So worried about Prince

[Sue.k]

I am very worried about Prince, since Lucy's arrival he has gone really quiet and wont play with his toys. When I came down this morning he had wet the floor, this is very unusual for him. Is it normal for him to be a bit off, will it improve with time? They get along ok, there is alot of sniffing from Prince and he tried to mount Lucy yesterday, I am very worried that she will snap at him. Will they eventually sleep together or will he always be put out by her? When I am petting Prince she comes over and he just walks away, she really is bossy and wants all the attention. I am making sure to always greet Prince first, let him out the door 1st etc. Advice would be very welcome, am I doing everything right or should I be totally ignoring Lucy until Prince comes to accept her? I have them both sleeping in the utility room with a baby gate between them, when I put Lucy in she cries alot and Prince just takes a peek in at her and comes back out again. I leave the gate open during the day but she wont go and sleep on her bed she just lies on the floor in the kitchen. I really dont want Prince to be upset, I really hope this will improve with time, I badly need reassurance, I was so upset this morning when I seen he wet the floor, it is just so not like him, I am so worried about my little baby

[*Pauline*]

I'm not the best person to advise on this as I only have one dog but I see no one has responded to your post yet and you sound quite upset so I thought I'd say something.

I think you'll find lots of people here have had the same experience. He probably is a bit put out but he will get over it.

She may snap at him if he tries to mount her, but she has no other way of saying "No!". Dylan tried to mount his friend Toto and she snapped at him. She didn't bite him or anything. They have to sort these things out like dogs do.

Maybe it would be nice if they slept together but listen to what others have to say. Is prince neutered?

[Cleo's Person]

Pauline, you just beat me to the post.

Sue, again I only have one dog - but I seem to remember reading on other threads that it can take some time for dogs to become acustomed to each other. This might take some time. I think perhaps best not to reinforce new behaviour eg not to make a big fuss to Prince about the wetting etc as you don't want this becomming 'normal' attention seeking behaviour for him. I supose really you just have to try to treat them exactly the same - they're probably both wanting to be your favourite and wanting to be the one you spend most time with.

I'm sure that those who have more than one dog will be able to offer much more sage advice.

[Sue.k]

Yes, they are both desexed. I didnt make a fuss over Prince when he had wet the floor, I just let him out and cleaned it up, I wouldnt give out to him over it, I know he is just out of sorts. I just hope he gets back to his old self because he is such fun and we finally got the garden sorted so he didnt know himself with all the space to play and then Lucy arrived and as you can imagine things have changed a little for him. I know I am probably getting upset over nothing, its just he is my little baby and I dont want him to be hurt

[Charleen]

I think you just have to give it more time. You did the right thing in not making a big deal about the accident. It sounds like Prince doesn't like change. Mounting is a sign of dominence, so Prince was telling Lucy he was the boss. So keep doing what you are doing for a little while longer and I think Prince will come around.

[Lisa_T]

It does take time, and perhaps especially so when you have two adults. Treat them equally, give them individual time, and let them sort it out for themselves- within reason! But certainly at this point they should not be left alone together unsupervised or uncrated.

I can't say much more as my second dog was a puppy and that's a rather different kettle of fish, but good luck!

[Cleo's Person]

Sue, I really feel for you as undergo this difficult transition. Hopefully as they get to know each other better, and get used to being around each other, Prince will return to his usual sunny self. It sounds like you're doing all the right things, so its just a matter of time. Easy to say, I know, and not necessarily so easy while things sort themselves out. to you all.

[sarahg]

Sue, I rememeber when my partner bought Daisy home, Lady hated her she would growl and snap at her all the time, she also started weeing everywhere. After about a week they were inseprable and still are. Give them time Sue im sure they will fine. Lady also was the same when we bought Billy home, but now they all get on really well.

Sarah Xxx

[Scouty girl]

Sue,

My other dog is a Newfoundland so I might have had a little different experience. When I brought Scout home Breeze would look at me as if to say....Ok when is she going to her real home. Everytime Scout would get near her Breeze would get up and move. Scout would bite her ears, bark at her and jump on her. Although Breeze was never cross with her, you could tell she didn't aprpeciate it. There were never any squabbles. They are both females.

After about three weeks, just out of the blue, for what seemed like no reason whatsoever, Breeze just started playing with Scout and it's been that way every since.

Give Prince time. It is a very big change for him. Like bringing a new baby into the house when you already have a 3 or 4 year old. It will work out be patient. Don't let Prince see that you are anxious.

[Sue.k]

Thanks everyone, I am feeling alot better. I am not going to give up on them getting along, I know its only early days (people always tell me off for mothering Prince so much, I am very protective of him) I am sure he will come around after a few weeks, I just cried when he wouldnt play with his ball, he just seemed so fed up. I know I shouldnt stop him when he is sniffing Lucy but I am so terrified she will bite him, my partner keeps telling me that if she does snap at him he wont do it again, I know he is right but Prince is such a softie, I would hate him to get snapped at, sure he nearly looses his life when she sneezes, I know thats my fault for treating him like a baby, he does need to toughen up a little, thanks again for your support, its really helped x