Alpha Dog vs. New Puppy

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Alpha Dog vs. New Puppy

Visitor Question

adright

I have a Toy Poodle that is an Alpha female and likes to asssert her authority towards other dogs, and I was thinking about getting another puppy, most likely a Shih Tzu or a Lhasa Apso? What would be the best way to introduce a puppy to an Alpha? ~~Travis

Expert Answer

Good question,

Alpha personalities insist on being the leader in all situations, and sometimes this does lead to aggression. Here's your challenge as I see it. You can't be sure ahead of time whether any new dog you bring into the house is an alpha personality or not, but a puppy will adapt to the current pack mentality and generally find its own place in the pecking order.

To introduce a new puppy to your Poodle, first remove all of the Poodle's toys, dishes, etc. so there's nothing it needs to guard. Then, hold the puppy and let your dog do some investigating, this way you can quickly pull the puppy back if your Poodle shows aggression. Also, firmly yell NO at your Poodle if it acts inappropriately. After all, you are the real Alpha in this pack. You will need to make the introduction in supervised stages, gradually giving both animals more time together. I recommend feeding them in different areas to avoid a potential fight, and to make sure the puppy receives enough food. Chances are your Poodle will come to reguard the puppy as its own, and the two will hammer out their own relationship.

As for the choice of Shih Tzu or a Lhasa, I would recommend a Shih Tzu. Lhasas are known to be a bit more aggressive, and will be a good deal larger than your Toy Poodle when fully grown. A full grown Shih Tzu is more compatible in size and temperament, and will likely be a better fit in your household.

Let us know how it works out, and thanks for your question.

Kelly

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Comments

Hi Nicole,

Yes, this does sound like something done on impulse, but you did it with the best of intentions. You'll need to make sure the large puppy does not play too rough with your little Chi once she gets used to your home. The best thing you can do is be consistent with both dogs so they can figure out where they each fit into the new pack hierarchy. I also advice obedience training for both dogs so they'll be willing to respond to your commands.

Good luck with the situation. I'm sure you can work it out if you're dedicated and determined. It's just going to take some time.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 3yr old chiuhauha maltese mix, he thinks hes biger than a great dane! we just got a new black lab/german shepard mix puppy. i think my little dog hates us, he never liked puppies and im hoping he will get over it soon. we got the new one on a whim one day at the pet store's adoptions, so we werent planning this... im not sure how to let my little one know that hes still incharge and shes not taking over his life :) also i opted to get the female thinking that she wouldnt bother him as much as another male.

thanks!

-- Contributed by: Nicole

I have a toy pomerainian who is 3 pounds. She has been the only dog in the house for almost 5 years. She has had a lot of medical issues she is very fine boned and has had a few broken legs. (One of which ended in an amputation.) My three legged dog rules the roost and is very protective when anyone in the family comes near her and something she is guarding. She is even mean to other small dogs that come over for a visit. Now I am thinking about getting a baby boy yorkie but im not sure if she would be nice to it. The yorkie is for my daughter who is moving out in about a year and is planning on takeing the yorkie with her. I want to know if this is a smart decision to introduce a baby yorkie to a domanate pom. How do you think the pom would react to a new house mate for only a year?

  • Hi Cass,

Honestly, I think it would be better for everyone concerned for your daughter to wait and get her dog once she's established in her new home. I think the Pom would likely be very hard on the Yorkie. You would also have to worry about breeding issues if at least one of the dogs isn't fixed. The Yorkie would also have to make a big adjustment from one house to another. Really, it's better to wait.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: cass

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