There’s nothing like adding a new dog to the family to create chaos and bring joy all at once. If you’re considering welcoming a new pup into your home, there are some things you should keep in mind to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. I’ll discuss how to introduce a new dog to the first dog, tips for avoiding jealousy, and advice on helping the new puppy get along with older dogs.
In our case, Teddy is only 3 years old, but it has still been hard to tolerate our new pup, Bear.
Adding a new dog to the family is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit chaotic. So here are some suggestions to make sure everyone has a smooth transition:
- When introducing the new dog to the first dog, do it in neutral territory. This will help the first dog feel more comfortable and less threatened.
- Tips for avoiding jealousy: make sure the first dog still gets plenty of attention, create separate space for the new puppy with their food and toys, and give each dog equal time during walks and playtime.
- Older dogs can sometimes be grumpy around puppies. Help them get along by teaching the puppy basic obedience commands and keeping an eye on their interactions. If the older dog gets too snippy, give them a break and put the puppy in their crate.
It can be challenging to introduce a new puppy into the home of an older dog. The older dog may feel like its territory is being invaded, and the new puppy may be scared or unsure how to act around its new canine companion. However, you can help your two dogs get along and become best friends with a bit of time and patience. One way to do this is by socializing them early on. For example, you can take your new puppy to puppy classes, where they can interact with other dogs in a safe and controlled environment. If you have an older dog at home, you can also take them along on walks or visits to the park so they can get used to being around other dogs. With a little effort, your two dogs will learn to get along and be best friends.
All in all, take things slow and be patient. With love and care, everyone will get along in no time!
© 2019 I Don’t Know All The Answers, Nikki Mastro
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