How to introduce a new puppy to an adult dog. Have you given as much love as possible to your dog, but feel like you still have more to give? Then welcoming a new dog into your home is an excellent option; since the emotional bond that is created with a dog derives numerous benefits.
However, have you stopped to think about how an adult dog will feel? It is a pet that has had for himself all the attention of his family; that has the space as it is allowed; without major obstacles and that grows up knowing that it has no canine competition when it comes to claiming affection.
It is very important to know how to welcome a new puppy into the home if we already live with an adult dog; otherwise, many problems can be triggered, such as aggressive behaviors or jealous behaviors. In this article we tell you how to introduce a new puppy to an adult dog.
Presentation on neutral ground
Presentation on neutral ground (an open space or a park) is not always possible. Since it will depend on the puppy already being vaccinated and can go outside. But if there is this possibility, it will be the best option.
A neutral ground fosters an environment with distractions and where the risk of territorial behaviors appearing is reduced.
For this, the ideal thing is to have the help of a second person; so that each one takes a dog separately, and then be able to present them; thus allow them to relax, smell and begin to know each other.
It may be that the adult dog is indifferent to the new puppy. But it may also be that he tries to ride him and even growls at him; in this case, as long as aggression is not going to occur; you should not worry, since it is a priority that you interfere as little as possible in the relationship between your two dogs. They have their rules, their hierarchy and know how to establish these new relationships.
Prepare the house for coexistence
Before the presentation takes place inside the home it is essential to prepare a specific area for the new puppy; with its own accessories, since it is important that you do not alter the habits that the adult dog has acquired.
If in addition to introducing a new dog in the home you allow it to use the accessories of the adult dog and take over its space, it is obvious that coexistence will not start in a good way.
The first presentation at home
If everything has gone well during the presentation on neutral ground you must return home, the first dog that must enter is the adult and must do it without a leash, later the puppy will enter on a leash, although once inside it must be loose and with total freedom to explore the whole home, room by room.
If the adult dog is comfortable, the puppy can walk freely around the house. But if he does not accept it, the space of the puppy must be limited to later expand it progressively as the adult dog gets used to it.
For the first few weeks do not leave dogs unsupvised, not until the adult dog is completely comfortable with the puppy.
Tips for a good coexistence
Other tips that you should follow so that your two dogs coexist in harmony are the following:
- If the adult dog comes to attack the puppy we recommend that you go to an ethologist or canine educator. The professional will be able to help you conveniently.
- Let the puppy greet the dog on his own initiative, do not grab him to plant him in the muzzle of the other dog, it will make him feel very vulnerable and can generate tension and fear in the dog. Never force situations, let them interact themselves.
- Place your feeders properly separated, and if one dog finishes before another, don’t let him intimidate his partner to get his food.
- Reward them, play with them, bésales and take care of them equally, do not let either of you feel excluded.
If you follow our advice your dogs will live together correctly and will surely be best friends forever.
Discussion about this post