Introducing A New Puppy To Your Dog? Tips to getting off on the right paw.
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting occasion for the entire family, including your current family dog! Introducing them to each other is a scary and unpredictable situation because you want them to become fast and lifelong fur-iends. So, we at Come, Sit, Stay wanted to help you and your pups have the best possible chance at a great first impression so we’re going over some pre-planning, useful techniques, prevention and training guidance here! After reading this you’ll have a great idea of how you can make the meeting process as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
Find a neutral territory.
Before bringing your puppy inside your home to meet the dog that’s been living there, first take your new pup and your dog to a neutral location.The home has been your dogs territory for fur-ever now, so to make it less stressful on both of them- take them somewhere outside like to your yard or a place with less of your older dogs scents.A first meeting outside will help make that first meeting smoother because there’s plenty of room in case you need to quickly separate due to overexcitement, and so your new puppy doesn’t feel overwhelmed by a bigger animal. A smaller space can definitely make your new puppy feel a little scared by a new and bigger dog.Also, make sure to avoid high-traffic areas or areas with other dogs.
Use a leash.
I know you’ll want to hold your puppy in that first introduction but a great neutral way of Not showing favoritism is to keep both dogs on a leash and make sure to always stay calm. Just keep the leash relaxed and loose and that will help relieve any anxiety the puppy or dog may feel.Walk them both around and let each of them get used to the other’s scent and presence.Extra Tip:Dogs have a keen sense when it comes to sensing your emotions. So make sure you stay calm while holding the leash and throughout the whole situation. If you’re stressed, they’ll stress- and no one needs to be stressed in such a memorable moment.
Let your dogs lead.
Some dogs may warm up to one another faster than others. Fingers and paws crossed that’s what happens for your pup and dog but, if it doesn’t that’s okay too.Being patient is what is important. Wait for your dogs to make the first moves and that will promote a safer and a more relaxed space for them both to become acclimated with each other.
Watch both their body language
Your puppy and dog will make it obvious and show you how they’re feeling with their whole body. Keep an eye out for posturing, fur standing on end, growling, or aggressive staring. If you notice this type of behavior, just calmly direct their attention elsewhere. Give it a couple minutes and then you can slowly try again.
Use Separate Corners (or Rooms)
When introducing a puppy into your dogs territory you can give each dog their own separate corner. You can crate them in separate rooms (or close the door to the room where puppy is crated) when they are not being supervised 100%. This is one of the simplest tips we can give when you are introducing your puppy with your older dog in the house.
Give a dog a bone– Have a Supervised Chew Time together:
If you want to give your dogs a bone or chewable treat that’s great! Just make sure that you offer Each dog a treat, and be sure to separate them to opposite sides of the room. Puppies are teething and dogs can get protective of their treats so giving them each a treat and doing it in their own space will help them acclimate with each other easier.
Extra Tip:
Make sure to remove whichever dog finishes their treat first to avoid any “oooh what are they having, I’m going to go see” fights.
Give both animals Lots of attention:
We know, that’s a given right? You’d be surprised how much we have to remind dog owners of this. It’s easy (and yes, very necessary) to have to give lots of extra attention to your new puppy. Just keep in mind that even though your older dog does not need the extra positive reinforcement (like when they were a puppy) when he or she goes to the bathroom outside, but if they don’t get that same amount of attention they can get depressed. It’s not uncommon for your older dog to show a minor change in habits and manners if there’s a big change in the household. When your older dog is not the center of attention anymore it can cause them to act out in their eating, sleeping and behavior habits. The best way to keep things calm is to always give each animal the same attention; even if it’s a command that you know your older dog has down.
Last Tip:
If your new puppy is under six months old, both the dog and the puppy may need frequent breaks from each other. Some adult dogs will quickly lose patience with your new puppy’s energy.
Success!!!One big happy family!
After that first introduction and into what seems like an eternity (but is really only about three weeks), you’ll begin to notice some signs of harmony between your dog and your new puppy. If you have done your part helping your pups develop their boundaries and communication skills, this will be the beginning of a fabulous friendship.If at any point you are not confident or comfortable please seek help from a relationship based dog trainer who has ample experience with dog to dog interactions. If you’re located in Jacksonville, Florida, we would love the opportunity to help with your puppy and dogs first introduction and continue with training that will strengthen their bond together for years to come. Just visit Comesitstayusa.com to set up your free consultation with us or call us directly at (904)233-0608.
Summary
Service Type
Dog Training
Provider Name
Come.Sit.Stay,
1030 Cypress Landing Ct., Jacksonville, Fl 32233,
Area
Jacksonville, Fl.
Description
Dog Training Service focused on creating a lifetime of Love & Fun between owners and their dogs.
January 28, 2022 - By : Dana
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