New Puppy? Here’s How to (Safely) Introduce Them to Your Older Dog

Getting a new puppy is an exciting event. But that fuzzy bundle of joy comes with a lot of changes – and potential anxiety for your existing furry friends. If you already have an older dog in the bunch, navigating a safe introduction is crucial.

In this guide, we share how to calmly and intentionally introduce your new puppy to your older dog. Plus, some additional considerations for incorporating your new pet into your family!

Considerations for Adding a Puppy to Your Fur Household

Introducing a new puppy to an existing dog is an event that should be taken with care and proper planning. It’s important to facilitate a positive first impression so your new puppy is accepted by your existing dog without anxiety, fear, or aggression. 

Here are a few considerations when introducing a new puppy:

• Reduce stress: Adding a new puppy to the mix can be a stressful event for your older dog. A gradual and calm introduction reduces stress and anxiety for both your existing dog and the new puppy.
• Ward off territorial instincts: Existing dogs can feel territorial of their home and space. A slow and intentional transition is important to help ward off aggressive behaviour.
• Prevent jealousy: A slow introduction can help your existing pet not feel neglected or replaced by the new puppy. 
• Creating space: A controlled introduction helps the new puppy understand the boundaries and personal space of the existing dog. This can prevent anxiety on the dog’s part and prevent future conflicts.
• Building a bond: Proper introductions can help your existing dog and new puppy form a positive relationship from the start.
• Teaching social cues: A proper introduction can teach social cues to your puppy, such as when it’s appropriate to approach and how to interact with other dogs. 

Do Older Dogs Get Jealous of New Puppies?

Photo by REGINE THOLEN on Unsplash

Not all older dogs get jealous of new puppies, but some do. It really depends on the temperament of your existing dog and their attachment to you/your family. Many dogs can perceive the introduction of a new puppy as a threat to their existing resources and/or your affection. 

Some examples of jealous behaviours might include:

• Withdrawing when you show attention to the puppy
• Nuzzling into you while you’re being affectionate with the puppy
• Barking or whining
• Jumping up to divert attention to themselves
• Biting you or the puppy to assert dominance

Many of these behaviours can be addressed and resolved through conditioning and training. That said, starting with a positive introduction from the beginning can often help prevent these behaviours from occurring. 

How to Introduce a Puppy to an Older Dog

Photo by Margo Brodowicz on Unsplash

Ready to introduce your new puppy to your older dog? Follow these steps to facilitate a safe and friendly first meeting!

1. Establish neutral territory

Arrange the first meeting to be in a neutral space, like a park or open field. You want to avoid any area that will have your dogs feeling territorial (such as in your home, near their bed, in a crate, etc.)

It is important that neither pup feels like they are “guarding” their belongings or space. Finding a neutral area for the introduction is essential.

2. Keep it loose and leashed

Both the dog and puppy should be on separate leashes, but with enough slack to safely approach or retreat from each other. Do not have one dog on-leash and one dog off-leash, as this can create an unequal power dynamic.

If possible, have one person (ideally, an adult) hold the leash of the puppy and another hold the leash of the adult. If the older dog feels particularly protective of one human over the other, have the dog be introduced to a more “neutral” family member or friend.

3. Ease into the introduction

With a safe distance (approximately 3-5 feet) between the puppy and your dog, allow them to slowly approach each other. Do not force closeness or force them to interact. Allow them to greet each other in their own time.

Keep the first introduction very brief (1 minute or less). Then, reward both dogs with treats and praise for calm behaviour.

Separate your pets if either dog shows signs of stress or aggression.

4. Supervise future interactions

Once it’s time to bring both pups into the home, do so separately. Allow the puppy to explore the area while the older dog is in another room.

Over time, gradually allow supervised interactions in the home. Be sure to monitor their behaviour closely, and again separate them if there are any signs of aggression. 

In the home, be sure that each dog has their own separate space (bed, bowls, toys, etc.) they can retreat to as needed. This can also help prevent resource guarding.

5. Keep a consistent routine

Even though having a new puppy can introduce a lot of changes, try to keep your older dog’s routine as consistent as possible. This will help them feel secure and will reduce their anxiety. 

Over the first few weeks after bringing the new puppy home, gradually introduced shared activities like fetch, playtime, and walks. This will help instill that your attention is equally shared and will build positive associations between your two pets. 

How Long Does it Take for a Dog to Get Used to a New Puppy?

The time it takes for a dog to get used to a new puppy can vary, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks. However, some older dogs (particularly those “set in their ways”) can take longer to adjust. Every dog is different. 

Patience, gradual introductions, and consistent positive reinforcement can help facilitate a smoother transition and foster a harmonious relationship between your dog and your puppy. 

If after several months your dogs are not getting along, it may be best to seek help from an animal behaviourist.

Care for Your Young and Older Pup with PHI Direct

No matter their age, your puppy and dog deserve equal care, attention, and affection. Part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your pup is proper medical care. With PHI Direct, you get the care and support you need for every stage of your dog’s life. You can enroll your dog as early as 7 weeks of age up until they’re 14 years old. However, once enrolled your pet continues to be covered at ages 14 and beyond!

Whether it’s an unexpected emergency or a new illness, access to pet insurance can be a huge relief. Get a free quote for our PHI Direct pet insurance plans to find the best solution for your fur household. 

Featured Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash