What if my dog doesn't like the new puppy?

Pet and give positive reinforcement (treats, praise) when your older dog is calm. Move the puppy closer as the older dog can handle it without becoming stressed. Keep giving high-value treats to the older dog so that he's associated great things with the puppy.


How long does it take for a dog to get used to a new puppy?

It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.

Will my dog eventually like my new puppy?

Usually, grown dogs will accept a new younger dog. But to successfully add a second dog to your family, you must take the time and follow the proper steps to introduce a puppy to an adult dog. Some older dogs will make joining their pack difficult for the newbie!


How do I get my dog to accept a new puppy?

What to Do During the Initial Meeting
  1. Head to the meeting spot with the dogs separately.
  2. Try bringing the dogs together and let them greet each other. ...
  3. Expect the dogs to sniff, circle, play, urinate or simply ignore each other. ...
  4. If the animals try to fight, it's time to intervene. ...
  5. Keep the initial interaction brief.


Should I let my older dog growl at my puppy?

Don't Punish. Don't punish your dog for growling at the puppy. Growling is normal dog communication, and he is letting the puppy (and you) know he's had enough. Instead of punishing this important communication, calmly separate them.


Socializing an Older Dog with a New Puppy



How do I stop my older dog from attacking my new puppy?

What to Do If My Older Dog Is Attacking New Puppy
  1. Establish safe spaces. The first thing you need to do is to separate your older dog and the new puppy, to keep them both safe. ...
  2. Set boundaries. ...
  3. Exercise and play. ...
  4. Train them separately and together. ...
  5. Create positive associations. ...
  6. Provide opportunities to bond. ...
  7. Consult an expert.


How do I get my older dog to stop annoying my puppy?

What you need to do is drain the puppy's energy through exercise before it joins the older dog. Until she passes this stage, don't allow the puppy to be around the older dog until later in the day, maybe 1 or 2 o'clock, after you've drained some of her energy.

What is the 3 3 dog rule?

Whether you rescue an older dog or a puppy, a lot of dogs tend to follow the 3-3-3 rule when getting acclimated: 3 days of feeling overwhelmed and nervous. 3 weeks of settling in. 3 months of building trust and bonding with you.


What is second dog syndrome?

In dogdom, there's a turn of phrase called, "Second Dog Syndrome". This describes the process of adding another dog to the home quite well, but not necessarily in a positive light. As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right.

Will my older dog be sad if I get a puppy?

Many older dogs will be upset, jealous, or even angry with a new puppy, especially if the older dog has been an only dog. It's going to be important to make sure the older dog gets lots (more than normal) of attention to alleviate potential hurt feelings.

Can dogs get depressed with new puppy?

Beaver said major changes in a dog's life could lead to periods of depression. Those include moving into a new home, a new spouse or baby in the household, or adding another pet. Even a change in the dog's schedule, for instance a stay-at-home owner who takes a job, can cause a dog to get down.


Do dogs get jealous of new puppies?

Bringing home a new puppy or another adult dog can trigger jealousy in your dog, and they may show signs of aggression toward the new addition. Your dog might growl at the new dog, guard your lap, or try to get in between you and your new furry family member.

What to do when dog is jealous of new puppy?

‌To stop your dog's jealous behavior early, you can try the following tips:
  1. Record examples that cause jealousy or aggression in your dog.
  2. Avoid giving too much attention to one pet over another.
  3. Train your dog to feel safe and relaxed in their crate.
  4. Make a separate feeding space for multiple animals.


How do you help a jealous dog with a new puppy?

How to Stop Jealous Behavior in Pets
  1. Keep notes on the circumstances that cause signs of jealousy/aggression. ...
  2. Don't give one pet more attention than another.
  3. Help your dog feel safe and relaxed in their crate so they see it as their own safe space. ...
  4. Feed pets separately to avoid conflict during mealtimes.


Are dogs happier with a second dog?

Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.

Should second dogs be same gender?

Gender: While there is no set rule that a female dog will be a better friend for a male dog, if you have never had two dogs at the same time it is generally easier and often safer to have dogs of the opposite sex. Same-sex combinations can be tricky to manage as dogs work out their dominance or pack order.

How do I know if my dog will accept another dog?

How to Tell if Your Dog Wants to Add Another Pup At Home
  1. Your Dog is a Fan of Other Dogs. ...
  2. They Act Bored or Depressed. ...
  3. They Hate Leaving the Dog Park. ...
  4. Your Current Pup is Well Trained. ...
  5. They Know How to Share.


What is the 5 second rule for dogs?

The centre instructs: "Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog." A dog's paws are just as sensitive as human feet and are therefore susceptible getting painfully burned and can suffer these burns even on days you wouldn't consider overly hor.

How do I introduce my new dog to my current dog?

Introduce the dogs in a neutral area rather than your own home or yard. Both dogs should be on leashes for control, but try to allow them a little room to maneuver. They may be calmer if they don't feel completely restrained. You will need one adult for each dog.

Is having 3 dogs harder than 2?

Having two dogs can be more than twice as much work as having one, and having three can require way more than three times as much effort. That pattern continues as the number of dogs increases.


Why doesnt my older dog like my puppy?

If your adult dog seems unusually aggressive toward puppies, veteran dog trainer Robert Cabral says that may be because they've had a bad experience with puppies in the past…or might not have any experience with them at all. Your dog may be triggered by their fast movements and unpredictable behavior.

Why is my older dog attacking my puppy?

They're territorial

The first reason an older dog might attack or not be fond of a young puppy is that they are territorial of their space. Your resident dog views your home as their turf, and therefore, the new puppy poses a threat to that—a threat that your older dog is uncomfortable with.

Can you reverse puppy aggression?

However, there's no guarantee that an aggressive dog can be completely cured. In many cases, the only solution is to manage the problem by limiting a dog's exposure to the situations, people or things that trigger her aggression. There's always risk when dealing with an aggressive dog.


What does aggressive puppy behavior look like?

The most common aggressive puppy behaviour warning signs include snarling, growling, mounting, snapping, nipping, lip curling, lunging, dominant body language/play, challenging stance, dead-eye stare, aggressive barking, possessiveness, and persistent biting/mouthing.

Can a dog be trained out of dog aggression?

Is training an aggressive dog possible? Yes. Aggression in dogs, whether it be toward a dog's owner or other dogs, is a serious behavior that should be adjusted with the help of a professional dog trainer.