Question:
what is best way to help existing 3-year old alpha male cockapoo overcome his fear of 8-week old female golden retriever. he did not bark at her when we brought her home, he came over to sniff her and then avoids her or runs away. if she tries to run after him, sniff him or nip him, he growls at her and runs. he has not tried to bite her yet and i do not want her to get hurt but she is not affected by his growling. as long as she is calm or sleeping, he is curious and will sniff her or lay down next to me/her. he seems so afraid of her is she moves too fast. she wants to play with him and he does not want her to get too close. we let them run in the yard with her on leash and they are separated in house..he in main part of house, she in crate in laundry room. all food/toys are separated and we would never allow them together in same room unsupervised. should we put her in submissive position always around him, put him in submissive position, reprimand him when he growls or let them work it out (as long as he wont hurt her). will he ever overcome this fear or do i need to keep them separate forever?
Answer:
I think time is all they need to adjust to each other. Good that you are keeping them under close eye as you can never tell what will happen. But I really think all you need is time, and patience. They will adjust and soon they'll be romping all over each other. Welcome to here Jack&Jazzy
Answer:
He will overcome I am sure, my border collie mix would run away from my sheltie when he was a pup. They got increasingly close, they now even enjoy sleeping side by side and playing with toys. Just give it time