The Best Way To Introduce A New Puppy To Your Older Dog – Part 1

Are you planning on getting a new puppy and introducing him into a household that already has a dog as the long-standing family pet? This can be a stressful time for the dog that has already established his territory with both the home as well as all members of your family.

When you add another dog or puppy to your household, you should be prepared for the work that lays ahead. You’ll have to juggle a balancing act between housebreaking your new puppy, behavior training him, etc. while at the same time keeping your old dog in a state of comfort and love, and with as much attention as you can spare. Here are a few ways to make the job easier:

1.  Try to let the two dogs establish a hierarchy the natural way. Sometimes it’s best not to get too involved with this process because it may affect the way your dogs relate to each other. When dogs establish their hierarchy, they do not care who was there first or who is the toughest. Instead, they base it on which one is more responsible and has more intelligence.  Many people think that the tougher dog would establish a higher level of leadership, but this is not always the case.

2. Be sure to understand that although they are both dogs, it doesn’t mean that they have the same emotional needs or communication skills. Not all dogs should be treated the same. You must determine the temperament of each dog, as well as the individual personality, and use this information to learn how to properly communicate and treat them. You have to develop a sensitivity level for the needs of each dog.

3. Continue to practice the ethical disciplinary rule of not punishing either dog unless you actually see one of them commit the crime. If you do not understand what I am referring to, it is simply bad dog training ethics to come into a room and scold or punish a dog after the mess has already been made. Remember that a dog or puppy does not associate the disciplinary action you are giving him with a mistake he made in the past. So with a new puppy in the  house who is not trained completely, you should not scold him even though you know he is the culprit, unless of course you catch him in the act.