Should I introduce a new puppy?

[Claire]

I have an 18-month-old Lhasa Apso who has always been really good with other dogs and people. We just moved into a new house a few weeks ago after living with friends for 8 months whilst the house was being built. My friends have a female Lhasa Apso and the dogs got on brilliantly. My dog has been lost without his friend since we moved so I decided to get a new puppy. Same breed. We introduced them on neutral territory before bringing them home but my dog became really stressed out and kept growling at the puppy. My dog was really sick 3 weeks ago although he is over it now and doing really well. I took the puppy back to the breeder as I didn't want to cause my dog more stress after what he has been through with the illness. Was it just bad timing (new house and recovering from meningitis)? Should I try again in a few months?

 

[spidermilk666]

I would keep trying and always make times when they see each other happy times. Don't push them too far too fast. Also remember that some older dogs are annoyed or don't like puppies. It may work out and it may not, if you keep trying and it doesn't work, I would definitely take the puppy back to the breeder. That would be best for both dogs.

 

[Cutec B]

Are you sure your dog was really over its meningitis? If so i don't think that was the cause. Maybe your dog felt it was just protecting its territory or it's just not used to little dogs. You could rescue a dog the same breed/size from the pound as long as it isn't aggressive and wont harm your dog. If you don't want a dog from the pound you could try introducing the puppy and your dog again a couple of times until they get used to each other.

Good Luck!