When the new dog is a puppy
If the dog you’re bringing home is just a puppy, you’ll want to do your introductions indoors. With the puppy in your lap and your older dog on a leash held by someone else, let the older dog sniff, lick and explore the puppy. A couple of minutes is more than enough time for this initial introduction. Remove the puppy from the room, then lavish your older dog with attention and praise. On the second or third meeting, if all seems safe, allow the puppy onto the floor, and monitor that situation carefully for a few minutes. Remove the puppy from the room, and again, give your older dog praise and attention. Repeat this exercise at least twice daily until you’re comfortable that the two will get along. It’s not a good idea to leave your puppy alone with your older dog. There should always be someone there to supervise.
The importance of private time
Give your older dog some quiet time away from your new dog or puppy every once in awhile – he’ll appreciate the break. And be sure to give him lots of individual attention so he’ll know that he still holds a special place in your heart and hasn’t been ‘replaced’.
Most dogs enjoy the company of other dogs. No-one can ‘speak dog’ quite like another canine. Yet, if you’re introducing a new dog into a home where one already resides, there will be a few things to be aware of.
The best place to introduce dogs is on neutral territory, ideally in a park. Enlist a family member or friend to give your resident pet a good long walk before meeting you and the new pup.
If you’ve already brought the pup home, keep the two dogs separated for a few days, allowing the older dog to get used to the new smells and changed atmosphere. Give the dogs each other’s bedding to sniff, while speaking in upbeat friendly tones.
Your resident dog may not take too kindly to this new arrival, who threatens to take your attention away. You want your older dog to think that when this new pup is around, they can expect lots of attention, it’s a good thing! If you have two resident dogs, let them meet the puppy one at a time.
Before the pup and older dog meet, you can minimise the risk of possessive behaviour by keeping all toys, bones and bowls out of sight. These things should be kept in your possession – it’ll help your dogs to see you as the boss.
Opinions vary as to whether the dogs should be on or off the leash for the first meeting. You know your older dog, and you’re the best judge, but if in doubt use a leash.
The dogs should be allowed to approach it other at their own pace. If one or both appears agitated, distract them, and encourage them to move to another area. If they become playful with each other, don’t let the play get too rough or out of hand. Again, distract them. Don’t be too concerned if the older dog growls or nips at the pup – the older dog is establishing boundaries. But if there is an ongoing problem with rivalry or aggression, consult a veterinarian or professional dog trainer.
The solution to potential jealousy or rivalry is for the dogs to associate each other with positive and fun things. You want to create a win-win situation for them, so give both dogs plenty of praise for behaving in each other’s presence. Even if your dogs aren’t doing much, just lying peacefully near each other, this is something to praise.
Until you’re confident there aren’t any problems, separate the dogs when you leave the house, and supervise them when they’re together. Also feed them in separate areas.
Over time, you may observe that one of the dogs seems more dominant than the other. Until recently, owners were instructed to support the dominant dog’s role. New research indicates that dogs should be treated equally, especially when they are both adults. Give them turns at getting treats and pats first, and reinforce your role as the benevolent boss. If you’re thinking about adding another dog to the household but have not yet done so, consider getting one of the opposite sex to your resident pet. While same sex canine pairs can and do get along, a male and a female is usually the best match and will decrease the chance of rivalry.
Dogs are pack animals. They are incredibly social. A dog home alone can easily become bored and lonely, which can lead to destructive and problem behaviours. Of course, there may be the occasional ruffling of fur, but two dogs provide each other with ongoing mental and physical exercise, as well as a very special and rewarding companionship.
Introducing a new dog into your family is usually pretty easy because most dogs enjoy having another dog to play with. The following suggestions may make it easier for you.
Before bringing home a new dog of ANY age, always pick up any food, dishes or toys that your present pet really likes and is not apt to share because these are likely to start fights. In a week or so you can give these things back and see how they’re tolerated. But for now put them away
It’s always a good idea to get a new dog when your present dog is nine months to 1-½ years old.
At this age most dogs enjoy playing with a new puppy. Of course, you can introduce a new dog to your present dog at any age, but older dogs are often not playful enough anymore to really enjoy a puppy, so a more mature animal can be a better choice. If a puppy is your choice don’t let it pester your old dog. Always remove the puppy, but let it have plenty of time to be around the older dog. Eventually (1 –2) weeks the older dog will begin to WANT the puppy to play and then it is okay to let them play.
Some people think it’s funny to see a puppy boss an older dog around. They don’t realise it is only tolerating the pup for their sake. But one day when the owners aren’t around, the older dog may hurt or kill the puppy because he never really liked it to begin with. That is why we never let a new puppy provoke or pester the older dog. It’s easy to see when the older dog wants to be left alone or when he wants to play. So watch them carefully during these first few days. Don’t worry if the old dog does some growling during this time. Remember it is the only way he has to show you and the puppy that he doesn’t want to be bothered. Eventually this will pass.
