Introducing A New Puppy To Your Dog

When you're introducing a new puppy to the resident four-legged family members there are no guarantees that they're going to find him quite as adorable as you do - at least not immediately!

Depending on the age and personality of your resident dog/s, the newcomer may be welcomed to the family with happy licks and play-bows... but it's equally likely that he'll treated with suspicion and maybe a touch of jealousy to begin with.

But don't worry, this is perfectly normal behavior and chances are good that within a few days the two (or more) of them will be best friends. Let's take a look at the steps you can take to make sure of this 'happy ending' and even speed up the process a little bit.....

Of course, every single dog and pup is a  unique individual, and these are 'generalizations'.

You know your own dog best, so choose your new family member using the understanding and knowledge you have of how he/she is likely to behave, based on past experiences and observation.

Meet & Greet!

Whatever the age, size or breed of both your resident dog/s and your new one, the initial introductions should be done under close supervision, and preferably with more than one human present.

If your older dog is pretty friendly and not overly territorial, then introducing a new puppy on home territory should work.

A young puppy is unlikely to challenge an adult dog, but it's rowdiness and natural exuberance may make it a bit of an irritation.

Generally the resident dog will 'keep the newcomer in line', with a warning growl, or sometimes a snap, if it oversteps it boundaries.

This kind of behavior is perfectly normal, and it's best to let the dogs sort out the 'pecking order' for themselves (unless someone is really getting hurt or scared).

When the meet & greet takes place in your home, don't be tempted to make a whole bunch of fuss over the newcomer, while ignoring the older dog/s.

Puppies are so precious, that it's hard not to 'ooh and aah' over them, but keep your adoration for those one-on-one times when your other dog isn't around.

Dogs are pack animals, and their society functions on a fairly strict, heirarchal system.

The older, more mature, stronger dog will be the dominant dog, while the new, smaller and weaker one will be lower down the ladder. If you 'coddle' and pet the younger one at the expense of the older one, you upset this natural balance.

Instead, be sure to feed, pet and acknowledge the resident dog BEFORE the puppy. This reinforces their natural 'pecking order' and makes power-squabbles less likely.

However, sibling rivalry is not just for  our human children!

If your resident dog is territorial, touchy or unused to other dogs, introducing him to your new puppy may go better in neutral territory.

You'll definitely need two people in this case. Take both dogs to a local park (if your puppy isn't yet fully vaccinated, try a friend or relatives house or yard instead) or somewhere similar.

Be sure they're both leashed, and then allow them to become aware of each other from a distance.

Try walking parallel to each other, but a few feet apart, to begin with. Their natural curiosity will get the better of them, and when they feel more comfortable with the presence of the other they will investigate. Wagging tails and sniffing are good signs.

If all goes well, you can try re-introducing the new puppy at home. If you're still unsure of your older dog's reaction, try putting the puppy in a fenced area or dog pen, and allow them to sniff and interact through the wire.

Be sure to have another adult present just in case things don't go smoothly. Don't use a leash on either dog within a confined space as this can lead to aggressive behavior.

When you bring home a new puppy, always make sure you have enough of toys, bones, beds, bowls, treats etc. to go around.

Minor squabbles over possessions do happen, and generally the older, resident dog will put the 'young 'un' in his place, but always supervise playtimes at first as this kind of conflict can escalate quickly.

But there are occasions when one two dogs just can't get along and the fights extend beyond posturing.

If this kind of rivalry turns into snarling and biting (I mean blood-drawing bites, not nips) you have to take a stand. Keep the dogs separated and only let them interact through fencing as talked about above.

After a while they may relax and become more accepting of each other, but if this doesn't happen you may have to seriously consider finding another home for the newest arrival.

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