Are you wondering how to introduce your senior dog to your new puppy? Bringing home a new puppy is a very exciting time for puppy owners. But, if you already have a senior dog residing in the home there are precautions you can take to help the process go more smoothly.
Below I will go over some tips that will hopefully lead to a lifelong friendship for both dogs. Remember to be patient and give the two dogs time to form a relationship. For additional tips for success make sure to check out my post, “How to Safely Introduce two dogs to each other.”
Tips for Success:
- Until both dogs have had a chance to develop a well-defined relationship owners must give attention to the older dog before focusing on the younger dog when greeting.
- Always supervise the puppy when he or she is in the presence of the older dog until you’re certain the two dogs have developed a good relationship.
- Use a leash until both dogs have warmed up to each other. Puppies are jumpy. The leash will help prevent your puppy from jumping on your senior dog. If both dogs are off-leash make sure the senior dog has an escape route if he or she has had enough.
- Give your senior dog breaks from the puppy. One-on-one attention away from each other is a healthy way to spend quality time with each dog.
- Try and find some exciting games to see if you can get both dogs to interact with each other positively.
- Allow both dogs to slowly establish their relationship safely.
- Purchase some separate toys and chews for each dog. Allow the dogs to have some alone time with their toys.
- Feed both dogs separately until they have had a chance to develop a relationship.
- Praise both dogs for being calm around one another.
- Teach your puppy basic commands right away to control behavior.
- Hire a professional dog trainer if issues arise.
Kathy Harrington says
Thank you thank you! These ideas are so helpful. Our Missy is about 15 ish. We are hoping that she will still be with us when we adopt Babette later this year. Missy likes to sleep. . . a lot! I think that moving into a house with a yard,( rather than an apartment), will be a much better environment for Missy and Babette. There will be more room for them to have alone time. The yard will offer both of them space to run around or just sleep. Hopefully- time and patience and vigilance will make the process easier. You are the Best! Thanks again!
Deanna says
I am happy that the post was useful. I’m always here to help in anyway that I can Kathy! Have a great evening.
Best,
Deanna