Welcoming a new puppy is a delightful time for your family, and we know you can’t wait to get them settled in! If you have an older dog, we’re sure they’ll grow to be best chums, though this will need a little bit of work and planning first. Since both of your dogs will be a little cautious, make sure you introduce them first in a way that gets them off to a good start. To help you out, we’ve got plenty of advice on how to introduce a puppy to a dog in the best manner below.
Introducing a puppy to an older dog: Our best tips
Your dogs will be both a little apprehensive and anxious when they first meet, so putting them on the right path with a good initial meeting is key. This will help reduce anxiety for them both, prevent resource guarding, and build trust between them, giving them the best chance to bond. Our tips on introducing a puppy to an older dog are as follows:
Getting vaccinated
Before we get to talking specifically about how to introduce a puppy to a dog, both of your four-legged friends must be up to date on their vaccinations. Either dog could pass on an infection to the other, so be sure to head to your vet to get them both vaccinated as soon as you can.
Meeting outdoors
The first meeting between your puppy and older dog is best done outside. If you introduce each other in a dog’s favourite room or a corridor, for instance, your older dog may become territorial and set things off to a bad start. Therefore, we recommend choosing a neutral territory, such as a new park or a family member's garden, as a first introduction.
First, have your two dogs go for small walks around this space by walking them on either side of you. This way, your dogs can get a first look at each other and start getting used to each other’s scent while you remain in control. If both of your dogs seem content, allow them to investigate and sniff each other while still on a lead. If either becomes a little too excited or worried, allow them to have a short break from each other and explore elsewhere in the space.
Heading back home
Once you arrive back home, it’s best (if possible) if you allow your dogs to spend some time with each other in your garden. This will mean that your older dog will feel less territorial about their space once you do head inside.
When thinking about how to introduce a puppy to a dominant dog, you should pre-prepare your home so that both of them have their own space that they can each feel comfortable in. Each of your dogs should have their own area with separate beds, toys, and food bowls that they can call their own. You should also set up a baby gate to make separating them easy if needed.
When your dogs do head back indoors, you should keep them on house lines, just in case they need separating.
Following interactions
Over the course of the first few days and weeks, you will need to oversee your two dogs’ interactions to ensure both are comfortable. If you aren’t able to do this at a given time, you should make sure to separate them in separate areas of the house with a door in between. This also allows both of them to have a break from each other as they’re getting used to things.
If your older dog shows any signs of discomfort, such as growling or snapping, move your puppy away from your dog and keep them engaged with something else in a different area. You should avoid forcing closeness if either dog needs their own space, as this will only lead to further problems.
If your dogs exhibit good behaviours, like calm sniffing, gentle playing, and taking turns, be sure to give them plenty of praise (and maybe a treat or two) to reinforce these. This will teach them both that being around each other brings good things!
Unsupervised meetings
Once your dogs show that they are properly comfortable around each other, you can allow them to have unsupervised meetings. This is best done in shorter periods at first, for example, while you’re out running an errand. If this goes well, you can start to allow your dogs to spend more time together unsupervised and get used to becoming housemates!
The period it takes for your dogs to become used to each other can vary a lot, so giving your dogs the time and space they need is key. It’s normal for dogs to need time to become accustomed to one another, so keeping up positive interactions and ensuring each dog feels at ease in their space is your best route to success!
Products for your puppy and dog at Closer Pets
After learning our tips on how to introduce a puppy to a dominant dog, you’ll be putting your best paw forward in helping them build a bond for life!
To help you best look after your two dogs, we have a wide range of useful dog products at Closer Pets to make your day-to-day life that much easier. This includes our dog doors to allow for outdoor roaming, automatic dog feeders to keep your dogs fed while you’re away from home, and dog water fountains to keep them hydrated with naturally oxygenated running water.
If you’re looking for more tips, you can find many more handy blogs over on our pet advice page. If you’ve got any questions about our pet products and how they can help you and your canines, get in touch with our friendly team today, and we’ll be more than happy to help you out.