Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Trending News
How much growling ok between 8yo(50lb) and 5mo(BIG puppy)?
The 8 yo (F-spayed) is the first dog I've ever had, so I really don't *know* about dogs. Had her since age 1 or 2.
A 5 month old (F) puppy who stands 6" taller than the 8yo.
Both dogs have good diposition. (8yo [Lab-Pit] is kinda shy around children ... 5mo [Belgian Ger-Sheperd] is goofy friendly LONG-TALL puppy ... young dog moved in 30, 40 days ago ... growing still, handfuls of loose skin]
The older dog growls, sometimes, at the younger but very rarely BARKS.
Never had 1 dog and never lived in a 2-dog home either. It's all new to me. I could google the question, but maybe if anyone has any advice, observations, "Dogs for Dummmies" knowledge, I'd be very grateful. or links to websites which explain dog-psychology in 2-dog interactions ...
*Some* growling is probly ok, but is there anything I should look out for?
pupppy is
I sorta stumbled into "adopting" 8yo ... she's smart and pretty well mannered and people like her almost always, tho kids tend to make her nervoous ... and now this "dog-kid" is living with us.
Cat (14yo) gets along well with them both, tho even the cat will sometimes "hiss" at the puppy
2 Answers
- Anonymous1 decade agoFavorite Answer
No some growling is not Ok. Growling leads to barking & biting. If they keep it up you can have a fight. I don't want to scare you & it is not always a problem but it is not good either.
She is upset with another dog being in her territory. Dogs are VERY territorial animals. You cannot bring a puppy into an older dog's house without some training with both dogs. Keep an eye out for lip curling and her focusing on or staring at the puppy. Same goes for the puppy. She may not know proper doggy etiquette or boundaries yet & can unwittingly set off the older dog. Any basic dog trainer can help with basic techniques.
I know it sounds a little cliche but watching the Dog whisper or some of the other dog training shows really does help. There are a few shows on Animal Planet that are good too. I LOVE "Its me or the dog" Victoria really knows a lot about dogs.
Source(s): The TV shows & my dog's trainer has really helped me understand my 1st dog. - CiaraLv 41 decade ago
The growling is the older dog putting the puppy in it's place, just like human babies, puppies have to learn manners.
As long as the growling occurs less and less over time, you are hunky dory! It means your pup is learning.
If the older dog continues to growl then your dogs will not be best friends but are not going to fight.
If it escalates to violence you need to intervene, and by violence I mean, blood shed. Not nipping or biting, like, intent to harm... If you know your first dog well enough you will know when she is serious.
