While many dogs will welcome a new puppy with open paws, others may growl, snap and try to get away from the puppy from the onset. However, it is very rare for an adult dog to hurt a puppy.
Sometimes older dogs will tolerate a young pup, or “give them a puppy pass” as some people call it, but as the pup matures the older dogs tend to become less tolerant. This is commonly when you might start to see more competitive behavior, dominance or, as is the case here, out and out attacks on the youngster.
Is your older dog being aggressive to the puppy? If your older dog snaps at or growls at the new puppy when the pup becomes rambunctious, that's normal. The older dog is telling the youngster to respect him and back off, much as the puppy's mother would do.
It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.
They're territorial
The first reason an older dog might attack or not be fond of a young puppy is that they are territorial of their space. Your resident dog views your home as their turf, and therefore, the new puppy poses a threat to that—a threat that your older dog is uncomfortable with.
Don't punish the older dog for growling
That precious puppy has to learn boundaries and how to behave, and the older dog is the one to teach him. But more than this, it's wrong to punish the older dog for growling, as his behavior is completely natural.
Play fight between dogs is only natural and should be allowed. It is a good exercise for your dog, a rehearsal for adulthood, and a good practice for socialization. However, play fights can sometimes turn into a real and dangerous fight.
Final years
Older pets often become less active because there is little to interest them, but they are otherwise healthy. Adding a puppy to the household can excite a senior dog and breathe new life into them as they play and interact with the adolescent.
Not every dog likes puppies. Some dogs don't tolerate puppies at all, and may have over-the-top reactions that could harm the puppy. It's important to keep a watchful eye on the interactions, and intervene when body language and communication escalate to an unsafe level.
Bringing home a new puppy or another adult dog can trigger jealousy in your dog, and they may show signs of aggression toward the new addition. Your dog might growl at the new dog, guard your lap, or try to get in between you and your new furry family member.
And, here are some signs that the play has become too rough:
Stiff tail in a high position. Snapping and/or snarling. Showing teeth in a wide “smile” Lunging suddenly at the other dog.
When dogs push their nose up against the mouths and noses of other dogs, it's a way of showing them submission and saying that they know that the other dog is in charge. Why do this? Because it helps them to avoid fights and arguments that they're not interested in having, or know that they can't win.
They appear bonded – show closeness and repeated/continued physical contact; comfort each other, sleep together, etc. They show signs of affection such as cleaning the ears, licking the face, etc. They refuse to leave their kennel without each other.
Puppies will quickly learn what the boundaries are and when aggression isn't something to be used. Older dogs will also bite at a puppy's neck just to gently show them who is boss in the home. Play fighting and neck biting helps dogs (and younger puppies in particular) learn how to socialize with each other.
Your dog is used to being your companion, and if there are other dogs that are taking you away, they are going to act upset, jealous, and even angry. This new puppy is also on their territory, and they may feel like their life is in jeopardy. This behavior is perfectly normal.
For example, if you get a new pet and start paying it more attention than your dog, the dog will not feel betrayed in the true sense of the word. However, it may show signs of distress and disappointment because it is suddenly being treated differently or being deprived of something it is used to getting.
Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.
Many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one-to-two-years old before you add a second to the family.