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How To Introduce a Puppy to an Older Dog

How To Introduce a Puppy to an Older Dog - December 2024 - Two Tails Pet Company

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It’s exciting to bring home a new puppy. Introducing the newest furry addition to your family is a big deal. You probably can’t wait to see your existing pup meet their new doggy sibling. But this can be a sensitive experience for both your new puppy and your old pal. 


Coming home for the first time may be overwhelming and even frightening for a new puppy, and your older dog may experience jealousy, worry, or possessiveness when they see a new dog in their space and interacting with you. It’s important to take the process slowly and make sure both dogs feel comfortable. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to introduce a puppy to an older dog.

1. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Remember, your older dog already knows the rules in your home and doesn’t have those crazy puppy instincts. Puppy-proofing your living spaces can help protect your new dog from possible hazards. It also keeps your belongings safe from scratches and chew marks. 


Here are a few things you should do before you bring a new puppy home:


  • Secure cords, wires, and cables.
  • Remove hazards like houseplants that are toxic to dogs, cleaning supplies, remote controls, and candles.
  • Cover furniture legs with diluted apple cider vinegar or other chew deterrent.
  • Use puppy gates to keep your dog in a designated area at first.
  • Secure trash cans.
  • Elevate food items.
  • Secure small items that could be a choking hazard.
  • Make sure your fence is free of gaps.
  • Buy your puppy ID tags to ensure they’re identifiable. 

2. Introduce the Dogs Through Scent First

You’ve probably noticed that dogs immediately start sniffing each other when they first meet – and there's a good reason for this. Dogs rely on their sense of smell far more than humans. In fact, dogs’ noses are at least 100,000 times stronger than ours, meaning they can use their sense of smell to gather information about new people, animals, places, and things.


A great way to prepare your older pooch for a new furry friend is to give them something that belongs to the new puppy, such as a blanket, toy, or collar. If possible, you may even keep this item in your home for a few days. This will help your dog get used to their scent and learn more about their new sibling before they've even officially met.

3. Choose a Neutral Location

Dogs are naturally territorial animals. Your older dog most likely views your home as their own domain to protect. They and the new puppy may become agitated or anxious when meeting on a home turf like your house or yard. Instead, choose a neutral place like a park or dog activity center. This helps ensure your dogs meet on even footing and prevents territorial behaviors.

4. Keep Valuable Items Away

Many dogs are protective of their food, toys, dog beds, and their two-legged family members, and may become aggressive or upset when they perceive a threat. This is called resource guarding. When a new puppy shows up, your older dog is likely to feel protective of their space and belongings. You can help mitigate this by removing your older dog’s favorite toys and belongings from the situation.

5. Introduce Them Gradually

When it comes to any first meeting between dogs, it’s important not to rush things. Instead of trying to push them toward each other, try to let them meet at their own pace. In fact, maintaining a bit of distance at first can be beneficial. 


If possible, have them meet through a barrier or fence before letting them get up close and personal. This can help them get used to each others’ scent and presence in a safe and less socially stimulating way.

6. Pay Attention To Body Language

Even if your older dog is calm and well-trained, it’s still important to stay alert and aware of each pups’ behavior during their first meeting. The dogs may sense some stress or tension due to the big change, which can lead to certain territorial or anxious responses. 


New puppies can be extremely energetic and playful, and they likely haven’t gotten the hang of social boundaries and norms quite yet. This can cause older dogs to get frustrated or overstimulated.


If you notice either dog showing signs of aggression or annoyance, it’s a good idea to separate them for a bit before trying again. Signs to watch for include:


  • Growling
  • Lunging or snapping
  • Stiff or hunched posture
  • Side eye
  • Standing fur

7. Give Them Activities to Do

Before you take your new puppy home for the first time, try encouraging your dogs to play together or engage in a low-stress activity. 


A parallel walk, a game of fetch, or a shared belly rub can help your dogs bond with one another and diffuse some of the tension they might be feeling. It also helps get any excess energy out so by the time they arrive at home together for the first time, they’re ready for a long nap.

8. Give the Older Dog Extra Love and Attention

It can be tempting to give most of your attention to your new puppy – after all, they’re new! But this can create a lot of jealousy for your older dog and make them worry about their position in your home and family. It can help to give extra praise, love, and affection to your older dog. Make sure they know they’re not being replaced, and they’re still loved just as much as before. 

9. Give Them Separate Spaces At First

Bringing your new puppy home is the real test. It’s the hardest part of the process for your existing dog. They’ll have to watch as their new sibling explores their space, pees on their grass, and interacts with their family. You can help make this process easier on your old pal by keeping their spaces separate from the new addition, just for a little while.


For example, if your older dog has their food bowl in the kitchen, try placing your new puppy’s food bowl in a different area of the home. If your existing dog has a favorite spot on the couch, make sure you give the new pup a separate area to nap.

10. Be Patient

It’s hard to make new friends. You can do a lot to minimize the risk of jealousy and reactiveness when introducing a puppy to an older dog. But at the end of the day, it can still be hard for your furry family members.


Remember, your dogs don’t have to love each other right away. Be patient with them and give them the time and space they need to adjust. Their friendship will grow and evolve over time. Before you know it, your dogs will be thick as thieves!

Adding a New Pup to the Family?

Adopting a new puppy is an exciting time for any family. While introducing your pup to an existing dog may be a bit stressful, their bond is sure to grow over time.


If you’re looking to commemorate the introduction, consider getting adorable ID tags for your pups! You can even use our 2 tag bundle option to save on your special, customized ID tags!



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