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How do I get my 7yr old female lab/pit mix to get along with new male pitbull puppy?
Hi I have a 7 yr old lab/pit mix she is a female pepper is her name. i have recently got a male pitbull puppy who is 8 weeks old now ares is his name. My question is that pepper wants nothing to do wit ares and is very aggressive around him. He really wants to play with her but whenever he tries or gets to close her hair down her whole back goes up and her teeth show as she growls. What can i do? i show pepper more attention so she knows shes not being replaced and everything but she still acts aggressive towords the pup
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Guest 746968
on Aug 6th 2009
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in Aggression
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It is definitely a problem to correct as soon as possible. Take them for walks together, give them both treats at the same time, and remember to be calm and assertive. Do not let pepper be aggressive to ares, be very assertive in saying no and make her see that you are the boss. Any time they do get along, give them both treats. When you first got ares you should have had them both meet on neutral territory, like a park.. Good luck, hopefully you will be able to correct this prob before the male grows up! Calm and Assertive--go to Cesar Milan's website and look for more answers!
Gracie
answered on 8/6/09.
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I would keep the little one somewhat seperated. Pups tend to be very annoying.
I would of course work on getting them use to each other supervised. But, really the older dog needs her peace of mind.
So work on getting the pup through the teething portion and maybe some obedience while the adult dog transitions some to having the new member of the family. I think gradual change is better than being too fast with a little one around.
Dieta
answered on 8/6/09.
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That's not bad, nor is it in need of fixing.
Humans shower puppies with affection at a time when they need a strong leader to look up to. Pepper is giving the puppy the cold shoulder and some much needed disipline.
When our puppy, Pepper (same name!) came home, Snickers paid no attention to her except to growl or snap at her for 2 weeks. We made sure he got top dog treatment, eats first, best bed, etc. We also made it clear he may not hurt the puppy. When Pepper sees you making the pup toe the line she'll warm up.
Our dogs both have to sit and wait on mats while I make their bowls up, Snickers gets to start first, then the puppy can get her food. Pepper has always been food driven (obsessed!), so at 8 weeks old she sat and stayed on the mat so dinner would get ready sooner.
After 2 weeks Snickers invited her to play. He knocked the fuzz out of her, but she was so glad not to be ignored!
He still thinks she's a pest, but he defends her at the dog park from bigger dogs.
Pepper
answered on 8/6/09.
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