Introducing new Puppy to Older Dog: Tips?

[Wendy300]

Hi Everyone,
I have a retriever/chow/cattle dog mix (Carmen) who is 4 1/2 years old. She has been the love of my life since we got her from a shelter 4 years ago. As a puppy she grew up playing with the neighbors dogs (males) at our old house and loved playing with them but she has fought before with other females.

Hubby and I have talked for a while about getting a puppy (he's been asking; I've been reluctant), and as of 3 days ago we have one. I am much more nervous about this than hubby is. We decided on a male dog - it's a corgi puppy (small dog).

Since the puppy came home with us, Carmen has been acting very sad and strange. We never have the two of them alone together but they've been out for a few minutes at a time together while we supervise. The first day, any time I'd call Pochi (puppy) Carmen would jealously come right to my hand and sit in front of me. I've been trying to make sure Carmen gets a lot of attention still. Today Pochi trotted playfully towards Carmen and Carmen ran from him, looked like she was going to cry, and went to sleep on the other side of the house.

I really want this to work, and I thought since its a male pup it would because she's loved playing with male dogs, although the difference is this one lives with us. I still think it can, with lots of work, but do you all have some recommendations? Have you introduced a puppy to your dog before and how did it go? Were they comfortable and playful right away together? Did your old dog get jealous? I am very patient and don't mind putting the time in, I just haven't been through this situation before. My number one concern is safety and number two is having the dogs both be happy and not jealous together.

Thanks!!

[Wendy300]

Just an update that pup and my other dog are doing okay so far, although they're not playing together (my dog just walks away from the puppy when puppy tries to chase).

And the puppy is doing very well too considering how young it is. He is very happy and smart and curious. He loves sleeping in his crate and doesn't cry at all over night. He is very rambunctious when he's awak during the day and A LOT of chewing - he tries to bite my feet and toes a lot So far when he does that I tell him no and give him a toy but he prefers my feet!

[Aramire1]

This same thing happenned when we first got our second dog. Our first was 3 when we got the new puppy and at first he pretty much ignored him and would look at me like, "really..this thing is going to live here forever."..and act super annoyed. But now...4 years later..they are BEST friends! They do everything together..you will never find one without the other! They sleep together, eat together, chase eachother around the house! When one is gone getting a haircut or at the vet the other walks around the house and looks lost..like "what did you do with my brother." It's pretty cute actually! I would say just give it some time and I'm sure they will be just fine!

[Wendy300]

Thanks Aramire, that's a very hopeful story!!

[Wendy300]

My dog and pup are best friends now So happy!! It's better than I even hoped. Woohoo!

[Aramire1]

Yay! Glad to hear it's going well!

[dgman]

there wont be a problm with the dogs. your ***** will be the boss. your dog will be the underdog. if he gets out of line the ***** will let him know. even if they fight she will win. it wont matter how big the dog is. they will be fine. it sounds like they are bonding to each other. it just too a little to be accepted into the pack. dont worry.