I just got my first long haired chi puppy (10 wks), and for...

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Question by Jenny
Submitted on 6/11/2004
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ
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I just got my first long haired chi puppy (10 wks), and for the last two weeks my older dog (9 yr pom) just hates her. I know he is jealous, but on three different occasions, he has attacked her. He has not broken skin, and I stopped him each time by yelling at him to stop. The problem is that he (pom) does not like to play, and of course my new chi puppy does, and she is still biting everything in site. He just gets fed up with her chasing him and trying to bite him that he fights with her. What should I do??? I love them both dearly, but I can't put both of them in misery. I am seriously considering getting rid of the pom to some friends of mine, but the thought breaks my heart! Any suggestions, and do you think its too soon to take drastic measures? Help!

Answer by chimama
Submitted on 6/16/2004
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You may be making it worse by trying to help. Now, I'm not there, so I'm making assumptions and doing my best to read between the lines. Has this been a problem since Day 1, or did they get along OK at first? Was the new puppy introduced to the Pom on neutral territory or was the puppy brought home and plunked into the Pom'sterritory with no warning? Have you made sure that the Pom gets at least as much attention as the puppy? What does the puppy do when the Pom tries to bite him? If the Pom doesn't break skin, and the puppy rolls over and exposes tummy, that's scary but normal,it's dominance being asserted. When you yell at the Pom to stop, he obeys you because you outrank him, but it makes it all the more necessary for the Pom to display his dominance over the puppy, keeping the cycle going and escalating it. If there are no loud yelps from the puppy and no blood, you have to stay out of it and let them work it out for themselves. Having said that, I must stress that I have not seen the behavior, it may be more serious than what I'm assuming. I do not want to be held responsible if the Pom seriously hurts the new puppy, in no way am I advocating that you allow the puppy to be injured. I really suggest that you consult someone who can actually observe the behavior, that's the only way to get good advice.

Answer by Jenny
Submitted on 6/17/2004
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Thanks for responding Chimama. The Pom acted like this from the beginning. He has only attacked her 4 times, the rest of the times he just snaps at her. I don't say anything when he snaps, just when he attacks. And yes, the puppy does roll on her back and exposes her belly. Does that mean that she does know that he outranks her? I know she is just trying to play, but she nips at him and most of the time he just tries to get away from her, but sometimes she just gets the best of him and he goes off on her. I have tried to show him just as much love and attention I did before, but he is so jealous. I must say that in the past 2 days or so he has mellowed a bit. Maybe it will just take time. The kicker of this is that I got the puppy so he would have a companion. Thanks!

Answer by chimama
Submitted on 6/17/2004
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Yup, exposing belly also exposes throat, which is a submissive gesture. Adult dogs do this also, to higher ranking dogs in a multi-dog household as well as to humans. Think of how many times you see a person's dog roll over and 'beg to have its tummy rubbed'. What it's actually doing is showing its submission to the 'pack leader'. When the Pom gets close to the end of its rope, try calling it to you for cuddles. That removes it from being irritated by the puppy and also gives it the extra attention it craves. Adult dogs will take more from a pup than they will from another adult dog, but especially if the Pom didn't get to meet the pup away from home territory first, it's going to be more annoyed than if it had some say in allowing the new puppy into its house. I'm glad to hear things may be mellowing. Take heart, the puppy will become quieter as it grows up, but you also will need to train the puppy to understand the concept of "That's Enough", which you can use to stop the puppy from annoying the Pom, licking too much, barking after you've praised it for alerting you to a perceived threat, etc. or whatever behavior you want to stop. If you've had chi's before, you know about their 'special needs'. If not, or if you want a good general reference, I suggest the book Chihuahuas for Dummies, which is the best book I have on the care and training of these adorable little creatures.

Answer by new proud owner
Submitted on 6/28/2004
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Hi Jenny, By you saying "I'm thinking of getting rid of the POM", is your answer right there. Just by you saying that, obviously means that you're probably giving the baby chi more attention because he's new and fun. Your Pom is jealous. You would be doing serious damage to your POM if you gave it away. Think about it, you said you've had him for 9 years? If anything, you should be giving the chi to an exceptional home. He will do much better adjusting since he's a baby. Your pom would be devistated without you. I know chi's are cute and loving, but because you've had the pom for nine years, and you kinda may be bored with it, doesn't mean it's right to give up pom because one or the other has to go...I hope you do the right thing. Good luck.

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Answer by Jenny
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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Things are working out better now. I guess I just panicked! Actually, I have had my pom for 3 years. We rescued him. I love him with all my heart, and realize now that I cannot give up either one of them. I actually saw him lick her the other day, so he is warming. He has probably figured out that she is not going anywhere. Thanks for the advice!

Answer by new proud owner
Submitted on 7/5/2004
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So great to hear Jenny! Have fun with them, they'll hopefully learn to love and appreciate each other.

Answer by lindsey
Submitted on 3/7/2007
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I think you should separate them for a while and have them seperate places they are aloud to go. have at least one room where they can socialize.If it does not get better make sure you have a specialist come in to help you.

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