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Introducing Your Puppy to Your Adult Dog(s)
First, assess your household's current pet(s) status before you add another animal to the mix. If you have an aggressive dog, the nature of the aggression must be identified and managed. Consider the physical condition of your current animals. Many people come into our shelter looking for a puppy to 'liven up' their older dog. Older or calm/quiet dogs are quite content as they are and may be intolerant and very unhappy with a puppy's boisterous behavior. A temperment and energy level match for your current pets is the best match, but if you do end up with a puppy and older dog, here's how to get it off to the best start:
- Total separation. Just having the new puppy in the house is enough for your older dog to get used to, without having to deal with the puppy jumping all over him and his toys, bed etc. Try to have the puppy's room be one that your adult dog does not use for sleeping or eating (bathrooms work well), or use a crate. Feed, play and train separately, giving equal time to both.
To ensure that your household pets stay healthy it is important to have the new puppy examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. A veterinarian can examine the animal and reduce the threat of disease transmission to existing pets, and can treat for fleas and other parasites.
- First introduction. Pick neutral territory, such as a neighbor's yard, or even walking down the block to the corner. Both dogs should be on leashes. If you have more than one dog already at home, introduce them one at a time to the puppy. Start with the most friendly, submissive of your dogs. You can start by having a friend (not a family member) holding the puppy in your arms and letting your adult dog take a good sniff. Then separate, put the puppy down and allow the dogs to approach one another at their own speed. Stay relaxed! The dogs can sense if you are tense. Verbal encouragement, such as "good dogs!" reinforce any good behavior. If there is any agression on either side, you will have to take a break and try again. If the agression continues, try this program (click here) and/or consult a behaviorist or trainer. If all goes well, allow the dogs to spend five or ten minutes together and then proceed to the next step.
- Short play sessions. Allow the dogs supervised access to one another for the first week or so, until the two form a good relationship and can be trusted alone together. Depending on the dogs, these may be five minutes to an hour or longer. Pick the largest play area possible so the dogs have room to move around. End the play session if the older dog repeatedly exhibits 'lay off me' behavior such as trying to avoid the puppy, snarling, growling or snapping. Remove all toys from the mutual play area to avoid possible fights over toys. If the puppy is fully vaccinated, walks together can reinforce positive, fun things happen when the dogs are together.
- Allowable behaviors. Before the age of 4 months, puppies may not recognize subtle body postures from adult dogs which are signals they have had enough. Well-socialized adult dogs with good temperaments can set limits with puppies with a growl or snarl. These behaviors should be allowed. Adults which are not well socialized, or who have a history of fighting with other dogs may attempt to set limits with more aggressive behaviors such as biting which can harm the puppy.
For the most part, dogs adjust to puppies easily, but since the consequences of a problem can be severe, it is wise to follow a slow introduction process as outlined above to ensure all goes well with adding a new puppy to your home.
If you find this program helpful, please make a donation to the Pasadena Humane Society. You can donate online or mail a check made out to PHS to:
BEST Training
Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA
361 S. Raymond Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105