Someone, please tell me that getting Cooper wasn’t a bad decision for Oscar.
Oscar seems to love him. They play so well together for the most part . . til Oscar gets tired of him or Cooper starts biting too hard. That’s understandable. Oscar watches out for Cooper and seems to worry about Cooper if Oscar can’t see him. I put Cooper in the bathroom with his food and close the door so there’s no food fighting. Oscar really seems to get concerned when he can’t see Cooper and then once Cooper is done eating and he starts barking for me to let him out, Oscar gets really upset and keeps bugging me to go get Cooper. So, I feel like Oscar likes him.
But . . I kinda feel like Cooper is being a bully with the toys and ALWAYS wanting to play and playing too rough (with those sharp teeth).
Oscar sometimes looks sad. He’s safe on the ottoman because Cooper can’t get up there. Is he tired or is he sad?
Oscar was hanging out right under Vince’s feet like he expected Vince to protect him from Cooper.
I feel like they’re happy together. I know Oscar has matured quite a bit since Cooper arrived but I have this little feeling that Oscar has a love/hate relationship with Cooper. I wonder if often, when parents have a second child, if it isn’t somewhat this way. The baby grows a little and starts messing up the older child’s toys; the baby cries and mom drops everything and tends to the baby. Is there a bit of jealousy, a bit of feeling like the older child is no longer the only child that matters to the parents? I’m not comparing a human baby/child to a dog but, I’m just hoping getting Cooper wasn’t a bad idea for Oscar. Reassure me please!
Teri says
Sibling rivalry? I’ve heard that my sister used to hit me when I was a baby. We don’t have the best relationship to this day. Hopefully they will learn and become the best of friends. I don’t think you made a mistake.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I don’t think we did either but I don’t want Oscar to be sad.
Teri says
If it is easier on you guys…then it was worth it….the dogs will get along as soon as Cooper gets older they will be best of friends..
Pat Anderson says
Once those baby teeth drop out, I think things will get better. Oscar is still getting used to Cooper but obviously loves him…he just gets tired. I think things will definitely get better and how fun to watch them both grow older together!
Pamela says
My daughter got a second dog and the first one started to have anxiety issues. She had to get a trainer for her. What helped the first dog a lot was having a place she could go and not be disturbed by the other dog (or kids). I think if Oscar can get away on the foot stool that would work well. Cooper is used to playing with his siblings rough and Oscar, like Cooper’s mom probably did, needs to correct him occasionally. I think most dogs end up getting along fine with each other.
Angie says
I don’t think you made a bad decision. I think it was a good one. Oscar is older while Cooper is still a playful pup. When Cooper loses baby teeth and gets older, things will calm down. Oscar needed someone to be a companion and playmate.
Deb E says
Definitely NOT a bad decision. It takes time for humans or animals to get used to a new situation. Before Cooper arrived Oscar spent a fair amount of time sitting around, just like our dog. We are retired, and while we retired folks DO include our dog in the daily activities, there is a lot of ‘down’ time. Oscar is older, he tires more easily than a very young puppy and both dogs are still adjusting to the new normal. The good sign is he worries about Cooper when he can’t see him, he protected him against the danger of the stairs, and the numerous way he’s shown he likes his new brother. Oscar will nip at him eventually when Cooper bites him hard enough that it REALLY hurts or he’s lost patience and THAT’S when Cooper will start really paying attention to how he treats Oscar. In the meantime, Oscar has the ability to get away from Cooper, and that’s good. It would probably be a good idea to get Cooper into puppy training to teach him NOT to nip at others (canine or human) as there will be times others are at your house, and that might include children. He’s doing what comes naturally to him as his way of playing with his litter mates isn’t appropriate for his new family….but he just needs to be taught that. Those two are going to have the best life together with you & Vince once the adjustment period is over & Cooper learns some manners! : )