Introducing a New Puppy to Your Dog

Every dog owner is well acquainted with the fact that once a pup gets adjusted into the new family and new home, it considers everything and everyone there to be its own. Just like we humans hesitate to share stuff with others, especially people whom we don't know, dogs too, have similar preferences. Moreover, they are quite territorial in nature, especially when it comes to other dogs or pets. Being a dog lover, you might feel that having just one dog is not really enough and you might consider getting your dog a companion. Introducing a new puppy to your dog could be quite a task, unless you prepare yourself as well as your dog thoroughly, well in advance.

Before Introducing a New Puppy to an Older Dog

You may love the idea of having another dog around, but your dog may not find this idea that pleasing. Unless two dogs are brought up together since they were pups, both dogs will find it difficult to accept each other as companions. Therefore, once you have decided on getting home another dog, give your dog enough time to accept and adjust to the fact that he is going to be having a companion soon. Read more on dog adoption and puppy training vs dog training.

Introducing a New Puppy to Your Old Dog

Communicate the Idea
Talk it about having another dog around, about the advantages and fun that they can have together. All dogs understand a part of what their owner is trying to convey to them, so be assured that it will at least get a hint of what you are planning for it.

Start Training
Since you are aware of your dog's nature in general, you would also know its behavior in the presence of other dogs. If your dog gets aggressive and snappy while around other dogs, you will have to provide it with behavioral training to rectify this problem. If not, it could pose a big problem after you bring home the new pup. Your dog should on the other hand not be too submissive or else it would allow the new pup to bully it which may even lead to your dog landing in depression. This can also be rectified through training. To be more precise, you need to teach your dog to be friendly when in the company of another dog. Read more on dog training and dog obedience and training.

Introduction
The first time while introducing a new puppy to your dog, make sure that it is not done in your home. Your dog should get familiar with the new pup in a place where there are other dogs as well. This will also allow introducing a new puppy to other dogs or introducing a new puppy to another dog. Your dog may also be able to watch and learn how the other dogs behave and interact with the pup. Let your dog sniff around the pup as this is how they greet each other. Do not show excessive fondness towards the new pup, as this may trigger aggressiveness in your dog. Encourage both the dogs by speaking lovingly and reinforcing that they are behaving well. Your dog and the new pup should meet at least twice before the pup finally comes home.

Welcoming the New Pup
Before you can bring home the pup, make sure you keep away all those things that your dog is possessive and territorial about, like its feeding bowl, toys, etc. When the pup comes home, leave your dog and the pup on their own for a while. Observe their behavior and let the pup introduce himself to its new home. Do not show more fondness or pamper the pup too much as this would certainly annoy your older dog. Try and be as neutral as possible with both.

Read more on:

• Dog Behavior
• Puppy Training Tips

You will need to have a lot of patience while introducing a new puppy to your dog and while both the dogs adjust with each other. Discourage them from fighting and reward them for good and friendly behavior. Training the pup would be really easy as it will learn most of the things from your older dog. You should provide separate feeding and water bowls, toys and treats to both. Also make sure that your older dog does not feel neglected or left out because of the arrival of the new pup.