Introducing a New Puppy
By: Casey Carlson, Veterinary Technician at ZimmVet
Are you considering a new puppy to your family? Do you have an older dog that you aren’t sure will accept a new puppy should you bring one home? These are just a couple of questions pet owners should consider before adding furry family members to their home. One problem that seems quite common, are mismatched energy levels among resident dogs with a much younger dog or puppy. Young dogs and puppies are still learning what older dogs might already know; appropriate behavior and boundaries.
What are boundaries and appropriate behavior in your dog’s world? If you observe your pet when they meet a new dog, you might have a good idea of how a new puppy would influence your dog’s behavior. For example; your dog engages in play for short bursts of time with rest in between, but the puppy will want to continue engaging with or rough playing during the older dog’s rest periods. This is considered inappropriate behavior because the puppy is not giving your older dog their time to rest on their terms. The older dog will begin to show signs of stress if their warnings to the puppy go unnoticed. They will show this by physical signs – pinned back ears, panting, unable to relax to lay down, or other warning signs that they are becoming overwhelmed. The puppy still doesn’t respond correctly, so they may continue being in the other dog’s personal space which is when serious harm could happen. It may start with a low growl or curl of the lips from the older dog, which the puppy could mistakenly interpret as part of wanting to play. If a puppy is still allowed to ignore these signs to stop, the older dog will sooner or later be given no other choice and become aggressive to protect themselves and their space.Given this is just an example of how aggression can escalate, the difference in play style should also be taken into consideration when looking to add a new puppy.Does the resident dog have high-energy or prefer naps and cuddles? Are you looking for a breed of puppy that could grow larger than your current pet? Does your current dog become intimidated with other pets in their home?
As overwhelming as this may seem, there are methods to create a healthy balance in your home should you decide to move forward with a new puppy.Using the example above, use the mind-set that you are your dog’s advocate. You can be their ‘referee’ when they are showing signs of stress or frustration. Here are just a few tips to help avoid confrontation or aggression between your dog and a new puppy.
- Always supervise your pets when they are becoming acquainted. Never let them roam the house or yard unattended.
- Give your dog and the new puppy ample time to slowly get to know one another. Avoid having their first meeting in a small and enclosed space and have both pets leashed or a barrier to keep from front-faced meetings.
- Rotate your new puppy and resident dog through areas they have frequented. This will allow your dog to smell and become comfortable with the new puppy before meeting them face-to-face.
- Interrupt inappropriate play or behaviors. If the puppy is not respecting your dog’s need for a break, you must provide it for them by separating them for a brief period until the new puppy learns these cues.
- Interrupt repeated or concerning behaviors, such as rough play that could injure the puppy or energy escalation.
Being conscious of your current dog’s behaviors and needs will help you safely choose and integrate a new puppy into your home. Asking yourself the questions above will help narrow the risk of aggression and keep your pets safety and healthy behaviors intact.
For more information on adding a new puppy to your pack, visiting with a trainer or having an in-home consultation could be beneficial to ensuring your dog’s best interest is kept in mind during the process of adding your new furry family member. Below are additional resources to help determine symptoms of canine stress and escalation, as well as tips and tricks to safely having your dog and puppy meet for the first time.
Resources:
Socializing your new puppy
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/socialization-dogs-and-cats
Reading canine body language
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/how-read-dog-body-language
More on reading and understanding canine body language
Understanding signs of aggression and avoiding harmful situations
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention
