[CherryCola]

Well, my Mum has always wanted a Border Collie, so she's going to look at a litter on Friday. She really wants a female. I'm almost 18 and have my beautiful 15 month old GSD and I still live at home. With my Mum.. Can you see where I'm going with this?

All in all, I'm pretty excited. We have no other dogs and I feel Cherry gets a bit a lonely. She is so good with other dogs - loves them in fact. And is also very motherly

The only thing I guess I really wanted tips on is this: when you got a new puppy what did you do to make sure that your other dog didn't feel left out? I'm just a bit concerned about her and how things will change for her. Though I really do think she'd love a little 'sister'.

I guess I just want some advice on what it was like making that transition from one dog to two.

Kim and Cherry xx

 

[tibvixie101]

Hey Kim, Congrats on getting the new puppy! Baby borders are so cute, you HAVE to post pictures of her and Cherry! She is such a sweetheart, I'm sure she'll be just as welcoming to the new pup as you and your mom. Just be sure to have some one on one time with her throught the day. 15 minutes here, 30 minutes here, of just laying on the couch petting her, or going outside and playing catch, going for a nice walk, etc. Also I've heard that when doing feedings and treats that you give to Cherry first, and then to the puppy to help establish the pups role behind Cherry in your pack. I havent used this method on a new pup (we havent had any new pups since i heard this) but it sounds pretty much like common sense to me.

 

[CherryCola]

Thanks for the reply Ailyn

Well, puppy came home last night.. And she's adorable! Cherry's pretty good with her.. She just won't leave her alone - she has to follow her everywhere

So we've been seperating them every so often, to give them both a bit of space and one on one time with their mummys.

The only thing that did bother me a bit was that Cherry did growl at her this morning. I scolded her for it, but I dunno, could she maybe just have been reprimanding the puppy? Because puppy has tried to chew on her a few times

Fingers crossed things seem to settle a little.. Is it normal for Cherry to seem a little 'unrelaxed'?

 

[lcht2]

Originally Posted By: Kim_Becile


The only thing that did bother me a bit was that Cherry did growl at her this morning.

it sounds like a dominance thing...i dont know for sure becuase im not there and all u said was she growled...over what?? maybe she's just telling the little pup that even tho she is cute and fun, she is boss!!

 

[Keeyah]

Congratulations on the new pup! My golden in nearly 5 months but so I remember the few days after we got her pretty well. Diesel would not leave Willow alone just like Cherry is doing. I would call Diesel away and do something with him like training or a walk but the obbsessive following will stop soon! A pup must be sooo interesting to the dogs!

What was the pup doing when Cherry growled. Biting her? As long as their is no real tension is between them I wouldn't worry. Both dogs will need time apart from each other so the pup will bond with your mum and Cherry gets time with you. Diesel growled at Willow once because she stuck her head in his food bowl while he was eating (my fault.) Also when Willow got on the bed when Diesel was on it, they atre both banned now and are very relawed with each other now that the rules have been set.

I always feed Diesel first. Willow knows no different so doesn't care and Diesel is top dog. Does the pup have a crate? I feed my dogs on opposite sides on the room so they don't compete and can relax while eating.

I don't blame Cherry for being unrelaxed! This little ball of fluff has just taken over her toys and her attention and her people and it smells funny! It is a huge ajustment for a dog used to being an only dog in the family! She will settle down soon I'm sure and once the puppy starts to play more Cherry will be in heaven!

Good luck!

 

[CherryCola]

Thanks for the replies

They're definately getting on a lot better now - even cuddling up and sleeping together!

Cherry has growled at her over food, but she hasn't done it the past couple of days.

The only other thing that they love to do is play fight.. I stop it if it gets too rough - but I was just wondering, could it have any repurcussions? Like teaching the baby that it's okay to do that to other dogs?

 

[ThreeDogs]

I think that it's important for the pup to play with other dogs, it will teach them HOW to play. I can't let my Cyrus play with other dogs as he was never taught properly how to play and now he is very rough with other dogs (not mine)

I think its a great idea that you break it up when they get to rough. Are there any other dogs that you trust to play with the pup?

 

[Strana1]

How old is the puppy? I have a 4 month (30lbs) and an 11 month (80 lbs). They play very rough and got into it pretty seriously over a food dish so I brought them to my trainers so she could see them interact. One comment she made to me was that if you keep breaking them up they can get frustrated and it can cause problems later. She did however say that YOU decide when to start and end playtime, so they will learn that you are in charge of everything.