Wells Dogs Too

Introducing A New Puppy

A question asked by many dog owners is how to best introduce a new pup to the already established canine-member of the family. The following applies to the introduction of puppies and older dogs that are 'new' to your home.

First, jealousy is a human trait, not a canine trait. What dogs experience, when a new "pack member" is introduced, is confusion as to their place in the pack. A dog who has been the center of attention may become confused and frustrated when that attention is abruptly divided, or even totally redirected, in favor of the newcomer. The dog may then "act out" what it believes to be it's place in the hierarchy, and if improperly corrected, may act out in a manner that is not compatible with the newcomer. Often the dog is then religated to the back yard or a back room, which tells the confused dog that it is no longer in good standing with the pack, or worse, to the pound, which tells it that it has no place in the pack at all! It is important to make clear to your pup, from the start, the proper pecking order of your "pack". This requires some obedience training, and the establishing of yourself as "alpha" dog, that is, leader of the pack.

Introducing a new pup to the older dog should be done gradually. The first meeting is best accomplished in a neutral place, like a park, or a neighbor's home. They should then be brought home together, where they are allowed to play briefly. The pup should then be toileted, (remember that pups usually need to toilet after playing), and then gently and happily placed in a kennel. The kennel should be the kind that is used for air travel. It should be large enough for the pup to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. It should have a soft cushion, some toys, and a biscuit. It should always be a fun place for the pup to go, never a punishment.

The pup should rest in the kennel for from 15 to 20 minutes after which time the pup is taken outside to toilet. (This will facilitate toilet training as well as introduction to the older dog.) Remember, pups also need to toilet after a nap.

The pup is then re-introduced to the older dog with a very "up", happy tone of voice. It is important to be neither forceful nor overly cautious about the introduction. A very positive and matter of fact attitude is best.

The play times should last a few minutes at a time, always supervised. Don't allow the pup to annoy the older dog. Gently correct the pup and teach it to be careful, using the cue "careful", not to injure the older dog with its sharp teeth. The established dog must be included in the play time and actually receive MORE attention than the puppy.

Be sensitive to the older dog remembering to give him as much or more
attention and personal time as you always have and at least as much time as you give the new pup. Run through his obedience commands once or twice a day. This assures the dog that he has not lost his place in the pack.

Don't allow the older dog to "mark", (urinate on structures around), the house, yard or neighborhood. This "territorializing" is the method dogs use to establish leadership and dominance over the area. Have the older dog neutered, if you have not already done so. This is a good idea even if you are not introducing a new dog to the pack. Neutering of both males and females lessens the incidence of mammary and prostate cancer, eliminate the possibility of uterine, ovarian or testicular cancer and makes them calmer and more loyal pets.

Always have your dog under control when introducing him/her to a new pup/dog, remembering that dogs are never totally predictable.

Finally, it is VERY important that you do NOT punish your older dog if s/he growls at the puppy when the pup bites the older dog. To do so will disrupt the natural hierarchy that is being set up by the dogs and will cause your dog to associate the newcomer with punishment and so to resent it. If you console the pup and punish the adult dog, the adult will wait for the opportunity, when you are not available to punish, and will attack the pup in order to remind the pup who is in charge. The results will be more aggressive than the original warning growl.

Lee Wells