Introducing a new puppy to your current dog is often an exciting process, and many dogs will become fast friends and easily start to enjoy their lives together.
However, these introductions may also be somewhat nerve-wracking, and you no doubt want to be sure that whatever you do, your new puppy and your current dog end up loving each other and living together without stress.
Our article gives you details on why proper introductions are so important for new puppies and your current dog in addition to providing you with basic steps for a proper introduction and answering your frequently asked questions about how to introduce a new puppy to your dog.
Just like with humans, relationships take some time to build, and the relationship between your new puppy and your current dog is an important one to maintain.
Your current dog is happy at home and feels like they have all the attention they need; introducing a new puppy can lead to poor behavior if your current dog feels the need to act out for attention, or it can result in aggression and fights in the case that your two dogs simply don’t get along.
Monitoring the first introductions between your new puppy and your current dog in addition to paying attention to their body language and allowing the relationship between your dogs to move slowly is the best way to ensure safety and a lasting, long-term happy relationship between your pets.
The following steps will help you introduce your new puppy to your dog. Keep in mind that both your new puppy and your current dog should be given ample time and space to adjust to things – you can’t rush a new relationship between your pups, though these steps will help make sure things go as smoothly as possible.
Before introducing your dogs to each other, it’s essential that you take your puppy to the vet for a health visit and checkup. You can complete one of these basic checkup visits for your current dog too, just to ensure that both of your pups are healthy and unlikely to give each other any diseases.
This can also be a good time to check for any health issues that might be hidden or resulting in behavioral issues with either of your dogs.
Make sure that your new puppy is up to date with all of their vaccines at your checkup visit, as this is another essential task for dogs that live together.
Neutral ground introductions are very important when it comes to letting your new puppy meet your current dog, as simply bringing a puppy home and setting them in the middle of your dog’s space without any introductions can immediately put them on guard.
A neutral ground introduction eliminates the potential for immediate stress for your current dog by allowing them to interact with your new puppy in a space they don’t necessarily feel territorial about.
Examples of places to establish a neutral ground introduction include along a quiet walking trail you visit with your pup often, the backyard of a friend who doesn’t own dogs, or a dog park that isn’t too crowded (crowds and lots of dogs can result in more stress for some dogs).
Allow your new puppy and your current dog to see each other, then approach each other, and monitor their behavior for signs of stress or aggression, acting accordingly.
Allowing your dogs to set the pace of their introduction and relationship is vital if you want them to bond properly and enjoy their time together. You cannot force your dogs into being close before they are ready for it, and you shouldn’t simply put your new dog and your current dog together and then expect them to both immediately be ok with the situation.
Sometimes, dogs need more time to warm up to things and to accept the fact that their home is now a shared space with a new puppy.
Always move slowly and pay attention to how comfortable both your current dog and your new puppy appear to be before taking the next steps, such as car rides together, bringing your dogs home, or leaving your dogs alone in a room together.
Body language is always important when it comes to dog ownership, and understanding your dog’s specific body language can help prevent serious issues or moments of aggression before they happen. Some of the basics of dog body language that you should keep in mind when introducing your new puppy to your current dog include the following:
Read up on dog body language using the American Kennel Club’s guide, and always monitor your new puppy and your current dog until you are sure they have formed a good relationship with each other.
Even after you bring your new puppy and your dog home, you should be keeping an eye on these two dogs for a while.
Monitoring home interactions and ensuring that both your puppy and your dog are happy in their space is essential, as your current dog may easily feel threatened by the addition of a puppy in their home, and your new puppy may be stressed by any aggression or fear your current dog shows.
Your new puppy and your current dog should not be left alone together around your home until you are sure that there is no risk of fighting, biting, or other behaviors that can result in serious issues or injuries. Training for both of your dogs is essential to keep them under your control and listening to you in the case of potential behavioral issues.
While many dogs easily adapt to a new puppy and enjoy the chance to socialize with a new friend, some dogs don’t adjust as easily and will have issues with your new puppy.
In the case that your current dog simply doesn’t like your puppy and is acting out in the form of aggression, barking, growling, or even changed toilet behaviors, you may be wondering what to do to help your dogs get along.
