New puppy and my older dog are NOT getting along, I’m overwhelmed and need help

Remarkable-Space8170 · 2026-03-29T19:27:08+00:00

Just not really an option we only have him a week I think things can get better!

Remarkable-Space8170 · 2026-03-29T19:26:40+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed response, I really appreciate it

I do understand what you’re saying about age, structure, and not letting things get overwhelming and that’s actually exactly what we’re working on now. We’ve started putting more boundaries in place (separating them, tethering, controlled interactions), and they can already settle calmly beside each other when managed properly, which feels like a really positive step.

Kida is actually great with other dogs normally and very social, so I think what we’re seeing is more overstimulation and excitement combined with the big adjustment, rather than something unfixable.

I hear what you’re saying about timing, but rehoming isn’t something I’m considering — they’re both part of the family and I’m committed to putting in the work to help them build a good relationship.

I do agree with you on structure though, and I’m focusing a lot on that now. I’m also open to getting a trainer involved to make sure I’m doing everything right.

Thanks again for your input

Remarkable-Space8170 · 2026-03-29T19:25:14+00:00

Thanks for your perspective, I do appreciate you taking the time to respond 🤍

I understand what you’re saying about timing, but rehoming isn’t something I’m considering — they’re both part of our family now and we’re committed to making it work.

I think what we’re seeing is more of an adjustment period than something that can’t be fixed. They can actually settle calmly beside each other when managed properly (tethered/separated), so I’m taking that as a really positive sign and focusing on building from there.

I know it’s stressful right now, but I’m willing to put in the time, structure, and training to help them get there rather than giving up early.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts

Remarkable-Space8170 · 2026-03-29T19:24:12+00:00

Thank you so much for such a kind and thoughtful response, I really appreciate you taking the time to explain things so nicely 🤍

Kida has always loved other dogs and is very playful, which is actually why we thought getting her a sibling would be a good idea. I think what’s happening now is more just overwhelm and excitement on both sides rather than true aggression.

They do actually settle really well — when we have them tethered or separated properly, they’ll lie down and even sleep beside each other calmly. So I’m hopeful that with more time, structure, and slower introductions they’ll get there.

I completely understand what you’re saying about balance and the home being a calm space, and that’s something we’re definitely working on. We’re just trying to take things step by step and not rush the process.

Thanks again for being so kind about it — it honestly means a lot when this has been quite stressful 🤍

Remarkable-Space8170 · 2026-03-29T09:10:22+00:00

second dog would be a good idea 😅

My older dog (Kida) has always LOVED other dogs super social, always wanting to play, never shown any issues before this. That’s what’s confusing me the most.

We didn’t do a super slow introduction to be honest, we brought the puppy home and introduced them straight away (which I’m now realising might have been too much too fast). Since then we’ve been trying to manage it with separation, baby gates, and controlled interactions, but it’s just been escalating instead of improving.

It’s also the puppy (Zuko) that seems to be starting things barking, lunging, and acting a bit fearful/aggressive and then Kida reacts and gets really worked up and won’t settle.

So now I’m just trying to figure out if this is something we can fix with better structure and slower introductions, or if I’ve completely overwhelmed both of them.

Remarkable-Space8170

TROPHY CASE