Ensuring Health

Jealousy

Jealousy

You imagine one day how still the house is going to be when the old fellow is gone. You decide to get a puppy before the old dog leaves. When the new member of the family arrives, the old dog’s nose is going to be out joint. The jealousy may cause problems, especially if the old dog has been the only family pet. He has been the center of attention for so long, beloved and well tended, and now everybody has over the cute newcomer. Pet the old dog first before you handle the little one! When both dogs clamour for attention, pet both at the same time or neither. 

Without fear the pup plagues the old dog to play, bites his ears, jumps at him with great glee. Perhaps already out of sorts at having to share attention around the home, the old dog may resent the young one’s onslaughts and perhaps nip him to put him in his place. Jealousy is powerful in doggy relationships. 

Be very careful when introducing a new puppy to the old dog. First, keep the puppy in his cage where the oldster can sniff around him an say hello without being rushed, and meantime pet the old fellow lavishly. Feed the two separately, and watch them when they run together for the first days. Always pay particular attention to the old dog to keep him from feeling neglected and ignored. Do not permit the two to sleep together or be alone together until definite signs of friendliness are shown by the old dog. Before you know it, they’ll be the best friends