What is the puppy doing when Merlin snaps at her? Our older dog couldn't cope with Meadow wanting her to be a loving mum, and as puppies don't understand doggy signals until they are about 20 weeks old, she didn't pick up Jenna's message to stay away. Puppies usually squeal before they are hurt, did Merlin back off at all when she did? You might find it helpful to keep them separated for periods of time, in the early days and only put them together under very close supervision for short periods. Lots of treats and goodies in this together time might help Merlin to see the puppy in a positive light! If they can be separated by a baby gate or puppy pen that is good because they can still see one another. Merlin also needs to get used to the puppy's smell as it will be strange to him, grooming them with the same brush can help with this. It took 2 or 3 months before we could leave Jenna and Meadow together for short periods in the same room without supervision. Meadow is now 7 months, can understand all of Jenna's signals, and ignores them at her peril! Jenna has never hurt her despite the growls and snaps, and will play happily for much of the time, when Meadow really pushes it J will put her in her place. Things will get easier as the puppy grows. One of the advantages for Merlin not becoming a mum/ dad substitute is that the puppy will make her primary bond with you rather than the other dog.
Merlin and new puppy
Von
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Donna, I am very flattered, I've never been called a guru before! There are a lot of things I get wrong, too - I'm not sure that that is allowed in guru status!
I hope you enjoy the book and find it helpful, you have to interpret things a little to suit your own circumstances. Your trainer's advice is interesting if you consider it in the light of calming signals - getting Jake to sit and stay as a new dog approaches will send a very strong calming signal to the approaching dog, who is then likely to respond in a calmer manner him/herself. This in turn will help Jake to feel more confident. Then by leading Jake away after a quick greeting rather than prolonging it, and praising him for his good behaviour Jake will learn over time that you will protect him, and he doesn't need to protect himself.
Glad you were safe through the snowstorm, don't envy you the shovelling!
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Well getting to learn from your mistakes makes you a guru in my eyes 
I really want to get another puppy and hubby really does not. If I do it and I can't bring peace to the house he will be so unhappy with me. (and I won't blame him)
We got SO lucky with Jake. (aside from his social issues) he is just so easy, almost perfect. He almost never barks. He is not a biter or chewer. He keeps all his toys pretty much intact, though well loved. He sleeps good and potty trained very well. He is playful when we want him to be but willing to wait quietly when we are busy. I feel like we won the dog lottery considering we are both really cat people. My hubby does not want to mess with fate.
I feel like wow I love having a dog so much I want two!!! I just have to make sure I can make it all work.
I really want to get another puppy and hubby really does not. If I do it and I can't bring peace to the house he will be so unhappy with me. (and I won't blame him)
We got SO lucky with Jake. (aside from his social issues) he is just so easy, almost perfect. He almost never barks. He is not a biter or chewer. He keeps all his toys pretty much intact, though well loved. He sleeps good and potty trained very well. He is playful when we want him to be but willing to wait quietly when we are busy. I feel like we won the dog lottery considering we are both really cat people. My hubby does not want to mess with fate.
I feel like wow I love having a dog so much I want two!!! I just have to make sure I can make it all work.
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303 Posts
Oh Minnie Bess is so gorgeous. Sorry to hear about the problems you are having. Just hang on in there,in another few weeks you won't be able to part them. Shame about all the bad weather we are having, it makes it worse for house training and them running on the garden playing together x x
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