Have you given all the love you can to your dog but feel like you still have more to give? Then welcoming a new dog into your home is an excellent option, since numerous benefits are derived from the emotional bond that is created with a dog.
However, have you ever stopped to think about how an adult dog would feel? It is a companion animal that has had all the attention of its family for itself, that has the space as it is allowed, without major obstacles and that grows up knowing that it has no canine competition when it comes to claiming affection.
It is very important to know how to welcome a new puppy into the home if we already live with an adult dog, otherwise many problems can be triggered, such as aggressive behavior or jealous behavior. In this AnimalWised article we tell you everything you need to know about the coexistence between a new puppy and an adult dog
Presentation on neutral ground
The presentation in a neutral ground (an open space or a park) is not always possible, since it will depend on the fact that the puppy has already started the vaccination schedule and can go outside, but without a place Undoubtedly whenever the possibility exists, this is the best way to do it.
A neutral ground encourages an environment with distractions and where the risk of territorial behaviors appearing is reduced.
To do this, the best thing to do is to have the help of a second person, so that each one can take a dog separately, so that later you can introduce them and allow them to relax, smell each other and get to know each other.
It may be that the adult dog is indifferent to the new puppy, but it may also be that he tries to mount him and even growls at him, in this case, as long as no aggression is going to occur, you should not worry, since it is a priority that you interfere as little as possible in the relationship between your two dogs, they have their rules, their hierarchy and they know how to establish these new relationships.
Prepare the house for living together
Before the presentation takes place inside the home, it is essential to prepare a specific area for the new puppy, with its own accessories, since it is important that you do not alter the habits that the adult dog had acquired.
If, in addition to introducing a new dog into the home, you allow it to use the adult dog's accessories and take over her space, it is obvious that the coexistence will not start off on the right foot.
The first presentation at home
If everything went well during the presentation on neutral ground you must return home, the first dog to enter is the adult and must do so without a leash, later the puppy will enter on a leash, although once inside should be loose and with total freedom to explore the entire home, room by room.
If the adult dog is comfortable, the puppy will be able to walk freely around the house, but if he does not accept it, the puppy's space must be limited in order to expand it later progressively as the adult dog gets used to it.
During the first few weeks do not leave dogs unattended, not until the adult dog is completely comfortable with the puppy.
Tips for a good coexistence
Other tips you should follow so that your two dogs live in harmony are the following:
- If the adult dog attacks the puppy, we recommend that you go to an ethologist or canine educator. The professional will be able to help you conveniently.
- Let the puppy greet the dog on his own initiative, do not grab him to plant him in the other dog's snout, it will make him feel very vulnerable and can generate tension and fear in the dog. Never force situations, let them interact themselves.
- Place their feeders properly separated, and if one dog finishes before another, don't let him intimidate his companion into getting his food.
- Reward them, play with them, kiss them and take care of them equally, don't let either of them feel left out.
If you follow our advice, your dogs will live together correctly and will surely be best friends forever.
