With a little preparation you can make the meeting a success, here are a few points to consider:
Getting Home
When you arrive home take things nice and gently. Family members and other animals can and
will get overly excited at even the prospect of the new arrival.
Keep calm and stop anyone from overwhelming the puppy. Ensure other animals are out of the
way; ensure everything is done in a controlled environment.
If your senior dog recognises and respects you as a leader then disruption within the family
dynamics is generally unlikely.
Always be careful when introducing the puppy to other animal’s, constant supervision is
essential.
Tiring the puppy out before introducing the puppy to a senior dog is also important because the
puppy is more likely to rest naturally.
Consider not allowing the puppy to be around the older dog until later in the day when the
the puppy will be less active.
The majority of senior dogs recognise that a puppy will not be a threat.
As time goes by do not be a surprise if the puppy gets reprimanded, do not run to the puppy’s
defence unless it appears to be potentially dangerous. A puppy must learn its place within the
ranks.
Monitor carefully. If a situation appears to be heated then step in and instruct each dog to do
something for you, enforcing control over them.
As a general rule always pet, reward and feed the older dog first.
Give your attention to the most dominant one first and pro-rata down the line.
If the intensity of play escalates remove the puppy reintroducing later.
Do not correct the puppy for being playful and inquisitive. This will create instability and make a
dog feel lost and unsure.
A well-balanced dog that understands its position in the family will naturally control and educate
a puppy.
If you would like further help in dog training please let us know
