How to help my small dog stand up to a rough-playing bigger dog?

Continue to be patient and supervise all of their interactions. As he gets older, he should stop being so rambunctious. You can also try to get out some of his extra energy by playing outside or going for a long walk or run to tire him out before he starts playing with your other dogs. I would keep toys and food separate until they learn how to interact. As they get to know each other, your older dogs will help teach the puppy boundaries.

Your worry is very valid! It is best to make sure the two are only playing together when you can directly supervise them and that puppy and your older dog are separated when you are away so that an accident can't happen - even the most well intentioned of a dog can cause an injury! If the puppy starts playing too rough, a "time out" of a few minutes for everyone to calm down can also help and teaches your puppy that too rough of play is frowned upon. Diverting with treats and toys is also a great way, so keep that up.

Below is some information to help you with the introduction process. Congratulations on your new puppy. If you do notice Tyson behaving aggressively sweperate then immediately. The most effective long term plan will be to reward Tyson when he is "gentle" with the puppy. Have that word as your command goal. Bringing a new puppy or dog into the home can be a great way to help revitalize your older dog's routine. Many owners often find that a second dog can help reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a playmate for their current dog. When introducing your new dog, taking things slow and following the below steps will best ensure the two dogs get along from the start! Provide a Personal Space Before ever bringing home your new dog, be sure to set aside a personal space for both the new dog and your old. This can include spaces such as a crate your dogs feel comfortable in, separate food and water bowls, and enough bedding for the two to each have their own spot at any time. Making sure there are multiples of prized objects can help reduce some of the competition over them and prevent a fight. Start the Introduction Behind Closed Doors Your dogs may have already met at the shelter or breeder, however starting off with a barrier between the two will help them to get to know each other without a fight. If your dogs get along great off the bat you may be able to skip this step, however if your dogs are a little nervous, placing a door, screen or baby gate between the two can help. This will allow them to get used to the sight and smell of each other without being able to cause harm. Monitor Meetings After the two dogs are used to each other through a visible gate, an introduction can begin. It is good to place leashes on each dog and keep the leashes dragging in case of an argument or if one dog becomes agitated. If at any time a fight occurs or someone becomes nervous, a leash can easily be grabbed on each dog to separate them until a later time. If they get along well, continue the session and end on a positive note. If at any time either dog becomes upset or agitated, separate the two and try again later. Don't worry if they don't get along right away, sometimes it takes a bit of time! Supervision is Key Until you are positive your dogs will get along great, make sure they are supervised when together at all times. This may also include picking up any contested toys or bones as well as monitoring the use of food or water dishes. If you do have to leave your dogs alone, it is best to separate them in different rooms or crates until you are sure they will get along well while you are away. Give Everyone Some Love! Having two dogs is a great way for your previous dog to have a new companion and to prevent boredom and increase exercise. However, each dog should also have some personal time with you without your newer (or older) dog there. Set aside time for a short training session or just some petting and grooming while your other dog is occupied with a bone or toy. Making sure each of your dogs new and old get some love will help keep your bond strong!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! They are so cute! I think basic training for both dogs is VERY important. If Bolt doesn't listen to you that is a problem and can become worse over time. I would always have him on a leash when they are playing so you can pull him off the new dog when he becomes too much. I really like the gentle leader harnesses that go on the muzzle because it give you great control of the head and eliminates pulling. In some ways the new dog will hopefully teach him when enough is enough but I would try to avoid that as he may react incorrectly and start a fight. He needs to learn proper play and pick up on the ques other dogs give that he needs to stop. I hope this helps! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9052

Unfortunately, you can't really train a dog to do that. And even the most well-trained dog can sometimes hurt another on accident. It is always best to be there to supervise dogs during play, especially if there is a big size difference, and stop the play session if the other dog is becoming aggressive or too rough.

I recommend to focus on increased exercise for the bigger pup. The more physically tired she is, the less likely she will be to bully the smaller one. I recommend at this time to have a baby gate or some other type of barrier to separate them so that the smaller one feels more secure. Work on calming the environment with pheromone sprays and classical music. Make sure to give the smaller pup exercise as well as this will act as a stress reliever. You can also try distracting both pets with peanut butter (make sure there's no xylitol) Kongs that have been in the freezer for a few hours. Lastly, if these are not breeding dogs, getting them spayed will eliminate the sex hormones and this may help calm things down a lot (although this is not the case for every dog). I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post again if you have any further questions.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since you just got the puppy you need to give Biscuit time. The puppy also needs to learn from Biscuit when enough is enough, this is an important life lesson. Energetic puppies are a lot for older dogs to handle and you are going to have to accept that Biscuit may never love the puppy but may just tolerate him. You need to intervene when the puppy is pushing too much and find other ways to use up his energy: puppy training classes, the dog park, doggie day care, other play dates with more willing dogs. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!