Think I may have to take my Mum's dog

[Choufleur]

My Mum is quite poorly and fell last week and broke her arm. She has a 9 year old springer - who is lovely, brilliant with DS (nearly 6) but she won't be able to look after him when she eventually gets home.

We have a 2 year old springer - who is also lovely, very bouncy and great with DS.

Both dogs are fine together if you take them out for a walk as they have space. Thing is my Mum's dog is really not keen on ours when they are in a house together - he doesn't want to play, which our dog does a lot of the time and will snap back.

Is that something that would get better in time?

I'd say yes, probably. Especially as they get on OK on a walk.

There is always a bit of snapping between dogs as they remind each other of their manners. Especially when a young dog is trying a to play with an older one and the older dog is telling it effectively to bugger off. Think crusty old man and you'll not be far off.

Try and make sure they both have their own space to start with and don't make any effort to try and get them to get on. If it gets too much, send them both into the garden to cool off.

When he first comes in, make no fuss at all. If you can walk them together before he comes in, all the better. Then go home as normal, make a cup of coffee, sit down for a bit and let them settle down in their own way and with any luck all will be well. If you can do it with just you, rather than a house full then all the better.

Good luck!

Thanks won't be for a few weeks yet but think a long walk may be in order then.