Bringing home an older dog
If you’re bringing home an older dog, try introducing them away from your own property. If a friend is willing to help, take the new dog to your friend‘s house. Then walk your present dog over there. You and your friend should then take the dogs on a leisurely stroll through the neighbourhood ending at your own home. Let the dogs loose in the fenced yard while you and your friends are inside having a cup of coffee. Relax, but watch them much the same as you would kids.
Expect some posturing and marking. Even a brief but minor spat would not be unusual. It is best to intervene as gently and as sweetly as possible. In a light happy voice say things like “Aren’t you glad to have a friend now?” and “Good dogs never fight” etc. Think up gentle and happy things to say so the dogs pick up your mood. Don’t scold harshly or loudly at this point your mood can transfer to either dog and start fights! So keep it light and happy.
During the “breaking-in-phase” expect posturing and growling. Growling in this case isn’t bad. The dogs are only communicating between themselves. Don’t ignore a growl. Always check it out to see why they are growling. Sometimes you will have to remove a toy they’re arguing over or a piece of food for instance. Sometimes one will get too pushy with the other, then just look at them and say something like “Settle down now” or put them outside to settle things between themselves.In other words try treating them much like you would young children together for the first time. That way you’re not likely to overreact and cause your own problems.
Here’s a few more tips.
Sit on a comfortable chair, with the puppy on your lap, at such a height, that the “older” dog doesn’t have to jump up to reach it.
Allow the older dog into the room and make as much fuss of it as you can – bearing in mind that you have a young puppy on your lap!
Let the older dog sniff, lick the puppy, and generally explore it and get to know it. For the first meeting, 2 – 3 minutes is more than enough for both of them.
Remove the puppy from the room – and return to make a fuss of the older dog.
On the second or third meeting, if all seems safe, allow the puppy onto the floor, and watch carefully – 3 to 4 minutes maximum – then remove the puppy, and then return to make a fuss of, and reassure the older dog – very important.
Repeat this, at least twice daily, preferably after the older dog has been fed (No – it won’t eat the puppy – it’ll just feel rather more secure and comfortable!).
If the older dog should happen to walk into the area where the puppy-pen is, don’t send it away – it’s only trying to be “friends”. Welcome it – and encourage it – it’s exactly what you want to happen.
Most dogs will pretty readily accept the new pup, but to help the getting aquatinted process a few things may help. Start by putting the new pup in his crate where the old dog can sniff and check him out through the bars (for those with out a crate considering using baby gates to keep the dog and pup separate while allowing the getting to know each other sniffing. Alternatively – have someone hold the pup while allowing the older dog to sniff the pup, possibly with someone else restraining the older dog if a problem is anticipated). Once the old dog has accepted the stranger in the crate without aggressive behavior (if aggressive behavior is exhibited – leave all meeting for while on the smell through the bars stage ), the next step is to allow a nose to nose meeting. Most pups will want to play. Most older dogs will take the position of “where did this bundle of energy come from?” and either play some, stand stoically or walk off growling and warning the pup not to come near.
For the dog that warns the pup not to come near – allow some time – as the pup will get the idea after a few snaps and growls to leave the older dog alone for now. As long as the older dog does not actively attack the pup with harm in mind you are fine ( this is rare – and the pups maturing usually takes care of the problem ).
For older females not accepting the new pup it may help to rub the pup around on the female to transfer some scent. For either sex a bath for both may temporarily help establish a mutual smell. Never leave the pup unsupervised until you are completely sure of your older dog.
For those that play right off the bat — great — it is more the normal thing.
Be sure to give equal if not more attention to the old dogs to prevent feelings of jealousy. Yes, you will want to play with the newcomer. That is natural but please remember the older dog. The pup will revel in the attention but does not know when attention is being diverted like the older dog does.
Pups will learn from the older dog – that is natural. If your older dog has bad habits be sure to watch your pup and correct him while he is still learning. For the older dog that knows the household routine and is good with it that can only help you training your pup.
When starting obedience training be sure to include the older dog. If he already has basic training the pup can learn a lot by example and your older dog will not feel left out. If the older dog does not have basic then they are learning something together. (note, if your old dog is to old for the workout or is a really slow learner you may not want to embarrass him in front of the pup )
Young pups can bring out a playful exuberance that you may not have seen in your older dog for sometime. Two dogs playing together can help keep both physically and mentally fit. Make sure they both have adequate toys and consider some two dog toys such as tug rings and longer rope bones ( for other toy recommendations see the section on toys )
Enjoy your new pup but don’t forget the older dog!!