Helping your older dog accept a new puppy

We all get grumpier as we get older. It’s a fact of life. We get set in our ways, and find change harder to deal with. If we’re experiencing age related aches and pains, our tempers may become frayed more easily.  It’s no different for dogs. As they get older, they like their routines and security. And, just like humans, if they’re in discomfort they’re likely to be less patient and understanding.

Getting a new puppy is exciting for us as owners but, for our older canines, it can be a shock to their system. Puppies like to play, they have little respect for their elders, and they want a lot of love and attention. For dogs used to their own space, and the undivided adoration of their humans, they may view an interloper with suspicion at best, and aggression at worst.

While introducing your new family member to its older brother or sister can be challenging, some simple steps can make the process much smoother and happier for everyone.

Respecting territory

As far as your dog is concerned, you are his pack leader, and your home is his territory. As well as wanting to protect it, he also feels safe there. A new puppy may be seen as a threat.

When you first arrive home with your new family member, make sure that they are kept on their lead, and let them sniff around the house. If your older dog seems calm, let him approach the puppy to say hello. 

However, if at any point, he becomes agitated, or wants to back away, then allow him the space to do so. Respect that he needs time to adjust and enable him to set the pace. If there is space that your senior dog can retreat to, so much the better.

Your dog may need to be reassured they’re not about to be replaced by the new arrival. Make sure that you give him lots of love, fuss, and praise, especially when they play nicely with the little one. Tell them what a good dog they are, often.

Respecting belongings

We all have things that are ‘ours’, that we don’t want to share. Your dog is just the same. If they have a bed or a special toy, chances are that they won’t want to share them. If they think that their food might be stolen, normally easy going dogs can become protective of their dinner.

Make sure that your puppy has their own bowls, toys, and bed ready and waiting for them, and ensure that your older dog has a comfy place to rest, away from the puppy. Just as with humans, a good quality bed will help to reduce aches and pains, as well as provide a sanctuary away from little paws.

Memory foam dog beds are ideal for all ages, especially older dogs who need more support.

Respecting their elders

Just like children, puppies need to learn what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour. This includes learning how to behave around their elders. Puppies like to pull, and nip, and chew, and climb. While their littermates and mother tolerated having their ears nipped or their tails pulled, an older, unrelated dog is unlikely to be happy about it. The senior dog may growl, or show their teeth. If the puppy ignores these signals and persists, they may be rewarded with a snap at the air. You should allow your older dog to express their displeasure as long as they don’t hurt the puppy, or display genuine aggression.

Until you are confident that your older dog has accepted the puppy, and the puppy is unlikely to aggravate their senior counterpart, they should not be left alone together. Most of us put un-house trained puppies into areas with easily cleanable floors while we’re not there, so this should be easy to achieve.

Introducing a new four-legged addition to your family can be unsettling for your current pet but, with a little time and consideration, you’ll soon find that your canines are the best of buddies.

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