Will My Dog Kill My New Puppy?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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They might get aggressive and attack if the new isn't re-directed and keeps being a pest

, but re-directing them is your job – not theirs. However, they might also get jealous and territorial when bringing the new pet home without even interacting with the puppy.

Can dogs kill other puppies?


A female dog may instinctively kill another dog's puppies

. However, it is a relatively rare occurrence triggered by hormonal responses or behavioral issues. Just in case, it is vital that a mother be given her own safe, sealed-off area in which to whelp, where other dogs cannot reach.

How do I stop my dog from attacking my new puppy?

  1. Establish safe spaces. The first thing you need to do is to separate your older dog and the new puppy, to keep them both safe. …
  2. Set boundaries. …
  3. Exercise and play. …
  4. Train them separately and together. …
  5. Create positive associations. …
  6. Provide opportunities to bond. …
  7. Consult an expert.

Will a big dog kill a puppy?


There are no numbers for how often big dogs attack little ones

, but it's a common enough scenario that veterinarians even have an acronym for it, BDLD, which means Big Dog Little Dog. It not infrequently enough turns into a very, very serious emergency medical situation.

How long does it take for a dog to accept a new puppy?

It can take

up to one month

for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.

Can I leave my puppy alone with my older dog?


Don't leave your adult dog and the puppy alone together

.

If the puppy gets too annoying, as only puppies can be, the older dog may unintentionally hurt him. Baby gates are a great tool to let your dogs still interact when you're not in the room.

Why would a dog kill another puppy?

Some dogs may kill their puppies

if they feel stressed from not having a quiet, secluded place for the litter to live

. There may be too many people coming to see the litter, or the litter may be too big for the dog to handle. The dam's stress levels may cause her to do the unthinkable.

Why did my dog kill my other dogs puppy?


Stress / Burnout

. Living with so many dogs and having puppies regularly sounds like a lot of stress for a dog. Dogs can have Burnout and PTSD like humans. Maybe she is so stressed that she kills the puppies to reduce the level of stress in her environment.

Why do dogs kill their puppies if you touch them?

Answer: This is not likely. In most cases when mother dogs kill their pup, it's because

there is something wrong with the pups or mother dog was simply not mature enough to be a mother

. If your dog is temperamentally adjusted then touching the pups shouldn't be a problem.

How do I get my dog to accept a new puppy?

  1. Consider Your Current Dog's Temperament. …
  2. Remove Any Dog Items to Prevent Tension. …
  3. Have a Friend Help With the Introduction. …
  4. Expect Your Dog to Give Corrections to Your Puppy. …
  5. Remember That Playtime Is Important. …
  6. Give Each Dog Some One-on-One Time With You.

Do dogs get jealous of new puppies?

New Pets.

Introducing a new pet may leave your dog feeling jealous

. The best way to avoid jealousy in your pet is to make sure that you're giving it enough love, exercise, attention and interaction, even if you have another pet at home.

How do I stop my big dog from hurting my little dog?

  1. Do not play overly rough with your big dog. …
  2. Increase the exercise your big dog gets. …
  3. Supervise play between big and little dogs. …
  4. Interrupt play time when the big dog gets too excited. …
  5. It's best to arrange the additional exercise with the big dog before the times the dogs like to play.

Why is my dog attacking puppy?

They're territorial

The first reason an older dog might attack or not be fond of a young puppy is that

they are territorial of their space

. Your resident dog views your home as their turf, and therefore, the new puppy poses a threat to that—a threat that your older dog is uncomfortable with.

How do I stop my big dog from attacking my little dog?

  1. Be Aware. Some people use the time walking their dogs to catch up on emails and post on Facebook. …
  2. Know What Aggression Looks Like. Understanding the signs of aggression is another important part of awareness. …
  3. Don't Approach A Strange Dog. …
  4. The Things You Carry.

How do you know if your older dog likes a puppy?


Your old dog and new puppy might roughhouse, nip at each other, or wrestle a bit when they are getting to know each other

. This is normal and expected socializing behavior. It's how doggies say, “Hi, who are you?” If your older dog and new puppy seem excited or agitated around each other for a week or so, don't worry.

Should I let older dog growl at puppy?

That precious puppy has to learn boundaries and how to behave, and the older dog is the one to teach him. But more than this,

it's wrong to punish the older dog for growling, as his behavior is completely natural.

What are the pros and cons of having two dogs?

  • Pro: Your Dog Will Have a Friend.
  • Con: Training Will Be Twice as Hard.
  • Pro: A Second Dog Can Make Exercise Time Easier.
  • Con: There's a Risk of Aggression.
  • Pro: Socialization is Easier.
  • Con: Twice the Dogs, Twice the Mess.
  • Pro: Even More Unconditional Love.

Are dogs happier with another dog?

Dogs are social animals and

usually happier around other dogs

, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.

Is having 2 dogs difficult?

Beyond finances,

the biggest challenge for many people owning multiple dogs is having enough time for them

. While many dogs enjoy engaging and playing with other pups in the home, that doesn't diminish the amount of time each dog needs and deserves from you.

Will the male dog kill puppies?

Unlike humans, male dogs don't feel an emotional impulse to witness the birth of their young. This is for the best, as

exposing even a well-meaning father to his puppies at birth could have deadly consequences for the new litter.

Do dogs eat other puppies?


Most Dogs Make Excellent Mothers

As long as your dog is mature, healthy, and otherwise well-behaved, you shouldn't have to worry about her eating her puppies. It's a rare behavior, and there are usually clear underlying causes behind it. Canine cannibalism is an unfortunate thing, but it does happen.

Why does my dog bite her puppies neck?

This frequently occurs when puppies are between 5 and 7 weeks in age or so. When mother dogs do this,

they're trying to teach their youngsters how to do things on their own, more independently

. Mother dogs sometimes use biting as a technique for general discipline, too.

Will dogs fight to the death?

Dogs fight over territory, to protect their perceived pack, and because of overstimulation. Despite how it may seem to humans, dogs do not fight for no reason at all. Dogs can do serious harm to each other during a fight or attack.

In some cases, the injuries can even lead to death

.

Should you let dogs fight it out?

The dogs give each other warnings, like a growl or a curled lip, when one has annoyed the other. And warnings happen only occasionally.

You should only let your dogs work out their own arguments if there's not much to work out in the first place

.

Will my big dog hurt my little dog?

The small dog is at risk of injury. In the event that there is a bite or fight incident,

a large dog can do significant damage to a small dog

. It's not that dogs of the same size can't hurt one another, but we rarely get calls that a 70 pound dog killed another 70 pound dog.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.