[Dailydrool] Puppy questions

[Courtney Willard]

Hello Droolers!

A belated happy holidays to you all! Drool to all of those in need.

I have some puppy related questions. About two months ago, we "acquired" a basset puppy from our vet. Long story short, the puppy required surgery to repair her forearm and the "owners" asked if the vet would just put her down instead. Who asks to put down an otherwise healthy 5 month old basset puppy?! Scumbags. Anyhow, after some persuasion, we adopted her from our veterinarian. 

Tessie (AKA Satan) has been developing quite well. She is definitely a basset and definitely a puppy. Recently though, she has decided to test authority. She challenges our alpha female Franny almost daily by staring her down and barking at her. She's even gotten snippy with here, which is just a death sentence. Franny rules with an iron paw and she's already attempted to put the puppy in place ($100 vet bill for the rip in Tessie's ear). While I know that we should let some of this play itself out so that they can determine their place in the pack, I would really like to avoid massive carnage. Tessie is 25 lbs. while Franny is 55 lbs. and I know Franny will do some serious damage. I would really like to avoid the vet bills as well.

And last night she decided to grumble at my husband when he put his feet up on the couch next to her. He dealt with it sternly and swiftly, but I don't know where this attitude is coming from. She is a very affectionate puppy that up until now I would describe as submissive. What gives?

Any recommendations? Is this just a thing with her age (7 mos.) that she'll outgrow, or is it a behavioral issue that might be here to stay? Help! I know nothing about puppies!

Also, when do you stop feeding puppy food?

Thanks!

Courtney Bishop
Slave to Gilbert, Maggie, Franny and Tessie
 		 	   		  
_________________________________________________________________
Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free.
http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222985/direct/01/