Most dogs end up getting along just fine. But a dog already living in the home may be out of sorts if she perceives a new rival, so plan ahead to make the introduction as smooth as possible.
It’s best to meet on neutral territory and not in the new home, or new yard. Meeting on neutral territory lets dogs sniff around each other without feeling threatened. Be upbeat and use a positive tone of voice. Do not let the dogs sniff or paw each other for too long, and offer treats to redirect their behavior toward you.
Once puppy comes home, watch for signs of fearfulness or defensive aggression (growling, bared teeth), especially in the resident dog. If your resident dog is even-tempered and accepting, allow him to issue a gentle warning sign (a little snarl or nudge) when the limits have been crossed. This behavior is normal, and reinforces the puppy’s place in the social order.
Even the most tolerant dog may tire of being pestered by a playful pup, so don’t leave the dogs alone until you are convinced they are both at ease. You can gradually increase their time together once the wariness is gone.
Feed the dogs separately so the resident dog doesn’t feel the need to protect her food and don’t give the puppy anything (bed, toys, feeding space) that belong to the resident dog. Shower the resident dog with extra attention to let her know she’s not being replaced in your affections.
The good news is that your resident dog has all the homegrown tools to communicate to puppy, and puppy will be overjoyed to have another dog to learn from. The better trained your older dog is, the better trained your new puppy will be. A key component in creating a peaceable kingdom is you. Understand what you can do to reassure your older dog of her position. The more confident she is, the less she will need to aggressively state her place.
Be sure to devote extra attention to the resident dog—even if it means putting puppy in his crate when he’s never looked cuter. Indulging her will help solidify her place in the family pack and soothe any newcomer anxieties.
