Why Socialization Is Vital to Healthy & Happy Pups
August 31, 2018Holiday Pet Photography Do’s and Don’ts
November 28, 2018
How to introduce a new puppy to an older pet
If the fall season is bringing more than a change in weather, (a new puppy perhaps?) it’s time to start preparing! For many pet owners, welcoming a second dog into the home can be a very special time in the family’s life. However, it’s important to keep your existing pet in mind as well. While there may be a temptation to think “we’ve raised and trained a puppy before, we can do it again!” try to remember that all dogs and breeds are different. Keep reading for tips on how to integrate a puppy into a home with an existing dog and get ready to double the fun!
A Nose Knows
When brining a new dog into your to home, it’s important to let all your furry friends have pre-introduction 
via scent. Give your new puppy snuggles or wrap them in a blanket, then without the puppy around let your older dog smell you and the additional item to begin acclimating to the new pup’s scent. Do the same for the puppy so they can learn your existing dog’s scent as well.
Home Tours
Prior to introducing your dogs, let your puppy explore your home on its own. Consider taking your older dog to friends or have someone take them for a long walk so the new dog can get to their new home without the distraction or intimidation of another canine. Once the puppy has had a chance to explore, remove them from the space (possibly backyard or crate in another room) and prepare for the official introduction.
The Introduction 
When introducing your dog’s for the first time, make sure they’re on even playing fields. Assuming your dog is well behaved on a leash, take them outside and have the puppy on a leash as well. Let them meet outside the home on leash, then when ready allow them inside. Once they have a good sense of each other allow them to go off leash – but never unsupervised. Since puppies need a great deal of attention even on their own, it’s vital that you monitor the pup and the existing dog for an extended period of time. This ensures your puppy is learning all the right behaviors and your older pet is adjusting well.
Trouble in Paradise
The best offense to any situation is a good defense. Before welcoming a new puppy into your home, make sure you think it’s a good fit personality wide and based on traits of the breed. If you’ve done all of your prep and the introductions aren’t going as well as you’d like – stay calm. Integrating a new pet can take time and you may need professional support. It’s A Dog’s World’s skilled trainers can help a new puppy with obedience and socialization, and support an older dog’s transition to having a new family member as well. For more information on training or for a consultation visit www.ItsADogsWorld.biz!
