My only thought is similar to when a human baby comes home: Give the older sibling a little more attention than he gets usually so he doesn't feel ignored. You'll be tending to that puppy's every need, watching to see if he needs to go out to pee, watching his every move to make sure he doesn't get into stuff he shouldn't, and the older dog will notice this. A little extra loving for the elder, walks (if you still do them, in his wobbly state) by himself, not with the puppy.

The puppy will want to play with the older dog, and the older dog may not appreciate this at all.

We introduced a new puppy into our house with a 3 year old Shih Tzu. They are not friends at all, but the Tzu now has a guarded co-existence with the pup. My vet expained it this way, "how would you like it if some human who was always in your face moved in with you?" If I had to do it over again, I would not have gotten the new pup.

We have had to give our bedroom over to the Tzu so that he has his own safe space, but I miss the little guy down in the kitchen with us. The puppy has taken over the kitchen, and sometimes I think the Tzu is depressed about it.

Over the holidays we visited my sister who has a 14 year old dog who is a bit infirm. The puppy wanted to play and we had to be very watchful that the older frail dog was not harrassed by the pup.

Good luck with this. I hope your experience is better than mine.

Our Howard was almost 10 when we introduced Zelda...a 6 week old lab. Initially he was very grumpy, as he'd been used to being mostly an only dog (he had cats) and we'd just moved to a new house. But before long, those two were inseperable. Z was submissive to him and looked to him as a sort of doggie mentor.

Now, when we brought Aurora into the mix, Z (who is now 5) HATED her and took her a long time to play. Aurora is just about 6 mos old, so she's a bit more spunky than a 6 week old puppy.

And, to add to more weirdness, my son has a 7 week old puppy he brought over yesterday...the older dogs pretty much ignored him, just sniffed and went on their way. But Aurora and Ruphus played and got along wonderfully. Maybe it has something to do with the ages? Not sure, but good luck. You're so lucky to get a French Bulldog...I'd LOVE to have one, but I'm past doggie capacity at this time.

I just want to ask you to please post pics of the new pup when you get him! We are dying to get a French Bulldog (ssh, can't let my two English Bulldogs hear me) and we are already talking about getting one when... well, you know... our current dogs are no longer here. Our older dog is only 7 but in bulldog years, that's old. She is in good health but she's slowing down, which makes us occasionally wonder what dog #2 will do when she's gone, and whether it would make any sense to get a puppy then. Our sense is that it won't be a good idea, because she isn't very good with other dogs (besides her "sister"). I hope it works out for you and again, we'll need to see pictures of the new baby.

Barb, I'm hoping we have a better experience than you did too. Rocket had to learn to share us all when my sister's Lab started coming to NH with us on weekends. He really enjoys his cousin, even though at four, he's still somewhat of a pest.

I've wanted a Frenchie for quite a while too. Always the timing didn't work because the Lab was so nuts and we really are a one dog family. The breeder is letting the little guy go because he has only one testicle descended. He won't be able to be shown like that I guess.

Anyway, when I'd pretty much given up getting one because of cost and timing, it seems to have all fallen together very well. I only hope the rest of the way will go well too.

Here he is last week when I met him. He does not have a name yet. Any suggestions?

Here is a link that might be useful: Pup in sweater

He is adorable. Immediately, the name Ozzie sprang into my mind. I don't know why. That usually doesn't happen to me when I'm trying to think of a name for a pet.

Quick response - definitely crate train your pup. We have added pups to older dogs with mixed reactions. If your older dog is bothered by the pup at first, do not correct the older dog, correct the pup. I did this all wrong and our trainer slapped my wrist, thank you Pat. Any event, socialize your dog, let your children help in the training, etc. If you do not set him up for failure, he will become a treasured family member.

Congrats!

OOh, I love him. I want him. I think he needs a French name. I like 'people' names for dogs, don't ask me why because I don't know. Our dogs have been named Fred, Katie, Phoebe, and Coco (last two are our current bulldogs). We used to have two cats named Ben and Jerry.

My best friend just lost her French Bulldog ~ Pierre. We all live out in the country & he ran away:( They are heartbroken.

What a little cutie!!

I introduced a pup Shih Tzu to my 11 yo lab. He was sooooo grumpy but that little pup learned to stay out of his way. Sam would growl, snap at the pup and leave. I felt so bad for my older dog. Then after about 3 months they were BFF's. Dogs will adapt especially if we stay out of the way.

Smiles:)

Yes, stay out of the way of dog relationships! The name that came to mind for me is 'Pep Le Pew'. Pepe for short of course.

I think I read somewhere, maybe it was for cats, That dogs should be introduced thru closed doors? They can smell each other and get over initial excitement.

Thanks for all the good advice and wishes.

He's doing GREAT! Likes the crate, is respectful with Rocket and LOVES DH who didn't want him in the first place. (isn't that the way?)

I will post some more photos.

The crate will be the key. I'm also picking up some baby gates from a woman on craigslist so that will help give Rocket some space as well.

I like that the pup is very respectful of Rocket. I think part of it has to do with the fact that he was with his mom, granny and uncles for so long. (he's 16 weeks)

Beth

I remember my friend getting a pup when her lab was quite old. He was a little grumpy but actually took a liking to the pup and perked up a bit having all that love running around him. I do agree with correcting the pup more and making sure older dog still rules the roost. We really wished we had introduced a pup before out first best buddy passed but we just never got around to it. Good luck.