New dog terrorizing older dog -- help!

You were all so helpful when I was deciding to adopt a second dog so thanks for that, and I'm hoping you can help with a new issue.

Smudge is 5; Pesto (the new dog) is around 1 year. Smudge is quiet, docile, and very laid back. Pesto is peppy and a typical crazy puppy. We adopted him in September.

The issue is that Pesto is terrorizing Smudge! It's horrible. Pesto barks at him and lunges at him (with play bow) and always wants to play. Then he and Smudge seem to start fighting more than playing as Smudge basically gets pissed at Pesto for bothering him.

Furthermore, Pesto takes all of Smudge's toys -- whenever Smudge tries to play, Pesto takes away the toy and Smudge just gives up.

I am very sad because instead of a companion for Smudge, Pesto seems to have become a captor and I am so sad for Smudge. I love both of these dogs so dearly and am upset they can't get along. Any ideas?

(By the way, Pesto is crated during the day so they remain separated when we're not home)

While Smudge does enjoy playing with other dogs, he does not seem to like Pesto.

Help!? Thanks!

Sounds like Pesto just has a lot of energy built up, after all he is still a pup. Perhaps an extra long walk every day will help (or a vigorous game of fetch etc...). Some type of physically draining exercise.

A tired dog is a good dog.

Good luck!

Yes, I also think a long walk would be good. What breed is Pesto?

Thanks for the advice. I try to walk him on long walks, play fetch, etc. but there's only so much time in the day, especially when I am at work.

He's a mixed breed, about 40 pounds, lab/spaniel/??? mix.

I guess I need to figure out other ways to run him ragged. When the weather is better I'll take him rollerblading to tire him out, but for now it's mostly fetch up and down the stairs.

He also LOVES to play with other dogs so he doesn't understand why Smudge wouldn't want to play with him.

This is exactly what is going on with Mickey and Molly right now.

Let them fight it out. As long as there is no blood, sit back in your front row seat and watch.

As for stealing toys, do NOT allow the new dog to play with your old dog's toys. We give Molly a tap on the nose and say "MICKEY's toy!" if she takes one. All of her toys are pink, most of Mickey's are white.

Make sure you spend a lot of alone time with your old dog. Molly is in her crate for a good portion of her days.

Hope all gets better soon!