Older dog attacking the puppy

[Ira6973]

Please help, i dont know what to do
My older lab keeps biting the puppy. First time he bit him
right near the eye and now the puppy has a huge scar.
Second time he really got him, he ripped puppy's nose and his cheek, we had to go to vet emergency to get his stiched up. Both attacks happened in the kitchen, first one with me in it and second with my husband. We were getting ready for dinner both times. Older lab constantly growls at the puppy and tries to grab him. We keep telling him no. The older lab was a wonderful, loving dog, he was my lap dog, very affectionate, but he just does not like the puppy and i have tried to ignore him when he barks at the puppy - i have tried not to get involved as some websits suggested, i have tried to play with both at the same time and the older does not want to, I dont know what to do, i am just desperate.

[utahmomma]

Having a similar problem but it is with my older female dogs fighting (drawing blood) over the puppy.  The puppy has them on edge.  What I've found really helps is to take the older dogs - one at a time - on "special dates" (PetsMart, Petco, etc.)  It helps them feel special and I reassure them that I love them.  I think they are convinced they are being replaced.  Things are calming down now.

I still have to feed them separately.  My female dachshund is very possessive of the food bowl and if she growls at the puppy (who has no fear) the female beagle will attack the dachshund thinking she's protecting the puppy.  Two possessive old women!

Let your lab know he is still #1 in your heart.  It's worth a try.

[tiffanydash_c]

Well, though all cases are different, we had a similar experience when we brought in a new pup.  We just had to introduce her very slowly to our older pups.  We did alot of things with them together, excersize, run, hike, fetch, etc.  We really had to control the amount of time together, and yes there were alot of fights, but we were patient and now they are great together.  It just takes time for each dog to realize there place in the pack.