new dog old dog

[barney]

I have an eight year old beagle/ fox terrier mix who has been king of the house
he is thoroughly socialized with people loves everybody. but has always been
timid around other dogs even friendly dogs and puppies he actually runs away
from them. well we recently got a beagle/rat terrier mix puppy and my dog is
totally stressed with the new addition . the pup keeps running around trying
play and the old dog runs with tail between his legs. the old dog is starting to
little agressive i believe out of fear? I keep trying to let him know that he is the
still the top dog. but i think he is pissed at me. even though my wife brought
home the dog . I keep them apart when there's no supervision. does anyone
tips? any opinions on trainers versus pet therapists for this particular problem?
my apologies for the long winded explanation. I'm competent withone dog but not with two. :eek: :confused:

[Doberluv]

Well, just be sure that the pup doesn't harrass your older dog and make sure your 8 yr. old has his own space and is not encroached on by the pup. Give them both ample attention. Since most dogs love walks, if you can take them both on a walk together, walking along side eachother often is enjoyable because that's a natural way to walk for a "pack" animal. I think in time your older dog will grow to accept the pup more. Just supervise so no one gets hurt or frustrated and remember, you're top dog, not either one of them. Make sure they both understand that it is you who makes the rules and doles out the treats, toys, dinner and anything else they want. And it is they, who are the working members of your family and they need to earn some of what they get. Give it some time and normally, they will get use to eachother and even become buddies.

[YorkieLover]

The best advise I can give you is to keep an eye on them. We have (2) 8 year old rescues who have absolutely no patience with our new puppy. They both will "air snap" anytime the new guy gets around them.. They don't want to play with him, they don't want to be bothered by him so we keep them apart. I don't think they will ever get along...