Two is company, but three is a crowd. When the time comes to bring a new puppy home and introduce him to your older dog, there are a couple of things you need to know about how to train a puppy. While it can be an exciting episode in your life, it might be tough on your other pet. Here are a couple tips on how to train a puppy to get along with older dogs.
Neutral Location
Allow your puppy and the older dog to meet in a neutral location, such as a neighbor’s yard or a park that your resident dog has not yet visited. This will make it less likely for the older dog to see the puppy as an intruder. Each of the dogs should be on a leash and collar and handled by a separate person.
Positive Reinforcement
You want both the old dog and your puppy to have positive experiences with one another right from the get-go. Let them sniff each other and greet each one normally. Give calm, verbal affirmations as positive reinforcement and allow them to play for a while before putting both in a “stay” or “sit” pose. Additionally, take them on walks together and enable them to sniff each other along the way.
Play Close Attention
Closely observe both dogs’ postures. Watch for postures that show a defensive response, especially in the older dog. This can include deep growls, bared teeth, the hair standing up on the back, stiff legs with the tail erect, and a prolonged stare. If the puppy is getting too rambunctious for the older dog, remove him and allow your other dog to relax for a bit.
It’s totally possible to learn the proper procedure for bringing a new puppy home with an older dog.
