Older Dog Scared Of Puppy

Question
Hi, I recently brought home a 8 week old, 2 pound chihuahua puppy. We already have 2 120 - 130 pound golden retreivers, one is 7 years old and the other is about 2 years old, the 7 year old is generally the playful one, but bringing this puppy in, the 7 year old(Scooby) wants nothing to do with the puppy (Bella) whenever he sees her he growls and turns away, is there something we can do to make them get along?

Answer
Hello Jessica,

No. I don't think there is much you can do other then to be patient and assure Scooby that his position is not threatened.

Probably the older dog is concerned that the puppy will become your center of attention. I imagine the puppy is cute (what puppy isn't cute) and you are paying a good deal of attention to Bella. You can possibly speed up Scooby's acceptance if you are sure to feed Bella first and give her affection first.

I suspect the situation will work itself out on its own in time and you'll become one big happy family again. However, you can likely speed up the process by insuring that Scooby doesn't feel neglected due to your new family member.

Good Luck!

Sandy