One of the most important things to do if your current dog isn’t enjoying your new puppy’s company is to give them a break. Separate your dogs into different rooms and use a baby gate or other screen to block off access; a screen is important because it helps them see each other, but it keeps the two dogs relatively separate.
Give your current dog treats and affection, and simply let them sit alone in their own space without the potential annoyance of the new puppy.
You can feed your dogs treats on either side of the separation and generally play with them separately so they get used to the idea of each other, but neither is too overwhelmed by constantly being in the same area.
If your current dog still shows signs of aggression, fear, or stress months after you introduce your new puppy into your home, you may need to meet with a behavioral specialist or a professional trainer for advice that is specific to your dog and your home situation to help your dog warm up to your family’s new addition.
Introducing your new puppy to your dog can be exciting, but this is also a nerve-wracking process for many. Review our answers to frequently asked questions about introducing your new puppy to your dog to put any remaining worries about this process to rest.
Training your new puppy is essential, and both your new puppy and your current dog will benefit from the training of your puppy. With basic training, you can teach your new puppy obedience and get them under your control, which can be incredibly helpful if you need to encourage your new puppy to give your current dog space from time to time.
We recommend an online training program for your new puppy or an in-person puppy school in your city. Both of these options provide you with a versatile way to train and socialize your dog, ensuring they have the skills they need to grow up well-behaved and with proper public manners.
Always make sure that any training your dog receives is positive and involves high-value treats or rewards, as this is the best way to train and build a bond between yourself and your puppy.
As you introduce a new puppy into your home, you may be worried about making your current dog feel comfortable and overall less stressed about your family’s newest addition.
Fortunately, it is possible to do this by incorporating some special alone time for your current dog into your routine – take your pup out alone and make them feel special for a few hours before coming home and playing with both of your dogs.
Additionally, you can give your current dog lots of attention and treats when the new puppy is around to encourage a positive association with your newest family member. You may also want to engage in training sessions with both of your dogs or invest in some calming supplements for your current dog if they tend to be very anxious or stressed out over changes to their routine.
Speak with a veterinarian or dog behavioral specialist if you have concerns about how your current dog is adjusting to the new puppy in your lives.
Routine is incredibly important when it comes to dogs, and establishing a new routine between your current dog and your new puppy is essential to helping them adjust to their lives together.
You can establish your routine by taking your dogs on walks together, giving them breaks from being in the same space as each other, and ensuring meals are fed on a regular schedule. Monitor all interactions between your dogs to ensure there are no signs of aggression, fear, or stress until your routine has been fully set and your two dogs accept each other.
You can never be totally sure that your dogs will get along, as dogs have different personalities and trigger points when it comes to meeting new animals. However, as long as your current dog has been properly socialized and you are taking all precautions when it comes to introducing your new puppy to your current dog, you are doing your best to set your dogs up for success.
If you are very concerned about ensuring that your two dogs get along, you should meet with a professional trainer or a behavioral specialist for specific advice on how to help your dogs adjust to each other.
Preparations for a new puppy can be extensive, and it’s important to remember that you need a second set of all dog caretaking items – expecting your current dog to share their items or their space can result in aggression and behavioral issues.
Make sure that your new puppy has all of their health items up to date and take the time to purchase beds, toys, food and water bowls, and other essentials that belong just to them.
Once you have your puppy items and you’ve puppy-proofed your home as needed, you can start the process of introducing your two dogs and allowing your pets to adjust to each other’s presence.
In some cases, your dogs may never fully get along or accept each other as members of the family.
In these situations, you have a choice – rehome your new puppy to a different home that will be more suitable or make adjustments to your home that accommodates both pets. This can include things like designating certain parts of the home to each dog, taking your dogs on separate walks, or engaging in training separately.
Keep in mind that this can be stressful for all of the humans and dogs involved, which is why working with a professional is essential before you engage in these adjustments or consider rehoming your puppy.
Adding a new puppy to the family can be a fun, rewarding experience, and many homes with dogs easily adapt to a new addition.
However, it’s important to complete introductions between your new puppy and your current dog properly, and that you monitor the behavior of your two dogs until you are positive they have formed a healthy and respectful relationship with each other.
No two dogs are the same, so always move slowly and use your best judgment, plus input from professionals when needed, to ensure that you grow your canine family in a safe manner.