We train any dog, any breed, any problem! We train all sizes and breeds, along with teaching all owners!
05/01/2025
Do you have a new puppy? Do you have an adult dog? Be careful with the introduction. Here is one way to do it.
When we get a new puppy, we are so excited to get them home to meet their new friend. We envision the dogs immediately romping and playing together. The truth is that rarely happens.
Remember, dogs are responding to pressure and puppies create a lot of it. When there is too much pressure, dogs use their mouth to make that pressure go away. I get so many calls about adult dogs attacking puppies, that it’s pretty troubling.
So, here’s what you do.
1. On the way home, kennel the pup.
2. Make sure your other dog is not with you and is put away at home. We don’t want the excitement of the initial greeting.
3. When you get home, let the puppy potty in the back yard and then immediately put them in the kennel.
4. Let your adult dog out into the yard to smell the new puppy. Repeat this daily.
5. Allow the dogs to coexist for some time before any type of greeting. How long? As long as it takes. Sometimes days, sometimes weeks.
6. Introduce initially through a baby gate. I like baby gates because they are inside and dogs usually don’t have a history of being reactive through them.
7. Allow the dogs to coexist on opposite sides of the gate for some time. Basically, until they ignore each other’s presence.
8. For the first greeting, be sure the puppy is on a leash. Your job is to keep the puppy out of the adult dog’s face. Make the first greeting only a few seconds and then remove the puppy. As days go on, make each greeting longer.
9. Continually advocate for your adult dog.
10. Always monitor play and shut it down when it gets too rough.
Keep in mind that an adult dog can easily kill a puppy. If you allow chaos at the first greeting, you will have chaos in the relationship for a long time. Start with calm and expect calm, and that’s the relationship you will build.
