Brining new pup into home with 11 y.o. adult male fila

[Heath]

When I moved from FL to Ga, I left my adult male fila (Max) w/my mother as protection. They get along famously. That was 3 years ago. Now my dad passed, and my mother lives alone with HER 11 year old fila. B/C he is aging and already had one bout of cancer of the leg, we've been thinking it's time to get a replacement for Max. Mom doesn't live in the best neighborhood, but no one ever bothers her or her property (strange how that works with Max around).

I suggested mom look for a trainer to help her with the new fila puppy we're getting this weekend. The trainer has scared her, telling her that Max will kill the puppy at 4 mo. as it gets a little stronger and older. I have a hard time believing this and never heard of such a thing. Max lives with another small dog and has readily accepted my brother's dogs (chihuahuas and schnauzer; male and female) when they visit. And Max is very social for his breed. He lets all 8 of my siblings come into the house and pet him.

Is this certified dog trainer crazy and biased against the breed, or is there something about stranger filas going after a puppy?

Mom has said there's almost no one in Tallahassee that has experience with Filas, and most trainers she contacted keep suggesting she get a different breed. Any suggestions other than get another breed? We love our fila, and it's the only dog my mom feels safe at home with her. After seeing them bond, I agree.

[angelbears]

The trainer could be right. As a puppy there should be no problem but there could be a time as the pup starts maturing, the pup will challenge to be alpha. Just my opinion but there could be trouble later own. I would get a female, less of a chance she will challenge a male.

Good Luck.

[Paul]

I only had problems with Fila in a pack when I was around ie just coming home and a bout of jealousy. Turning that off took a lot of muscle and a lack of oxygen to stop. After that it was over. I agree a female would be less likely to get the wrath of an older male. The big problem I see is jealousy and that could happen with any other dog no matter the breed or sex BUT less likely with a bitch. Your Mom needs to know not to fuss to much over the puppy when the old guy is around.

[Heath]

A good point. I'm hoping Max comes to see the new pup as his charge and the pup accepts the lower pack order before his testosterone gets too high. Currently mom has a 40lb mutt female that competes for attention, but Max doesn't get aggressive about it -- just nudges himself closer. The mutt is leaving for a new home this week, so it will just be Max and the fila pup.

I had thought about a female but have only owned a male. And I got him b/c other owners told me a male was less aggressive and safer for my then children. I appreciate your feedback.

[candace]

If you are unsure, I would recommend separating your dogs. I have had older dogs and introduced younger dogs to them and haven't had any problems. If you see any signs of aggression though, I would separate the dogs right away because it's best to prevent a problem before it starts.