How to Introduce a New Puppy Dog to Your Dog
Bringing a new puppy into your home is exciting, but it should be done carefully.
If your home already has dogs living with you, we recommend you learn how to properly facilitate the introduction between your resident dog to your new dog.
As certified dog trainers, we have thoughtful strategies for handling the introduction with care and patience and making the process as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Follow these steps to help create a positive relationship between your dogs.
Understanding Different Types of Introductions to Your New Dog
Introducing a new dog or puppy to an existing dog requires more than just putting them together in a room.
The setting and manner of the introduction can significantly influence the outcome.
Itβs essential to consider different scenarios, such as:
Introducing a puppy to an adult dog
Introducing a puppy to another puppy
Introducing a puppy during walks and in enclosed spaces
Every scenario warrants a slightly different approach that you can learn in our private puppy training classes.
How to Prepare to Bring Your New Dog Home
Before bringing your new dog or puppy home, take the time to prepare your space to facilitate a peaceful meeting. We recommend you do the following:
Create a Neutral Environment: To prevent territorial behavior, allow your puppy to explore the meeting area without the presence of your other dog.
Remove Potential Triggers: Avoid leaving out toys, food bowls, or anything that might cause resource guarding from your other dogs.
Ensure Accessibility: Make sure all dogs have easy access to their own water sources without having to cross paths.
How to Gradually Introduce Your New Puppy to an Adult Dog
First things first: Give your puppy time to settle in.
Your puppy does not need to be introduced to the resident dog as soon as it comes home.
If your puppy is very young (under 10 weeks old), we recommend introducing them to your dog more gradually.
Once your puppy is settled in a bit, take the following steps to slowly get them to interact with your other dog(s):
Visual Contact: Start by allowing both dogs to see each other from a distance. Reward your dog for calm behavior and quiet observation of the puppy.
Decrease Distance Slowly: If both dogs remain relaxed, gradually decrease the distance between them while continuing to engage and reward them.
Leash Introduction: This last step is best to do with another person present, who the dog already knows and trusts. Allow them to approach one another while keeping both dogs on a loose leash. Encourage them to walk around with both people still holding the leash, promoting polite sniffing and walking away.
When to Introduce a Puppy to Another Puppy
Puppies are often excitable and may need to learn their limits.
So, when introducing your puppy to another puppy, there are a few extra tips for making the gradual interaction steps above more appropriate for 2 young puppies meeting for the first time.
First of all, keep interactions short & casual. Long interactions might lead to overstimulation.
And second, take regular breaks during their first few introductions to help manage the energy levels and prevent tension from escalating.
How to Introduce a Puppy to a Dog on a Walk
Ensure that the dog your puppy is meeting is puppy-friendly, not just dog-friendly.
Itβs important you avoid introducing your puppy to dogs with known dog reactivity or selectivity or work with a trainer to facilitate the introduction to protect your puppy. So make sure to always ask their person before asking for them to meet.
If you do want to make an introduction, make sure you continuously:
Observe Body Language: Watch for signs of stress or aggression. If either dog seems uncomfortable, increase the distance between them and try again later.
Reinforce Positive Interactions: Continuously reward both dogs for calm and polite behavior around each other. This reinforces good behavior and helps build positive associations.
Keep the on-leash interaction brief: We recommend 3 seconds before guiding away. The longer a leash interaction goes on, the more likely we are to see behaviors we don't want, like playing on the leash and getting tangled or one dog becoming uncomfortable due to the confinement that the leash creates.
If your dog has a history of reactivity or if you're unsure about the introduction process, consider working with a professional dog trainer who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
How to Build a Harmonious Household with Multiple Dogs
Taking a measured, thoughtful approach to the first interactions between your resident dogs and new dogs sets the stage for a successful relationship.
Remember, patience is keyβallow all the dogs to progress at their own pace and keep each interaction positive.
If you're unsure how to proceed or if you encounter any challenges, don't hesitate to seek professional advice from Urban Pawsibilities. We provide both in-person dog training at our dog training facility in Portland, OR, and online private dog training.
Looking for more tips on how to bring your puppy home? Download our Free Puppy Handbook to get many more tips from our Certified Dog trainers.
