- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Adopting another dog may be an exciting time for the people in your home, but your older dog may feel a tad hateful when you bring home a puppy.
Puppies don’t fully understand dog behavior, so their antics may be challenging for adult dogs. Senior dogs with arthritis or other pain issues may also find a puppy anxiety inducing. That’s why it’s important to introduce new puppies to older dogs in a slow, controlled way.
A little preparation can help your older dog adjust to the new family member and get used to sharing their home—and you! Your new puppy may even reignite your older dog’s spunk and help them feel young and playful again. Read on for tips on introducing a new puppy to an older dog and how to create a fun environment for both dogs.
Always Let Your Dogs Meet In a Neutral Place
The right environment is essential when introducing a puppy to an older dog, says Heather (Deneke) Gillihan, CPDT-KA, director of learning and development at Zoom Room, a dog activity and training center. Both dogs must feel comfortable, and the older dog shouldn’t feel replaced.
A neutral outdoor space is a good place for a first introduction, but if your new puppy isn’t fully vaccinated, this meet-and-greet will have to happen in your backyard.
Preparation: Get Your Dog Ready for Change
If you haven’t brought your puppy home yet, the best thing you can do is slowly prepare your older dog for the changes. These tips can help:
- Introduce the dogs through scent. Have the puppy’s toys, blanket, and crate in the house for a couple of weeks. This gives your older dog time to sniff out the new environment.
- Start creating separate safe spaces in the home. This will teach each dog where to go and relax if they need a break.
- Practice routine changes two weeks out, Gillihan recommends. For instance, if feeding times or locations will change, start those changes two weeks early. That way, the older dog won’t blame the puppy for their schedule changes, she says.
- Start puppy proofing. Puppy proof your home by moving cords, breakables, and dangerous household items out of the puppy’s reach. Also, check with a vet or trainer about any toys you have for your older dog that may not be safe for puppies.
When Dogs Meet: Rely On Physical Barriers and Distance
According to Dr. Lindsey Petty-Dixon, a veterinarian at Smith County Animal Clinic, a quarantine period of one to two weeks to let both dogs learn to relax without interacting with each other. If your dog seems to be more accepting, however, then you may be able introduce them more quickly.
These tips from Gillihan can help make sure their first meeting is positive and stress-free:
- Let the puppy sniff around the house on their own: Keep your older dog in another room, outside, or with a friend while the puppy gets familiar with their new surroundings. Then, let your older dog back in—just put the puppy in their crate or playpen first to protect them.
- Use a leash for the older dog, but keep it slack: “People can inadvertently cause a reaction by pulling on the leash when the puppy is safely in the pen,” Gillihan says. If the introduction isn’t going well, you can pick up the leash, gently lead your older dog away, and try again later.
- Use the couch as a guard: Young puppies can’t jump yet, so you can pet your older dog on the couch while the puppy sits below. Avoid holding the puppy in your arms during the introduction.
- Reward whenever your dog looks or interact with the puppy: Every time you call the puppy, give plenty of treats and love to the older dog. Over time, the older dog will associate the new pup with positive things like love, attention, and treats.
- Get help if needed: Have a dog trainer observe and put together a training plan for both dogs can help speed up the process.
When Can You Trust Your Dogs Together?
You can start to trust your dogs together when you notice relaxed and calm body language from both your dogs.
Positive body language between dogs who are comfortable with each other include:
- Gentle sniffing from behind and not face-first
- Active playing where both dogs take on the role of instigator
- Relaxed body language, from ears to tail
- Choosing to be near each other
Having dogs get along can take anywhere from two to four weeks. Dogs who aren’t adjusting well may take up to six months to get used to each other. This is typically true for dogs with a large age gap, size difference, or upbringing.
To help build positive interactions between your new and old dog, try:
- Scatter feeding their meals during training, which help decrease the idea of limited resources
- Exercising your puppy to decrease intensity before they play with your older dog
- Doing training sessions together so one doesn’t feel left out
- Giving your older dog extra 1:1 time to help with the change
- Feeding meals in bowls separate to avoid resource guarding
Keep Your Eye On Dog Body Language
Dogs can sense tension, so if you’re feeling stressed by the process, your older dog may pick up on that and become more stressed themselves. If your older dog becomes nervous or upset, the signs are unlikely to be sudden. Pay close attention to their body language and end the encounter if you notice any:
- Whale eyes, or dog side eye
- Stiff body language
- Raised hackles (fur on the back of the neck/back)
- Prolonged stares or turning of the head
- Lip licking
- Growling or display of teeth
- Hunched back
Always avoid forcing dogs to continue an interaction where they feel uncomfortable. Make sure to supervise the dogs together at all times until they become comfortable with each other.
Check-In Considerations for Another Puppy
Not every dog wants another playmate at home. If you’re still trying to decide whether to bring home a second dog, try these four steps and observe your dog’s body language and reaction closely:
- Observe how your dog plays at the dog park. Can they adjust their play style to different dogs and dog sizes?
- Do a pup-to-dog intro at the breeder, shelter, or rescue. How does your dog interact with puppies in a new setting?
- Have in-home playdates with other puppies. Does your dog respond positively to other dogs in their home?
- Ask your pet-sitters or doggy dare care staff for a report. Do professionals give positive reviews for how your dog interactions with pets during longer stays?
- Revisit your dog’s exercise schedule. Remember your puppy will have to live a careful lifestyle due to specific socialization periods and vaccination schedules. If your dog at home is used to adventures, consider how a puppy’s health needs may impact their schedule.
Your older dog and new puppy may not enjoy each other’s company at first, but that’s pretty common! Creating an environment for your pup and older dog to enjoy together is a long-term process.
Building new routines for your older dog before the puppy even enters the scene can help things go more smoothly. It’s also essential to give your older dog plenty of extra love and affection so they understand the puppy is an addition to the family, not their replacement!
Check out this video to learn more.