Problems with her new puppy brother

HeatherNicole

Hello! We adopted a four-month-old catahoula leopard curr 3 days ago. I am having issues with thibodaux being overprotective of me. When the puppy approaches me she will run in front of him and sort of herd him away. If he is sitting next to me she will climb in my lap and growl at him. It has gotten to the point where when I call him he automatically looks at her and cowers away and won't come. She doesn't do this with my boyfriend who lives with us and he has been in the picture since she was 5-months-old. My guess is she feels that she owns me and is dominant over me. She listens to him better and he is definitely the boss with her. I don't know what to do!? Any ideas? If I'm not in the picture they get along just fine

philsergeant

Well that should be totally expected. You are hers and she is feeling very threatened that she is going to lose your love to someone else... (Don't you wish your boyfriend felt that strongly?.... kidding, I am sure he does, he just doesn't growl).... So she needs to be reassured and at the same time gently admonished..... the other kid has got to get some too.  It will take time and be gradual, but, if you keep the reaction and response consistent it'll go away (maybe not TOTALLY) in about 3 weeks.... you got to get them to cuddle with you together so Thibby doesn't feel she loses out on anything ...

BulliesofNC

Jealousy can often be a problem with Bull Terriers. Sometimes people make the bonding worse when trying to be a referee. Be firm with your Bullie so she knows YOU"RE not going to accept negative behavior from her towards the new puppy. Give her time to adjust to the new family member and don't rush it.

HeatherNicole

Thanks so much Phil! I'll keep you updated. She hasn't lunged at him or been terribly aggressive so I'm hoping she adjusts.