Expert: Delores Beck - 9/17/2010

Question
HI
I have a 2 year old male cocker who does not seem to like other dogs.If he is out walking off the lead he will go up and have a sniff of the dogs then runs away.if that dog then follows he will play chase for a bit but soon gets fed up and will turn round and growl at the other dog.He has never biten any of them.He is very good with children and we have always walked him in the park near other dog.I want to bring a puppy into the house(which will either be another cocker or a cavielier king charles spaniel)but am unsure as to weather louie(my cocker)can be taught to torlarate another dog.is there anyway to get him to enjoy playing with the pup?he lives with two cats at the moment with whom he will play and he will allow them to groom him.
Please could you tell me if there is anyway we can bring the pup and louie together and they be happy.would love to be able to see louie enjoy playing with other dogs and to have a friend to run around with in the park.
Please help

Answer
Louie doesn't dislike other dogs.  He's just letting them know he's had enough..or it's part of his play.  I wouldn't worry about it.
When he growls - call him & reward then snap his leash on.  On leash, he probably won't do this.

As for a new puppy - most adults are extremely okay with puppies.
And, of course, a new pup will be confined most of the time with only supervised interaction.

When you do get the puppy - introduce him or her to Louie on neutral turf first.  I really don't think you have anything to worry about.
But feel free to write if you think Louie isn't handling it well.