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Integrating a New Puppy into a Household with Older Dog(s)

Writer's picture:  Valerie Balwanz Valerie Balwanz

Here are some steps for helping to integrate young dogs or puppies with older, resident dogs



Physical Separation


The dogs will need their own spaces to retreat to. Part of developing good relationships is getting breaks from each other.



Use baby gates, and ex-pens to create separate spaces for the dogs. Make sure your older, resident dogs don’t feel displaced by your new dog. For example, if their primary hang out space has always been the living room, when creating separate spaces, give that space to them, and put the puppy in the kitchen. Don’t suddenly re-locate the older dogs to the kitchen.



Supervised Together time


We want to foster a great relationship between the dogs through structured, supervised together time.


Reign in the younger one: When having supervised together time, if it is safe for all involved, allow the older dogs(s) to have the freedom to move about but keep the younger dog on a leash or tether. It is important that the puppy not harass the older ones through repeated attempts to play.



Relax on a Mat


All dogs, young and old, should know how to lay calmly on a mat. Each dog should have their own handler guiding them though this exercise. The mats can be spaced far apart at first. As the dogs get used to each other (over the course of days and weeks) the mats can be brought closer together. This exercise helps the older dogs learn to feel safe in the presence of the puppy. It helps teach the puppy to practice calm behavior around the older dogs. Training sessions can be anywhere from 5-20 minutes, several times a day.



Another way to practice relaxing on the mat with both dogs is to have them do this on either side of a baby gate. This is particularly good if only one handler is present.



Movie Night


Once your dogs are good at Relax on the Mat, you could plan a movie night. Get out the mats and place them on opposite sides of the couch. Tether the puppy to the leg of the couch. Periodically give the pup treats for staying calmly on the mat or use a Kong to occupy them. You might have to pause your movie a few times. Puppies can’t sit stay still for too long!



Parallel Walking


Mutually enjoyable activities are important for developing relationships. For a parallel walk, each dog should have their own handler. Walk together, but give the dogs space. You might be on opposite sides of the road to start. As the walk goes on, allow the dogs to drift closer together. Watch their body language to make sure you understand if both dogs are feeling comfortable with the decrease in proximity.



Following Walking


If parallel walks with decreased proximity are going well, allow the dogs to walk one in front of the other. Allow the younger one to go in front so that the older one can close the distance from behind and sniff the youngster. Then reverse this. We let the older one do the sniffing of the youngster one first. When it is the puppy’s turn to do the sniffing, don’t be surprised if your older dog sets some boundaries about hind-end sniffing. Your older dog might cut the interaction off with a sharp bark. This is ok as long as it does not escalate. Puppies are not always appropriate in their greetings. Older dogs will let them know what is and is not acceptable.



Free Time – neutral space


Now it's time for some less structured together time in a neutral space.  A dog park when no one else is there or a sniff spot could be a good option. We also offer facility rental in one hour slots on Sundays.



Bring both dogs into the neutral space and, assuming it is securely fenced, turn the older dog loose. Allow the puppy to run on a long line (20-30 feet). Watch the interactions. Use the long line to stop your puppy from harassing the older dog too much. If it seems like they are doing well together, unleash the younger dog or drop the line and let him drag it. You can step on it or grab it if you need to stop them quickly.



Free Time – in the house


When you are ready to give the dogs some time together in the house, make sure the environment is setting them up to be successful.



Pick up anything that could be a valued resource: toys, treats, bones, a special bed, etc



Move any furniture that is creating a narrow channel a dog could get cornered in. For example: a long coffee table in front of a couch creates a long skinny channel. Dogs don’t like to get cornered or squeezed in small spaces. They might get defensive if they feel “trapped”.



Close doors to any rooms like bedrooms that could be considered valuable to your older dog. Ex: your bedroom, or the kid’s rooms full of toys and socks to steal.



Avoid being overly affectionate at first with either dog to avoid attention being viewed as a resource. If you do give the puppy some affection, be sure to follow with pats and love for the older dog. This helps your older dog learn that when the people give the new dog attention, it consistently predicts attention for them as well.



In Summary


Good management and supervised together time will help you integrate a new puppy into your household. The older dog might not be too enthused about the puppy at first but with time, most dogs who are sociable to start will enjoy having the company of another dog in the house.


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