When you bring a puppy home and have a dog already?

Question

My dog is 11. Has a great temperment. Says he doesn't like other dogs but he's all talk. I catch him playing with a furious tail wag when the neighbor dog comes over. He doesn't jump, break rules, eat out of the trash, go on furniture or bark (for no reason). A dream come true. Black lab.

We're bringing home a 9-month old yellow lab tomorrow. I must be out of my mind. But he needs a home. This dog also a great temperment. Also a male. Very eager to please.

I've never had two dogs before. What do you have for advice to make the transition go smoothly?

Answer 1

Introduce them on neutral territory - like in a park. Have someone else bring the new pup in, that way you can hold onto your dog - you know him and his behavior better.

Let your dog approach the pup on his own time - if the pup shows any high levels of excitement then stop and have the other person bring the pup away until he calms down. When you get close enough then have the other person start walking with you in the same direction with the dogs on opposite sides.

Gradually get closer. If either dog shows excitement or aggression then move away a little bit. It's best to just keep walking, even if you go in big circles. Eventually you should be able to walk side by side and have the dogs on either side of you and your friend. Check body language at this point - if all is well then let them meet.

This is how i introduce my dog to other dogs. I let them approach us because my dog will try to charge them - it's much easier to have them come to her than her to them. The walking should take about 20 minutes - it gives the dogs time to notice each other from a distance AND can help burn some energy. By the time they meet it'll be "hey, we walked together" and old news.

The walk should be controlled. Both dogs at a heel. No retractable or long leads. No running. If either dog shows a level of excitement YOU don't like or YOU think the other wont like, then turn your back and walk away until the dog is calmer. The dog that shows the excitement should be the one to be "punished" by not allowing the meet at that moment.

It's better for them if you don't let the new dog (or your dog) jump, bark, or be too excited. That can overwhelm the other dog. Once they've met each other continue walking around. At this point with my dog i usually ignore them and let them settle things - my dog tends to jump a bit and act playful until the other dg lets her know whether they want to play.

There may be some growling - that's perfectly acceptable. Your dog will tell the new pup what play is acceptable and what isn't. If the pup doesn't seem to "get it" or your dog becomes more agitated then re-enforce your dog and have the other person pull the pup away for a calm down time.

For a while you won't want to leave them alone together. Supervise any interactions. Leave the leads on so you can grab them quickly. Most of the time things will work out without you needing to interfere - your dog will tell the new pup who is boss. Don't get into the middle of anything unless you think it's a case of aggression and not just asserting dominance.

Signs to watch out for:

Ears pinned or perked stiffly

Stiff body language

Slowly wagging and high set tail

Growling/showing teeth

Good things:

Relaxed posture

Loosely wagging tail

Play bowing

My dog almost always rolls onto her back after meeting another dog. That's another good sign - it means the dog is accepting a position as a follower.

Remember to exercise the puppy regularly so he doesn't drive the other dog crazy! Good luck!

Answer 2

Try to have them meet outside or on neutral ground. For your own dogs sake, so it doesn't automatically go on the defensive.

Have them both leashed, let them sniff around each other for a bit to "say their hellos".

If that goes okay, bring them in the house and still have the young one leashed. Walk him around the inside with your older dog by your side (which probably won't be a problem). Always make sure to pay attention to the older ones body language. If you don't see any problems, I would unleash the young one and see how they do.

A bit of advice, always pet/love on your older one first. Let him know he is still the top dog (besides you). That will help with any possible jealousy issues. And for awhile keep an eye on them when they are together, fights can happen between any dogs and you need to be prepared for that.

Hope it all goes good

Answer 3

Bringing home a younger pup is usually a breeze, even grumpy dogs accept an 8 week old pup. An older pup may be a little more difficult. The number one most importatant thing is to introduce them in a neautral setting, like a park. So both dogs view the other dog as a playmate rather than a threat. Next I would advice crate training the younger dog, and supervise all interactions between the two. If things dont go smoothly, have patience it takes time. Crate training allows the two to sniff each other and get used to the others presence in a safe manner. Make sure that the older gets lots of attention and praise.

Answer 4

The way your dog sounds, you shouldn't have any problem. Just introduce them when you bring him home, get them used to each other. Especially considering your new dog is a puppy, your dog shouldn't feel the need to get territorial.

Answer 5

You should wait on the corner away from your house and have someone bring your other dog out to you, let them have a quick sniff and then go for a walk together.   First with someone else holding the older dog, and then you take the leash and walk them both together.  Let them sniff on leash and then walk them home.  Walk them both in together with you ahead of them and then drop the leashes but leave them on so you can separate them if necessary.  You should expect some arguing between them.  this is natural.  do NOT yell at the older dog if he does this.  Let it happen.   If he didn't attack the dog or really seem like he wanted to kill the other dog (which dogs rarely want to do) then don't worry if he gets in face and yells...   Good luck!

Answer 6

The best thing to do is walk the dogs together.  Also, letting a dog sniff the hind end of the other dog is their way of greeting each other.  

Answer 7

First, introduce your dog to the new dog OUTSIDE of the home. Either you or someone else should have the puppy outside and the other person bring out the older dog. Introduce them slowly and let them get to know each other for a while. Once they seem comfortable, move them inside. That's the way we always introduce a new dog to our dogs and it works out great.

Answer 8

Congrats on the new pup!

First of all, when you introduce them to each other, have both on a leash (different people holding each leash) so just in case something goes wrong both dogs will be safe. Tell your black lab (by the way, lovely dog... I have one too!) to sit and stay so the puppy can go sniff him. Supervise their meet-and-greet... and don't leave them alone until you know they will be kind to each other.

Hope that helps! Good luck :)

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