First, for Coco's safety, I wouldn't leave any toys available unless someone is there to supervise playtime. Don't allow Mugsy to take toys away, when he does, calmly say something like "too bad", give the toy back to Coco and give Mugsy a different toy.

Mugsy is "guarding" the stolen toy. He is taking it and leaving. When Coco is trying to retreive it, you said Mugsy is lunging and growling. This isn't play behavior and I would guess if Coco pressed the issue, it would result in a physical confrontation.

I am sure Coco is a little overwhelmed by Mugsy. He is bigger and sounds like he is not a bit shy. Don't let Mugsy "paw" at her, it is probably scaring her. Gently take his collar, say "off" and move him away from her.

Work on skills like sit, relax, tricks etc. with the two of them. Be very watchful of body language to make sure there is no friction over the treats.

It will take time for Mugsy to learn boundries and limits in his new enviroment. It is your job to show him, be patient and consistent.

I am not an advocate of letting dogs "work it out". As the leader of my pack, it is my responsibility to ensure their emotional and physical well being.

Good luck

Lynn K

When Mugsy and Coco are not playing with toys...Mugsy normally lays on my feet, and Coco normally sits in my lap. Otherwise, if I am doing something, they both normally follow me around, but do not have all that much interaction with each other. Of course they sniff each other and what not, but it does not go much farther than that. Mugsy seems only mildly interested in playing with Coco.. Coco seems like she wants to play with Mugsy, but when she tries to bait him on, he lunges at her and she gets scared. Mugsy is used to playing with another grown Bulldog, so I think he just does not realize his size relative to Coco. When I grab a stuffed animal, they both come running to play. However, Mugsy will grab the toy and play tug of war with me, and Coco is left out. She is afraid to try to jump in the middle of it. If Coco grabs a bone to chew on, Mugsy will go take it from her and chew it himself somewhere else. It is odd because Coco loves to play with my sister's dog (an American Eskimo) and she will jump all over him. She will even go and grab a toy right out of his mouth. Maybe it is because she has known him all her life, but I really hope that she and Mugsy can learn to play together. I really want to keep Mugsy, but I know my wife will not do it unless she feels that Coco is safe. I wish they would become like brother and sister! Thank you for your response, I hope this helps you help me!

James,

When there are no toys around, do they interact with each other, playing, sleeping together etc.? When Mugsy takes a toy from Coco does he try to play with her or does he walk away to be by himself? What does he do when you approach him when he has a toy. Does he try to get you to play?

Sorry for all the questions, let me know please

Lynn K

Offer it to the other pup. When she takes it I bak out of the picture and the fun begins.

both at the same time..with all the toys and offer treats your pug should get a treat first..
also stay very calm soft spoken.....if no one is getting hurt ignore the growls and your pugs reaction..just act like it's really fun and only good things happen when they are together....ce

When Mugsy growls at Coco.. Coco leaves and keeps her distance for a while. I don't want Coco to be scared in her own home. Also sometimes Mugsy "paws" at Coco, which essentially knocks her over.. how should I get Mugsy to take it easier on her? Coco just gives me this look like, "what is going on here?" Is there anything I can do to ease the adjustment? I really want to keep Mugsy permantly, but I know my wife will not go for it unless she knows that Coco (her baby) will be ok.

my toys your toys I think they just see toys My bullie growls when they play with our boston or each other they just play growl. I think that once they get use to each other it will be fine. Just don't forget the Pug and give her some extra attention.