How to get your dog to accept the new puppy

How to get your dog to accept the new puppy

Do you want to adopt a puppy, but fear your dog’s reaction? Sometimes the coexistence between a new puppy and your dog will be achieved without problems, but at other times, the arrival of the “intruder” can become a headache for everyone.

Here are a few helpful tips to make your dogs best friends.

Be understanding of their reactions

Dogs are territorial and will defend their family and home if they perceive a threat. You should try to be tolerant and patient if things do not go as expected, remember that your dog is afraid that you will stop taking care of him because of the newcomer. Also consider that puppies younger than 4 months do not interpret the body language of adult dogs, such as ear positions, tail movement, and other warning signs and aggressiveness. If the matter overflows, it will be necessary to remain calm and avoid or stop fighting .

Correctly choosing the new puppy

How to get your dog to accept the new puppy

When choosing the new member of the family, you must take into account that he will be the companion of your current dog. Examine their personality and consider whether or not they will be compatible. An older dog will be more reluctant to accept a puppy if it is too playful. Also, remember that puppies have habitual behaviors (such as biting too hard while playing ) that can trigger aggressive reactions in an adult dog.

Take into account race and size of both

Ideally, look for dogs of sizes and the like to avoid the physical strength of one endangering the other in case of conflict. This is not decisive, we all know large dogs that are very submissive and true tyrants of small breeds, but it will be better to take precautions since a poodle will not endanger the life of a Great Dane, but the reverse situation can occur . The characteristics of each breed are also relevant. Find out correctly before choosing your new puppy.

Make the presentation in a neutral place

For the same territoriality that we mentioned before, it is not a good idea to take the puppy to the territory of our dog. The ideal way to achieve a good coexistence between a new puppy and your dog would be to find a new place for both of them, such as a friend’s house or open space and give them time to recognize each other, always with their leashes in place. At this time, it is essential to be attentive to the body language of the older dog, to avoid aggression or fighting. Then when we see that everything is going well, it will be time to go home together.

Don’t forget or let go of the old friend

The arrival of a puppy generates excitement and the desire to always play with it. It may happen that, inadvertently and without realizing it, we dedicate less and less time and attention to who was previously the only king of the home. To avoid your older dog’s jealousy and aggressiveness, pay as much attention to him as to the newcomer, and set aside time to be alone with him.

Meal Precautions

As a fundamental measure, do not allow them to share the same plate. If possible, feed each one separately. If your previous dog is elderly or is feeding slowly for other reasons, it will be better to place his plate in another room to prevent the puppy from invading his space or stealing his food.

Control behavior, especially during the first days

Although everything goes well the day of the presentation, do not be distracted. Control the development of the relationship and try not to leave them alone for a long time in the first two weeks. If in that period no conflicts or fights arise, you are on the right track in your task of achieving the correct coexistence between a new puppy and your dog .

Adding a new member to the family can be a very positive change for everyone, even for your old dog. You will receive twice as much love from your pets and your dog will have someone to play with and it will no longer be alone when you go out to work or study. But do not take it lightly: if you are thinking of adopting a puppy, do it with a conscience, a lot of responsibility, and with the security of being well informed so as not to make mistakes.