As a loving pet parent, introducing a new puppy to your current dog can be a challenging moment, especially because you’re the only link between the two. While the process can be exciting for the new dog, you’re never sure how the old dog will react to a new friend, especially if they’re ages apart.
A successful introduction requires proper preparation and patience to ensure a smooth transition for both dogs. Below, we’ll unveil a few effective tips you must consider to ensure a stress-free, successful introduction process for both dogs.
Choose a Neutral First-Meeting Point
When bringing the dogs together for the first time, it’s important to meet at a neutral location rather than inside the house. The adult dog may feel territorial inside the house and want to intimidate the new puppy, which is not the best trait to show at their very first meeting. In an open, neutral space, like the backyard, both dogs can be themselves without too much tension between them.
Playful, affectionate, and energetic pups like the Shichon puppies can have a lot of fun meeting their new adult friend outside than inside. Depending on the dog breeds you’re pairing, a neutral meet-up point can help you identify their common likes and dislikes early, as they play and interact in the open. For instance, Shinchon and Labrador retrievers can bond more easily in the open than when they meet in the house, since both are energetic, playful breeds.
Consult the Experts Early On
A dog behaviorist or trainer is best placed to advise you on what to expect from your dogs in the first few days or weeks of meeting. While you might be optimistic that your dogs will love each other at first sight, that’s not always the case. The older dog may not welcome the puppy home, as it may prefer its own space and company as it is used to, and probably adjust gradually.
By consulting the experts early before bringing the puppy, you can learn early preparation techniques that you may use to train your older dog for a seamless introduction process. The experts will also advise you on the breed of dog you should get as a companion to your existing dog to boost the chances of compatibility. Your dog trainer will help ensure the dogs interact healthily and maintain a positive relationship from the first day.
Monitor Their Interactions and Maintain Calmness
Even with intense training and other preparations, it’s normal for the dogs to rub shoulders the first few days they interact. In these introductory days, it’s important to closely monitor their interactions and intervene if necessary. Even if you’re pulling the dogs back from each other, do it with a calm demeanor, not taking sides.
Your presence and involvement in their lives in these first few days of interaction can help enforce the traits you’re trying to teach them. This is because dogs easily bond with their human companions and are more likely to do what you teach them regarding their new friend.
Don’t let a beautiful moment of new friendships and bonds with your furry friends turn chaotic due to inadequate preparation. By following the above tips, you can introduce your new dog to your current one without worrying too much about what might go wrong.
