Depressed Dog

    • Bronze

    Depressed Dog

    We got a new dog in March and ever since then our older dog (she just turned 7) is acting depressed, for example she doesn't want to play.  We've even tried playing with them in separate rooms but she's not interested.  Any advice?
    • Gold Top Dog
    Try taking the older dog out for special times just like you did before you got the puppy.  If you're taking the pup to obedience, try enrolling the older dog in a class too.  Spend as much time as you can with the dogs seperately.  
    • Gold Top Dog
    Iv ehard lots of good things about puppies and older dogs but my moms dog Boudreaux was 12 when I got my first dog Myla and he was really effected by it.  His health deteriorated, he was jealous... we didnt even live with them, just came to visit.  He did not want to play anymore.  She got hit by a car and after she was gone he was fine.  We then got Kayla while living with them and he was even worse that time... and went to the Bridge soon after.  I have always felt horrible for that, it was like he was very saddened by the puppy.
     
    Then again, he had very bad arthritis and a new puppy always wanting to play can be very annoying or even painful.  If this is the case I would say keep them separate.... which we did do, but he was just not the same, he was not happy about the new dog.
     
    We did give him a ton of lovin and lots of alone time and kept her away... Ill never knw if it was related but I do know he didnt like her. 
    • Bronze
    Thanks.  Our new dog isn't a puppy (about 2 years old).  We'll keep trying.  We even tried walking them separately in addition to playing with them separately.  Both are Chow mixes and the older dog is much more aloof like a classic Chow.  Mostly she just ignores him so it's not like they are fighting all the time, and she's actually getting more attention than when she was a singleton.  She was just used to being the boss.
    • Bronze
    Thanks.  Our new dog isn't a puppy (about 2 years old).  We'll keep trying.  We even tried walking them separately in addition to playing with them separately.  Both are Chow mixes and the older dog is much more aloof like a classic Chow.  Mostly she just ignores him so it's not like they are fighting all the time, and she's actually getting more attention than when she was a singleton.  She was just used to being the boss.
    • Bronze
    Let me know
    • Puppy
    I have had it take from days to months for my other dog/dogs to accept the newest addition. When I had one older dog (8) and introduced a ;puppy it took months. The puppy kept sneaking up to him and sleeping beside him. As soon as he was aware he would get up and move - often growl. Eventually he realized she was a pretty good snuggle bunny and it was not worth the effort to move.
     
    September I took in a 5 month old drop off and my other dogs from 12, 7, 6, 4, years were so not impressed. They ended up tolerating him he was very submissive. Then last month the next drop off with papers (can you believe) Everyone loved right away, because she kept the other one occupied - they had 2 youngens to play with each other. It was a God send for us all even though we really did not need another dog. My old girl had been going down hill and I had to put her down last wednesday, but I know this was no related to the new dog.  All are inside dogs and my husband and I are retired. They get lots of attention.
     
    Make sure your older dog knows he is number one and secretley let the new dog know he is number one too!  You will all get it worked out.
     
    You old dog is not sure your heart is big enough for both of you yet. Make a big deal about him when you come home and the new dog second. IF you hand out treats or bones, Older dog gets his first - .... keep the pecking order as it should be. Your in charge and age next. I have always had good results with this. I will be thinking of you. Remember your dog tends to pick up on your feelings and emotions.
     
    My Best,
     
    Barbara
     
     

    • Bronze
    I'm so sorry about your dog.  I would be devastated.  Our older one does get alot more attention than she used to.  She's just the queen and very dominant.  Our new dog is very submissive so they should be a good match on paper.  She's just jealous.