It’s always funny and surprising to see a big, strong dog acting scared of a tiny puppy. You would expect the bigger dog to be brave and confident, but sometimes the opposite happens! Many pet owners have experienced this funny situation when introducing a new puppy to their home.
Big dogs, like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, or even Rottweilers, often look powerful and tough. But when a playful, energetic little puppy comes bouncing into their space, the big dog may suddenly become nervous, unsure, or even hide behind their owner. Why does this happen?
The main reason is that puppies have endless energy and no sense of personal space. They jump, bark, and want to play constantly. To a calm, older dog, this can be overwhelming. The big dog might not understand the puppy’s playful behavior and see them as unpredictable. Even though the puppy is tiny, their wild energy can make the older dog uncomfortable.
Also, some big dogs have very gentle, sensitive personalities. They don’t want to hurt the small puppy, so they stay away. Others simply don’t know how to react to a puppy’s excitement.
The good news is, with time and patience, most big dogs overcome their fear. As they spend more time together, the big dog realises the puppy isn’t a threat. They start to bond, play together, and eventually become best friends.
