Maltese and New Puppy - Help!

[bad1550]

Our Maltese "Bella" is 16 months old and she is a pleasure. We just picked up a new playmate for her, a Pomerianian puppy who is now 15 weeks named Summer and she is also a real joy!

The problem is Bella is constantly biting her and dragging her. I think they are just being playful but my wife is concerned.

Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

[Morkie4]

Hi Bob,
Woman worry, that's our job! But I would be concerned too! You will need to hop on this problem right away before Summer gets hurt........not on purpose, I am sure but because Bella is most likely bigger. And seems like Bella is doing all the dragging and biting. If Bella knows what the term "NO" means, you have a great start. Mine get a bit rough too. My Maltese is 10.5 lbs and the Yorkie is 6 pounds but HE is the bully and plays rough. So it is a matter of teaching them play is good but rough play is not permitted. I say "NO ROUGH PLAY" and "EASY" to let Toby know he is getting out of hand with the play. He responds quickly and stops the rough play. It will take patience and work on your part to correct the problem but I feel it needs to be corrected asap! JMO

Oh, and do share some pictures of your furbutts!!!!

WELCOME BOB, BOB'S WIFE, BELLA AND SUMMER TO MT

[dogloverx4]

My puppy stands with mouthfuls of her big brothers hair - and pulls hard . I have 4 and I let them work it out themselves . If I hear a yelp , I go and check - but it doesn't happen often . Teddy my sweet 20lb Lhasa lies on the ground , and let the other 3 body slam him:D Sarah

[lilybellesmom]

Hi and :welcome: to MT!

I have 2 Kira a 53 lb GS/lab mix and LilyBelle a 13 lb Maltese and LilyBelle is the fiesty one. Likes to irritate her big sis and Kira just lets her jump all over her. BUT...When enough is enough, Kira lets her know!:D

It may be that Bella is showing the pecking order between the 2 of them. However, I'm sure that poor Summer is not appreciating what Bella is doing to her. Poor thing...I think once you see behavior like that starting nip it in the bud. Make a weird noise to get Bella's attention and say NO! Separate them for a bit, or distract them with toys. I don't think there is one correct way. You might just have to find a way that works for all of you.

On the other hand, it just could be Bella's way of playing.

Good luck!!!

[bad1550]

Thanks so much for all of your help!

We will try your suggestions right away.

Bob

[jazzysmom]

I agree with everyone's suggestions it is important to change this behavior right away. I have 2 malts Macy is 6.5 and is almost 4 yrs old and Jazzy is 3.5 and 10 months old Macy is very good with him Jazzy on the other hand tries to play rough with Macy and she has to show him who's the boss. LOL

[Im26]

has bella ever had a puppyfriend?
and if so, did she ever act this way?

for example...
i noticed my boys when they play they play real nice... or they can seriously rough it up! but i know no one is in pain because they love it. and I dont hear any crying or yelping... im talking about pulling tails, ears, topknots, they love it...
now when my girl donbi is playing she might play a little rough with the boys... but i never really hear them yelp or cry, and if i do hear it I would scream NO and it catches everyone's attendtion of course...
and seperate them for a bit...

I agree with what every has said you should jump on it and regulate this behavior or let them figure it out.

[bad1550]

has bella ever had a puppyfriend?
and if so, did she ever act this way?

for example...
i noticed my boys when they play they play real nice... or they can seriously rough it up! but i know no one is in pain because they love it. and I dont hear any crying or yelping... im talking about pulling tails, ears, topknots, they love it...
now when my girl donbi is playing she might play a little rough with the boys... but i never really hear them yelp or cry, and if i do hear it I would scream NO and it catches everyone's attendtion of course...
and seperate them for a bit...

I agree with what every has said you should jump on it and regulate this behavior or let them figure it out.

This is Bella's 1st puppy friend. She has never acted this aggressive but its only at times.

They share a playpen at night and they get along beautifully!

Bob

[KMitchell]

Sorry but I have no advice for you. I am a first time Malt owner and still learning the ropes, I just wanted to welcome you and your family to MT!

[Im26]

This is Bella's 1st puppy friend. She has never acted this aggressive but its only at times.

They share a playpen at night and they get along beautifully!

Bob

mmmh
if they share a playpen and sleep together its great news
is the new one yelping? when they play...

cause if the new one is not yelping or crying
i think they are jus playing, and it could be that she sounds like she is rough playing but she really isnt hurting the her new sibling at all :)

[M101]

I'll tell you a story about an Afghan--105 lbs./6 ft.; and a rescued Beagle. Many yrs. ago we rescued a Beagle pup. The Afghan was about 5 yrs. old. The Beagle and Afghan were not friends at first.

The Beagle's favorite thing to do was to pull out the hair on the Afghan's feet. The Afghan didn't care, but I did. They slept in the same area--the Afghan on his Army cot/Beagle underneath the cot. One night while performing the final bed check, I found the Afghan w/ the Beagle--the Afghan had his front feet around the Beagle. But daily the Beagle still pulled on the Afghan's feet. Sadly, "Walter Beagle" had to be given away because of his howling at the moon--the Afghan thought he was nuts. Fortunately, we found Walter a nice home w/ acres of land. He could howl all he wanted. The Beagle had been abused before we rescued him...but his new owner worked w/ him, and he became a wonderful friend for the owner. We called to check on Walter often.

Sometimes when you bring another dog/pup home to become a friend to your existing dog there are isssues of territory; jealousy; etc. It's better to introduce them to one another slowly. I would suggest they sleep alone for a while. Have them play together for a few minutes each day. And hopefully you will find they become the best of pals.

Best of Luck to You All