If your dogs are not getting on well, with either the older dog being afraid of the younger dog or puppy or problems with one dog being territorial then it is important to make them comfortable around each other as soon as possible.  Teaching both of your dogs the ‘leave it’ command.  This will help as you will be able to give either dog the command to stop them pestering each other without chastising them.  Telling them off for over the top play can cause anxiety which can lead to aggression.

If your problems with other dogs are related to dogs outside your house hold you may find dealing with dog to dog problems is of help.

If the problem is based around your puppy or young dog being too boisterous for your older dog then you should supervise when your dogs spend time together.  When your puppy jumps at your older dog try to allow them to work it out between them.  If your older dog gives a warning bark do not tell them off for this they are simply doing the equivalent of you telling your puppy ‘no’ for doing the same to you. If things become really out of hand and you can see your older dog becoming distressed and not taking any action you can give the ‘leave it’ command and as the puppy comes away from the older dog you can reward them with a Kong Toy stuffed with food (the other dog can have one too).  If your problem is the other way around then you simply reverse the roles. This will give both dogs a positive association of being around each other and that they can be calm in each others presence.

Dogs do tend to bite and growl when they play and the roughest play to us is just fun and games to them.  My dog will happily hang off my older dogs ears and he does not bat an eyelid as he is so laid back. Then every now and then when he has had enough he will bark at her to tell her so, at which point she backs off immediately.  However, if your older dog is not as tolerant and you don’t have a chew to hand you can take your puppy or dog (whoever is being the instigator) and lead them into another room for one minute (don’t put them in a crate as you don’t want to build up a negative association with it).

Dog Appeasing Pheromones

Dog Appeasing Pheromone also known as DAP can help reduce anxiety, especially during novel situations. If your dogs are not getting on because one or both are feeling anxious or show any signs of fear it may be worth you investing in a DAP product. It is odourless to humans but will help calm dogs which can aid smooth introductions to your other pets. It is a synthetic analogue of a pheromone that whelping bitches secrete that calms the puppy shortly after birth and beyond. This product can have the same effects upon adult dogs and is used frequently to promote calm, relaxed dogs and puppies. DAP is currently available in three forms online or from your vet., which acts just like an air freshener, easily plugging into a socket and releasing a constant flow of pheromones. You can also opt for the which is handy as you can spray it on their bedding or in your car to help reduce stress. The latest innovation is a collar , they look and feel much like a flea collar, the pheromone lasts for up to four weeks in these collars and allows the dog to benefit from the calming properties of DAP when out walking and interacting with other dogs. If you are based in the UK you can purchase DAP from any veterinarian or online at petsupermarket by typing DAP into the search and scrolling down a little.