Nighttime help needed!

[Melanie.j 31]

morning,

I need some advice please. I have a golden puppy 8. 5 weeks old. The problem I’ve got is overnight I’ve had to use a pen for her we also have a 12 year old boy who’s getting to friendly with her I’m worried he’s going to hurt her. When she’s in the pen she’s inconsolable whines and barks and it’s breaking my heart. She’s my third retriever and I’ve never penned or caged before so not sure what to do with her any tips gratefully received.

 

[JudyN]

Is there any other way you could keep them separate overnight? You could pen the older dog, or he could sleep in a different room - he might be fine with this even if it'll be new for him. Or have the pup in your bedroom with you, possibly in a pen or crate. It doesn't have to be for ever, but just until the two are a bit calmer with each other and the pup a bit bigger & more robust.

 

[Melanie.j 31]

Hi Judy, I had thought that too, but worried that I might make matters worse by separating them totally. Will give it a try tonight and see what happens

 

[merlina]

When you say too friendly what do you mean? Adult dogs are usually tolerant of puppies at such a young age (and she is really a bit young to be taken from her mother- 10 weeks is the minimum IMO). Is the adult dog aggressive? But a puppy this young will long for physical contact- I'd have with you if it's the way to keep her safe- and for you to sleep!

 

[Melanie.j 31]

Well, he just gets a little rough and if I didn’t know better he’s tried to hump her. Not properly but just the motion! Obviously this is something I’m trying hard to stop and when we see him getting that look in his eye, have gone for distraction and praise. But I wouldn’t want to leave them shut in together just in case. He’s very doddery having arthritis and spondylitis.

 

[JudyN]

Humping is something any dog can do when overexcited, so he may well have done - it's nothing sexual (and nothing to do with 'dominance'). Mine sometimes does it with me if we're playing at floor level, and also has done it with the 20-year-old cat, who doesn't appreciate it at all!

 

[hollysh]

When you say too friendly what do you mean? Adult dogs are usually tolerant of puppies at such a young age (and she is really a bit young to be taken from her mother- 10 weeks is the minimum IMO). Is the adult dog aggressive? But a puppy this young will long for physical contact- I'd have with you if it's the way to keep her safe- and for you to sleep!

8 weeks is minimum.
Yes would crate her in your room