Old doxie timid after new arrival

[Willem]

I am concerned about the behavior of my doxie, a five-month-old wirehaired bitch. She was very playful and outgoing little rascal with the most wonderful persomality, till I a got my second doxie three days ago, a shaded red longhair miniature, eight weeks old. She use to be alone during the day when I am at work, that one reason why I got the second one. She is now all of a sudden very timid and doesn't want to play with me anymore. I try my best to spend equal amount and quality of time with both alone and together. I try also not to scold her if she done something wrong and the new one are around. She plays with the little one, but is very withdrawn and doesn't want to play wit me as she use to. Does she only need time to adjust and is their something I could do to help her to adjust? I really want her to be her old self again.

[Boonech]

We noticed a change in Gretchen's behavior when we got Annie. I think she either jealous or simply confused about having a strange baby around. It only took a week or two and she was back to her normal behavior.

Although she did continue to teach Annie that she was Alpha dog and we allowed that, now everyone is happy and content with their place in the family.

[Penny's Aunt]

Puppies go through several shy stages. The first is often about 8 wks or so, & another around 5-6 months, & even others later, up to about 2 yrs. If she happened to fall into one of these about the same time as getting the puppy, it may have struck her as a kind of double-whammy. Just continue as you are doing, & she will probably bounce back to normal soon. And I wouldn't rule out a little jealously, either.

[Wienergal]

Willem, I had the same problem with my old dachsie, Doggerel, when I got Peaches to be "his" dog when he was 10. It sounds as if you are doing everything right, so I agree with the others who have posted: Keep doing what you're doing and see what develops. The pups are going to need some time to get used to each other.

Good luck! Please register and keep us posted on the pups' progress! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/wink.gif

[Penny's Aunt]

One other thing: dogs play rough & noisy, so don't reprimand the older dog if the pup yelps when they are playing. If Pup goes back for more, then Dog isn't really hurting her. Don't interfere or reprimand unless you see blood. Dog play is mock fighting, developing & keeping up their fighting abilities in case they are ever needed.

Dog will also be teaching Pup her manners. Cute just doesn't cut it with dogs. When she's too rowdy & obnoxious, Dog will growl or snap just like her mother would do. Don't interfere here, either.

[cl18]

Hi William
I had the same problem when I got Tyler my male mini. Kylie my female mini was very upset. She still acts like she doesn't like him at times, but when he is gone she misses him worse than anything. She is the alpha in this household. I try to show both my babies that I love them both the same. If I do for one I do for the other. It's been 8 months and things do get better.
Carolyn