New puppy , already own an adult.

Question
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Followup

Hello

I emailed you earlier about our new puppy. Things are going well so far. The dogs have gotten used to eachother and are playing great since they know that no ones going to hurt another. The older one still of course is going to be dominant and stubborn with a few of her old ways but hey...nothing can change perfectly. But they are getting along and seem to be everywhere with eachother. Just not quite ready to share the same spot on the bed.

One question though. At what age do you think I should start training the pup? She's 9 weeks today, but I would like to know when the best time is to start with Sit, laydown and such?

Thanks so much for your time!





Question -
Hello

We just brought home a new 8 week old puppy 6 days ago. Female. Miniature Schnauzer X Bichon Shih-tzu. We already own a 4 year old Miniature Schnauzer, female as well, owned her whole life.

Things have been going "okay." My older dog is of course showing all signs of jealousy and dominance towards the pup. There have been two times when the 4 year old has snapped aggressively at the little pup frightening it to yelp.

The two of the seem to play alright though. The 4 year old crouches down in that playful gesture with the upper body down and the lower body up. They are getting slowly more and more comfortable with playing.

The 4 year old still snaps and gets jelous and angry when we give the pup affection, food, and so forth. We try and give both pups at the same time cuddles and everything good, but the older one seems so stubborn and jealous she's choosing to not want it and she growls.

How long do you think it will take for the 4 year old to get used to the pup?

What is everything that we need to do to help train the pup with love and affection, while at the same time helping our older one to get used to and accept this new one, and to also train her not to be aggressive and such?

I don't want to make any mistakes, I don't want our older one to become totally aggressive and angry towards the new pup and us because of jealosy. I want everything to work out good! I know that in some cases the older one will not love and adore the new puppy...but she can at least tolerate the puppy enough to know it's safe.

Please let me know everything that I can do to make this all completely successful!

Thank you so much!

Amy

Answer -
Hi Amy,

It seems like you are on the right track.  This situation will take time.  You are doing the right thing by trying to give them both attention.  You might also take special time just with your older dog to reassure her that she is still an important part of the family.  

Please email me in a couple of weeks, I would like to make sure that everything is still going well. And of course, if you have anymore questions or if anything takes a turn for the worse email me.


Answer
The best time to start training a puppy is as soon as you get them.  Puppies are always learning.  Training is even fun to them because just like children everything is a game.  
I am glad to hear that everythning is working out.  Please keep in touch.