Did someone say NEW PUPPY? Congratulations are in order!
All dogs are totally awesome, but there is something even more magical about bringing a new puppy into your family.
So congratulations on the newest member of your family.
If you are lucky enough to own an older dog already and are bringing the puppy into the home as well, this is the right post for you.
We will share some great tips and advice to help you make your older dog accept your new pet puppy.
Getting an Older Dog to Accept a New Puppy
Here is a short step by step guide for you to follow:
- Make the first introduction somewhere neutral.
- Remove all toys, and bones chews, etc.
- Watch out for early signs of aggression.
- Take it slowly and let them bond at their own pace.
- Please don’t leave them unsupervised too early.
And now, we can dive into this guide in more detail.
Make the First Introduction Somewhere Neutral
Outside in your yard or garden is a great place for the older dogs to meet the new puppy.
If that isn’t possible, pick a neutral part of your home, not too close to the older dog’s possessions or favorite sleeping area.
This lowers the risk of territorial aggression from the older dog to the puppy.
Remove all Toys, Bones Chews, etc.
Clear away any of the older dog’s possessions; you want to reduce the chances of any jealousy and conflict arising.
Watch Out for Early Signs of Aggression
Observe the old dog for any early warning signs of potentially aggressive behavior.
Rigid body language, lip curling, intense stares, hackles rising, growling are all signs you need to slow down the process and give the dog more time to accept the puppy.
A young dog can be quite rambunctious and biting is a form of play. But to the other dog, it can mean something else. You will want to watch the puppy for this kind of behavior if the elder dog reacts negatively.
Take it Slowly and Let Them Bond at Their Own Pace
Let nature run its course, and don’t try to force acceptance from the older dog.
Reward both dogs with praise, pets, and treats for good behavior but accept that it might take a while for them to become best buddies.
Don’t Leave Them Unsupervised too Early.
During the process of getting your bigger dog to accept the new puppy, you should be wary of leaving them unsupervised.
You know your dogs better than us, so when you feel it is safe, you are probably right, but if in doubt, don’t do it.
More Advice on Socializing an Older Dog with a New Puppy
This video is great. It shares some examples and advice on socializing older dogs with new puppies helping the established dog accept the new little pet dog into the home.