Dogs Barking At New Puppy

[rachellovesherbabies]

I am looking for some advice. I have a 3 year old Chihuahua and a 2 year old Chorkie (Chihuahua/Yorkie mix) that I have had from babies. I just brought home a 3 month old Cocker Spaniel puppy to be an outside playmate for my Chorkie. My Chihuahua is quieted and has started to accept the puppy but my Chorkie barks at him incessantly. He hasn't shown any aggression toward him but I wish he would stop barking at him. The Cocker is just a curious little guy and has made no noise or moves of aggression whatsoever so I don't really understand where this is coming from. Can someone please help?

Rachel

[melody]

How long has your new puppy stayed already? Maybe you should observe them for a few more days and Chorkie might be as curious as the puppy. You said that the puppy is quiet and it may create more curiosity to Chorkie to see your puppy's reactions to his barking. Or don't you think he is just being playful?

[rachellovesherbabies]

Porkchop (my Cocker) has been here a very short time. Jinto (my Chorkie) is still barking at him and I think it may be a hierarchy thing. I did notice some strange behavior earlier this evening. Jinto followed me into the kitchen and Porkchop followed suit. Jinto did bark at Porkchop but I noticed that he did it from the position of hiding behind my legs. I hope that this is just a way of forming a "pecking order" because Jinto and Freya (my Chihuahua) reacted in much the same way when I brought two of my cats into the home. I appreciate the reply.

Rachel

[rachellovesherbabies]

I've come up with a reinforcement system to teach Freya and Jinto not to bark at Porkchop. When they go for a period of time, however short it may be, without barking at him I praise them a lot. If they do bark at him, I correct with a firm NO but I do not hit them. I continue to tell them no until they cease barking, at which point I praise them again. I hope that this will work because the barking is getting tiring. :-)

Rachel