If your older dog has an “alpha”-type personality (i. e. , dominant, protective, territorial) introducing a new puppy into the mix is probably not a good idea.
If your dog does have poor health, consider introducing another elderly dog or a cat to your household instead of a new puppy.
Even if you have a large backyard or live near a park, sometimes the weather is bad and your dogs will need to work out their pent-up energy indoors. If you want another pet but lack space, think about investing in a small fish instead.
If you’re pressed for time, you could hire a dog-sitter to watch your puppy and train it to go out when you’re unavailable.
Remember, different dog breeds grow to different sizes. Find out from your vet how large your puppy will be when it is full-grown.
Say to your older dog, “This is our new family member. Can you say hello?” in a gentle, reassuring tone. After your dogs have had 10 or 15 minutes of sniffing and studying each other together, head home. Let your older dog walk into the house first so it feels it is the leader of the new pack.
Monitor your dogs closely for at least two weeks to ensure they don’t play too rough. Giving your dogs the opportunity to socialize doesn’t necessarily mean they will do so. They might be slow to get to know one another, but it is important to let them socialize at their own pace. Don’t force your dogs to play or interact together.
Don’t step in to intervene every time your puppy and your older dog start pawing each other. While some friction is normal, be on the lookout for more serious conflict. If either dog demonstrates growling, bared teeth, or assumes an attack position (lowered head, ears pointed back, bent forelegs, hair raised slightly on back), separate your dogs immediately and play with them one-on-one. Allow them to see and interact with each other only through a baby gate for 24 hours after a serious conflict.
Always give your older dog attention first, to reassure it that it’s still the top dog.
Ensure your puppy doesn’t steal the older dog’s toys. Puppies who are not socialized don’t understand boundaries and sharing the way older dogs do. Even if you’ve provided an adequate amount of toys for your dogs, your puppy might decide to take your older dog’s toys. When this happens, say “No” sternly to your puppy, then return the pilfered toy to the senior dog.
Try to find opportunities to exercise your puppy without making your older dog feel like you’re neglecting them. Wait until your older dog is napping or curled up in front of the TV to take your puppy outside for a game of fetch or tug-of-war.
It might help if you begin feeding your new puppy in a dog crate.
Ask your vet or friends who have dogs to recommend a good dog trainer, or try the Association of Professional Dog Trainers’ searchable database at https://apps. apdt. com/eweb/DynamicPage. aspx?webcode=TrainerSearch. Remember, dogs are like people, and they all have unique personalities. Some dogs will just never get along, no matter how long they’re together. If your dogs don’t get along, don’t take it as a personal failing on your part. Just try to minimize their conflict as best you can.
