How to Train an Insecure Dog With a New Puppy

While most dogs enjoy puppies, some become overwhelmed, withdrawn or even aggressive towards a new puppy. Insecure dogs often lack socialization and training and have a difficult time adjusting to a new canine family member. Train your insecure adult dog along with your puppy. This increases the bond between the dogs, and between them, you and your family. Moderate interactions between the new puppy and your dog to keep them both safe. Once your insecure dog realizes she can depend on you for guidance and security, she'll relax and learn to accept the new puppy.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate or baby gates
  • Treats
  • Leashes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce the new puppy to the resident dog calmly and with a barrier. If your dog feels insecure and snaps defensively on the first meeting, this can scare the puppy, and if the puppy overwhelms the dog right away he'll have a poor first impression of the new family member. Use a baby gate or crate to give hem space to get used to each other.

    • 2

      Crate-train your new puppy. Crate training makes house breaking much easier, provides your puppy with a safe place when you can't watch her and gives your insecure dog a break from puppy exuberance.

    • 3

      Give your older dog plenty of attention. Puppies are a lot of work, and it's easy to forget that your adult dog needs attention as well, especially if he is insecure to begin with. Take him for walks or play with him while the puppy is napping. Feed him first, or give him a treat or extra affection when the puppy eats so he doesn't feel left out.

    • 4

      Watch your dog's body language for signs of stress. Many dogs who act aggressively are actually fearful, warns "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan. If your dog has his hackles up, is baring his teeth or trying to run from the puppy with his tail tucked between his legs, he is afraid and may react by biting if provoked enough.

    • 5

      Reward your insecure dog for her calm behavior in the puppy's presence. Never physically punish her for reacting with a growl or snap. As long as she doesn't actually harm the puppy, she should be allowed to set boundaries by growling and even snapping. If she doesn't correct the puppy for rude behavior, you have to step in and correct the puppy with a stern "no."

    • 6

      Expose your puppy to other dogs in a safe environment such as obedience classes as soon as he's had his puppy vaccinations. If your insecure dog doesn't teach him proper canine manners, he needs to spend time around other dogs who will.

    • 7

      Parallel walk the puppy and the dog. This means having both on a leash, and walking them together. This works best with two people. Walking dogs together gets their attention on their surroundings instead of each other, allows them to relax and puts you in charge.