The most important thing to do when you get a new puppy is to introduce him properly to the dog you have. It’s kind of a 90 day thing. The initial response is usually that it brings out a lot of puppy behavior in the older dog and they play together. But that only lasts about 2 weeks. Then the puppy begins to irritate the older dog. When the older dog begins to growl and snap, he’s telling the puppy to knock it off. As long as he’s not hurting the puppy, this is his way of “training” the puppy. He’ll tell the puppy what behavior is acceptable. That’s a good thing as long as he’s not hurting the puppy. So monitor the behavior and don’t be too quick to stop the older dog from keeping the puppy in line. By the end of 3 months they’ll probably be good pals.

The important thing for your older dog is to give him full access to his bed, his crate or his favorite spot, and lots of your individual attention, without the new puppy. He needs his space and his peace.