Mali bit Elsie

[Gwen]

it seems to have been over a carboard tube that Elsie was playing with. Mali went over and growled at her so Elsie laid on her back in submission but Mali growled and bit Elsie on her leg. The howl that Elsie let out is something I hope I never hear again. I can't find any bleeding. I picked her up and wrapped her in a little blanket where she fell asleep (shock no doubt). She is now back in her crate and sleeping soundly.

She's such a happy, bouncy and fearless pup I'm afraid this might have dented her confidence. I will wait to she wakes up to check her out thoroughly but she did stop crying when I wrapped her up so I don't think there is any damage done.

I have done everything possible to make Mali feel ok about having Elsie in the family, I really hoped she would accept her better than she has. :|

[Fluffy]

Awww,hopefully it,s only a few teething problems,mali has been on her own a while,now elsie has turned up,she may just be trying it on a bit,poor little baby,i,m sure the will end up best mates :077:feel sorry for mali too,bet she didn,t mean it:054:aww gwen don,t worry i,m sure everything will turn out great lots of love xxxxxxxxx

[MightyMouth]

Don't panic yet, tis early days. Kali's nose was out of joint when Lyla appeared, despite us trying to compensate for it. She went for Lyla on more than one occasion and the noise is alarming I know but I think you have to remember that the noise is rarely in proportion to the harm done when they are tiny!!. Now 15 months on we still have the occasional squabble but when Kali puts madam in her place, when she gets chomped on (instead of squealing) she runs and bounces of the furniture ^^

[Gwen]

That's reassuring, thank you. I've tried not to interfere too much when there have been grumbles because Elsie is so confident (and cheeky) she often runs rings around Mali - literally! Elsi will run up and snatch something she knows Mali wants and then run behind the sofa where Mali can't ge and go on like that for three or four laps until Mali gets bored of it.

Mili is feeling very sorry for herself just now. She ran into the garden when Elsie howled and then came in looking all over for her. She found her wrapped up in her crate fast asleep and then wandered off upstairs. I didn't smack her or shout at her, I just spoke very sternly to her because I think she was a bit shocked too. I hope you are right MM and that things will calm down eventually. The whole point of getting a second dog was so that Mali had some doggie company that she didn't have to leave behind in the park :o(

[Tanya]

Fargo and Louis have had a handful of scraps since Louis joined us 4 months ago, quiet a scary one recently :076: I think Fargo is trying to assert himself and probably also jealous of the shared attention. So I'm making sure to give Fargo plenty of love and keeping a close eye for things that could trigger it, such as chews, food etc.

It's still very early days yet with Elsie and Mali, they are very much in the settling in period still. Hope she's all ok later :078:

[terri]

take it from someone who own 9 cockers.ITS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR...
it is very early days..and both you..your older dog..and your new puppy have adjustments to make..
your older dog..has enjoyed just you for a while..so is bound to be put out of joint..so to speak..
what you could do is still have quality time with your older dog..and have one on one, play a game just the two of you..so while your new puppy is asleep..have time with just you and your older dog, so your older dog does'nt just see you putting all your time into a new puppy....puppies are fearless..and older dogs are just set in their ways..they soon work things out..you are bound to have a few tears along the way..but once a pecking order has been astablished..things will become settled ..
puppies also make asurprising amount of noise..its more likely shock....than anything else..
older dogs are more set in their ways..and some don't take kindly to a bouncy puppy in their face..
once you can get puppy out and about..things will be so much different..
a doggie mum would tell a puppy off..if it over stepped the mark..so your older dog is doing no different..its normally all handbags at dawn..and nothing more..

if puppy over steps the mark with your older dog..then let puppy cool off for a min..

be constistant with both your doggies..and i promise you ..things will work out..its just going to take time..

:075::075::075::075:

[Gwen]

Thanks everyone. I do try to make Mali feel safe and secure in her role. I allow the kids to have most to do with Elsie whilst I supervise wherever possible. I also make sure that Mali is allowed to snuggle up with me on the sofa and on the bed whilst Elsie is in her crate or bed asleep.

It look like I am possibly expecting too much too soon.

I really do appreciate your replies, I feel much less shaken by it all now x

[MightyMouth]

I felt the same the first time Lyla squealed like a stuck pig. Scooped her up and cradled her. Now (Mrs Caring :076:), I just tell her it was her own fault!

[Gwen]

Rofl

[Meerkat]

Gwen - err how long have I had Rhum ??? Blimey the first few weeks I was paranoid, but tried to let them get on with it

Now they are pains in the bum and play like they have always been together - it took a few weeks for fern to accept Rhum but it has happened :077:

I think that mali most prob got a fright too and was worried - i'm sure Mali is starting to accept her :054:

[Rats and Dogs]

Nothing more I can add to the great advice from the others, but I can understand your shock as a puppy screaming is heart rendering.:032:

I bet they will be great friends in a few weeks. :077:

[jean]

I agree with everyone. the screaming is a defense mechanism.. it ensures the older dog stops and at the same time hopefully the pup learns a lesson. that is that she isnt entitled to take what she wants off mali. mali is teaching her manners. dont fret. it sounds worse than it was,. have a wee gin xxx

[Kimberley]

I had a similar situation when I brought Breeze into the house, she was older than Coco, plus she had enough puppies in her early years and wouldn't tolerate Coco's antic's but now they are joined at the hip. The only problem I have is they want one another's toys, even though they are the same.

[Gwen]

that's all such a relief. The scream is quite horrible when it comes from such a little mite.

They seem to be back to 'normal' now, just ignoring each other half the time and testing their luck the rest of the time.