Midwoof Diaries:Is your puppy picking on your older dog?
A playful puppy can bring energy and joy to a home, but when that energy turns into persistent pestering, the older dog can become stressed, withdrawn, or even aggressive. Managing puppy behavior early protects both dogs’ wellbeing and preserves household peace. This post outlines practical steps to identify the problem, stop inappropriate behavior, and promote a healthy relationship between your puppy and your senior dog.
Recognize the difference: play vs. bullying
Play signals: play bows, loose and bouncy movements, short chases with mutual role switching, relaxed faces.
Signs it’s too much: repeated one-sided chasing, lunging at sensitive areas (face, hips), constant mounting or nipping despite the older dog’s clear avoidance signals.
Older dog warning signs: turning away, tucking tail, lip lifting, growling, snapping, hiding, loss of appetite, avoidance of shared spaces, increased cortisol-like stress behaviors.
Immediate short-term steps
Separate safely and calmly
Intervene before escalation. Use a calm voice and a barrier (baby gate, crate, or leash) rather than yelling. Rapid, frantic reactions can heighten arousal.
Crate or quietly remove the puppy for a short timeout (2–5 minutes) to reduce excitement. Reinstate calm behavior before letting them rejoin.
Give the older dog a refuge
Create dog-only zones where the senior can rest undisturbed (elevated bed, gated room, or crate with a sign for family members not to bother).
Ensure the older dog has access to food and water away from the puppy to prevent resource guarding.
Redirect the puppy’s energy
Offer appropriate outlets: puzzle toys, long-lasting chews, supervised play sessions, short training games.
Teach and reward alternative behaviors like "settle," "down," or "place" so the puppy learns to relax on cue.
Training strategies to reduce pestering
Teach strong impulse control
Practice commands like "sit," "stay," and "leave it" in low-distraction settings, gradually increasing distractions until the puppy can comply in the presence of the older dog.
Use reward-based training with high-value treats for reliable responses.
Train a reliable recall and a “go to spot”
A solid "come" gives you control to separate dogs if play gets too rough.
Train a “go to spot” cue for both dogs where each can rest separately on command.
Encourage supervised, structured play
Short, supervised play sessions are best. End play while both dogs are still engaged positively.
Monitor for role reversals; if the older dog stops reciprocating, end the session and give both dogs calm time apart.
Addressing resource guarding and boundaries
Feed dogs separately and clear bowls promptly.
Put toys and high-value items away when unsupervised.
Watch for signs the older dog is guarding and intervene by removing items or distracting the puppy with an alternate high-value reward.
Handling repeated or escalating tension
Reassess exercise and mental stimulation
Excess energy often fuels annoying behaviors. Increase walks, play sessions, training, and enrichment appropriate to the puppy’s age and breed energy level.
Use management tools
Baby gates, exercise pens, and leashes let you control interactions while teaching better behavior.
A short leash on the puppy during initial interactions can prevent overwhelming approaches while you shape calm behavior.
Consult a professional
If the older dog shows serious stress, injury, or aggression, consult a veterinarian to rule out medical causes and a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist for a tailored plan.
Early behavior intervention is more effective and less stressful for everyone.
Supporting the older dog’s emotional health
Maintain routine: Keep the senior dog’s feeding, walking, and attention schedules consistent.
Provide extra positive reinforcement: Reward the older dog for relaxed behavior around the puppy (treats, petting, calm praise).
Monitor health: Stress can worsen medical conditions—keep vet appointments and watch for changes in appetite, sleep, or mobility.
Long-term tips for harmony
Socialize the puppy properly with other dogs of different ages under controlled conditions.
Promote balanced interactions: teach the puppy to respect adult dogs’ signals by practicing calm greetings and rewarding wait-and-approach behaviors.
Keep training consistent across all family members: everyone should use the same cues and rules.
When coexistence is realistic and when to separate
Some seniors will tolerate a respectful, calm youngster; others may prefer little to no interaction. Respect individual personalities.
If repeated attempts at training and management fail, consider a long-term plan with separated living spaces and carefully managed interactions
In closing, the topic explored in this article underscores both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with it. Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced participant, the key takeaways — understanding the fundamentals, weighing the benefits against the risks, and applying practical strategies — will help you make more informed decisions. Move forward with a clear plan, remain open to learning from outcomes, and adapt as conditions change. By combining thoughtful preparation with ongoing evaluation, you can maximize positive results while minimizing avoidable setbacks.
