PUPPY GROWLING AT OLDER DOG DURING PLAY?

Question

Well I already own a neutered female 1 year old jack russell. 3 days ago I brought home a 7 week old jack russell pup who is also female.

I was so suprised at how they are getting along, my older dog loves every dog she has ever come across and is very playfull so I knew she would be ok. They are ok around food together and the older dog just steals the toys from puppy but not in a nasty way.

I have a problem with the puppy though which I never would have imagined. They are both fine together most of the time, then they start playing and this is OK but this play gets rougher and rougher until pup is snarling and growling and biting at older dog, then older dog starts growling, I seperate them when this happens.

I was hoping to be able to leave them alone together when I am out. At the moment pup is in a crate whilst I am away, but I did eventually want them to have the run of the house together, and I am worried they may not be trusted as may fight. iS this just normal pup behaviour? will she get better as she gets older or will the fights just get worse! or am i just being a bit impatient and give it more time! I dont want any dog to be injured. I feed older dog first etc like is says in books etc to make pup believe older dog is leader after me. help!!

Answer 1

You said for the "first few minutes, they are fine."

Therefore, separate them BEFORE the fight escalates. Separate them when they're still on good terms. Keep them separate for a couple minutes OR distract them (with a short training session, playtime with you, etc.).  

Answer 2

You definitely want to supervise their interactions till the pup is a little older, but it sounds like they are just doing what dogs do.  Some growling and even biting is normal play behavior.  So long as neither is overly tense while this is going on, and the growls stay low-pitched, it shouldn't be too serious.

Think of this as pack sifting and sort of a finishing school--the older dog will let her know when she's pushing her luck, just like her sibs would, but she shouldn't hurt her.  A word, though you want to limit potential injury to either dog, continually intervening can also be counterproductive to their adjustment, since it might--gaining them attention--actually teach them to indulge in such signs of strife.  So long as they aren't hurting each other, I'd just let them play, merely keeping an eye on them.

Answer 3

first of all,all puppys bite and growl.

second, why did u broth such a young puppy to ur home.dont u know that in some states thats illegal.8 to 12 weeks

'PPSSCS _:no, 7 weeks are not fine

Answer 4

Perfectly normal especially for a Jack. Aren't they something else? :)  They are working it out just fine.

I wouldn't leave the two of them unsupervised though. The pup's too young.

PS   7 weeks is fine. Some people prefer 8 weeks.