How to Bring a New Puppy Into the Family With an Existing Dog

To an existing dog in a home, a new puppy is a trespasser. As far as he's concerned, things are just fine as they are, and the pack doesn't need a yipping, bouncing puppy to mess up the social order. If you have decided the time is right to add another dog to the family, a peaceful transition is possible by giving both dogs enough time to get used to each other and to see that you have more than enough love for both of them.

Things You'll Need

  • Training Crate
  • Expandable Gate
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Instructions

  1. Deciding on a Second Dog

    • 1

      Consider how well your existing dog gets along with other dogs before you make a final decision to purchase a puppy. If your older dog is poorly socialized, he will guard his territory and act aggressively toward the new pet.

    • 2

      Choose a puppy whose energy level matches that of your existing dog. An exceptionally frisky dog will annoy a laid-back pet, and you will spend a lot of time dealing with the fallout.

    • 3

      Take the age of your existing dog into consideration when deciding the best time to add a puppy to the family. If the dogs are too close or too far apart in age, socialization problems are more likely. Dog trainers say a three-year age difference offers the best chance for a successful pairing.

    • 4

      Choose a puppy of the opposite sex. As long as both dogs are spayed or neutered, female and male dogs seem to get along better than two dogs of the same sex.

    Neutral Meeting Place

    • 5

      Introduce the dogs in a neutral location. If you bring the puppy into your home right away, your older dog will feel protective of his territory. Use a neighbor's backyard or a local park, as long as the older dog has not spent time there before. Both dogs should be leashed and supervised by a different person for their first meeting.

    • 6

      Allow the dogs to first see each other from a distance, and then gradually move closer. Once they are near enough, let them sniff and get to know each other. Talk to the dogs calmly, praising them for good behavior. Give the dogs easy commands to follow, and offer treats when they comply. If you project a relaxed mood, the dogs are likely to pick up on it and remain calm.

    • 7

      Pay attention to the older dog's body posture as the first meeting continues. If he bares his teeth, growls or stares at the puppy, he is feeling aggressive. When a dog raises his hackles -- the hair on the back of his neck -- it is also a sign that you need to lower the tension. Separate the two dogs, putting distance between them, and work to positively reinforce the older dog. Once he is following your lead, gradually approach the puppy and let them start to interact again.

    Individualized Training

    • 8

      Keep the dogs in separate areas of the home at first by using an expandable gate or a training crate. Do not feed them out of the same bowl or expect the older dog to share his bones. Let the dogs have short play times, and gradually increase the time they spend together. This will decrease the chances of the older dog becoming territorial.

    • 9

      Train the puppy separately from the existing dog. Even if the older dog is well-behaved and lying peacefully nearby, she may be a distraction for the puppy. To successfully train a dog, you need his full attention.

    • 10

      Supervise the dogs whenever they are together until you are convinced they have accepted each other and can be left alone without the possibility of fighting or of one dog bullying the other.