Finally Kaleesi is in the House!

Thank you, what puppy isn't adorable?

This is my first time owning a dobe puppy. My dobe history includes 2 that I got as doberteens, just before their second birthdays. The first was a rescue situation, a breeder re-home; and the second (Dexter) was much the same, he was in pretty bad shape when we got him.

So I'm not used to this, especially getting these two dobes to get along. Dex showed a rather ugly side when Kaleesi had the nerve to walk into "his" kitchen. So she stays away now. And when Dexter tries to get her to play outside by acting, well, playful....she just shies away, holding a grudge. Tho, she does show interest.

I never leave them alone and I'm making sure Dexter gets plenty of attention. When my husband gets back in town, it will be another tense situation. Dexter is VERY jealous of Kurt, doesn't let other dogs get near his dad.

So, we will have to be very vigilant about monitoring them together. It's hard to walk the line between letting them work it out, and providing special supervision.

She's a very lovely puppy!!

I would be very concerned for her safety since you indicate Dexter is already a pro at guarding resources: your kitchen, your husband, etc. For instance, if Dexter has been allowed to prevent other dogs from approaching your husband, this behavior has been strongly reinforced and he may resort to hurting the puppy if he thinks she will approach your husband. Personally I would never permit one of my dogs to guard resources in the house or anywhere else for that matter. The humans should decide when a puppy can enter the kitchen or approach a certain person, not Dexter. These behaviors need immediate attention. In the meantime KEEP THE PUPPY SAFE!! Hope Dexter is crate trained so that you can put him up and let the puppy have some freedom while you are working on retraining Dexter. The puppy can easily develop fears at this age so she should not be in an anxious state all the time wondering if Dexter is going to go off on her. A good trainer could come out to your house and help develop training plans for you.

BTW, this puppy is NOT HOLDING A GRUDGE when she refuses to play with Dexter outside. Puppies do NOT do that!!! She is simply working on what she has learned: Dexter can go off on her and she better watch her back - staying away from him is the safe way to deal with his aggression toward her. Please understand that this can cause her to be fearful of all dogs as an adult if you don't take her out to socialize her in a safe setting such as a puppy obedience class.

You have your hands full but the training work will really be worth it!! Good luck!