How do I help my dog with his fear of other dogs - and our new puppy?
Michelle A asked:
We have had one Maltese (male) for about three years now who does not like to be near other dogs or new people - He is very playful and sociable with my husband and me, but the minute he is around another dog or new people, his mood changes. He shys away from people and will not go near other dogs. He loves little kids and will eventually go up to people as he gets to “know” them. However, the “being around other dogs” issue has not gone away at all. No matter how many times he is around other dogs (even the same ones over and over), he freaks out and does not want to have anything to do with them. Recently, we added a new puppy (a female maltese - 10 weeks) to our family to help him out with this problem. I would like him to be used to and play with other dogs. So far, this is not working. Since we got her (about 2 days ago), he will not eat or play with us like he usually does.
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We have had one Maltese (male) for about three years now who does not like to be near other dogs or new people - He is very playful and sociable with my husband and me, but the minute he is around another dog or new people, his mood changes. He shys away from people and will not go near other dogs. He loves little kids and will eventually go up to people as he gets to “know” them. However, the “being around other dogs” issue has not gone away at all. No matter how many times he is around other dogs (even the same ones over and over), he freaks out and does not want to have anything to do with them. Recently, we added a new puppy (a female maltese - 10 weeks) to our family to help him out with this problem. I would like him to be used to and play with other dogs. So far, this is not working. Since we got her (about 2 days ago), he will not eat or play with us like he usually does.
April 24th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Sometimes it takes a long time for older dogs that have been the “only dog” to warm up to toher animals. It’s good that the new puppy is small. I think it will be easier on him rather than a big dog. Eventually he’ll warm up to her.
April 25th, 2009 at 7:56 am
He probobly feels like he is being replaced. Spend more attention on him.Also bring him up to yr new dog and if he behaves give him a treat show him that the new dog is just as friendly as you. Also He might not ever fully like the new dog but he will get use to him. Believe me I had the same problem. One more thing make sure that he knows he is alpha of the new dog. And make sure the new dog knows that to. This will help with his self esteem and make him more out going
GOOD LUCK!!