Introducing a new puppy
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If your older dog is pretty friendly and not overly territorial, then introducing a new puppy on home territory should work. A young puppy is unlikely to challenge an adult dog, but it's rowdiness and natural exuberance may make it a bit of an irritation.
Generally the resident dog will 'keep the newcomer in line', with a warning growl, or sometimes a snap, if it oversteps it boundaries. This kind of behavior is perfectly normal, and it's best to let the dogs sort out the 'pecking order' for themselves (unless someone is really getting hurt or scared).
When you're introducing a new puppy into your home, don't be tempted to make a whole bunch of fuss over the newcomer, while ignoring the older dog/s.
Puppies are so precious, that it's hard not to 'ooh and aah' over them, but keep your adoration for those one-on-one times when your other dog isn't around. Dogs are pack animals, and their society functions on a fairly strict, heirarchal system.
The older, more mature, stronger dog will be the dominant dog, while the new, smaller and weaker one will be lower down the ladder. If you 'coddle' and pet the younger one at the expense of the older one, you upset this natural balance.
Instead, be sure to feed, pet and acknowledge the resident dog BEFORE the puppy. This reinforces their natural 'pecking order' and makes power-squabbles less likely.
Sibling Rivalry
It's not just for children! If your resident dog is territorial, touchy or unused to other dogs, introducing a new puppy may go better in neutral territory.
You'll definitely need two people in this case. Take both dogs to a local park (if your puppy isn't yet fully vaccinated, try a friend or relatives house or yard instead) or somewhere similar. Be sure they're both leashed, and then allow them to become aware of each other from a distance.
Try walking parallel to each other, but a few feet apart, to begin with. Their natural curiosity will get the better of them, and when they feel more comfortable with the presence of the other they will investigate. Wagging tails and sniffing are good signs.
If all goes well, you can try re-introducing the new puppy at home. If you're still unsure of your older dog's reaction, try putting the puppy in a fenced area or dog pen, and allow them to sniff and interact through the wire.
When introducing a new puppy directly, be sure to have another adult present just in case it doesn't go smoothly. Don't use a leash on either dog within a confined space as this can lead to aggressive behavior.
Always make sure you have enough of toys, bones, beds, bowls, treats etc. to go around. Minor squabbles over possessions do happen, and generally the older, resident dog will put the 'young 'un' in his place, but always supervise playtimes at first as this kind of conflict can escalate quickly.
Why can't you just play nice?
An argument between two dogs can be quite un-nerving, especially to new, inexperienced puppy parents. When introducing a new puppy to other family dogs, you will most likely see 'disagreements'.Growling, lip-curling and even a snap isn't unusual (on the part of the older dog), the puppy will understand this well, as it's exactly the way him mom would discipline him. Most times the puppy will show submissive behavior (lay down, roll over to show his belly, widdle a little etc.), his apology will be accepted and peace will return.
If the new dog is an adolescent or mature adult, it may be a little more complicated. In most cases, inspite of considerably more growling and posturing, the dogs will sort it out between themselves.
Interference by their humans will be counter-productive and more than likely make matters worse.
There are occasions though, when one two dogs just can't get along and the fights extend beyond posturing. If this kind of rivalry turns into snarling and biting (I mean blood-drawing bites, not nips) you have to take a stand.
Keep the dogs separated and only let them interact through fencing as talked about above. After a while they may relax and become more accepting of each other, but if this doesn't happen you may have to seriously consider finding another home for the newest arrival.
If you know someone else who needs advice or tips on introducing a new puppy to other dogs, please feel free to share this page!
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