (and Happy Birthday!)
-Patti