Introducing a puppy to an older dog

When you decide to bring a new puppy into your home, it’s an exciting time. However, your existing dog might not always feel the same. We look at some of the things you can do to make the experience a positive one.

Introducing a new puppy can be a stressful situation for your older dog. They may be used to time alone and enjoy the peace and quiet in their golden years. All of a sudden this whirlwind of fun, in the form of a new puppy, arrives. It’s no surprise your older dog may feel overwhelmed and upset by the situation.

There are times when the introduction of puppies and older dogs causes no issues. But, don’t take any chances. It is wise to consider how to bring the new addition into the family to avoid any problems before they occur.

Careful thought about the breed and type of puppy you choose is needed. A large, boisterous, high-energy puppy is not suited to an older, small breed dog who likes to spend hours curled up on the sofa. Don’t set the puppy and senior dog union up for failure.

Here are some steps to help the puppy and older dog introduction go smoothly.

What should I do before bringing a new puppy home?

Provide a separate bed and water bowl for your puppy. Place it in a different area from your older dog’s bed and bowl, at least to begin with. Give your older dog their own space.

Ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date. Puppies are vulnerable to illness, especially before their vaccinations are complete. The same applies to flea and tick treatment and worming.

Hide all the chews and toys. Dog toys could cause a flashpoint for conflict so put them out of the way until your older dog and puppy have got used to each other.

Introducing your older dog to a puppy

Introduce puppies and older dogs outside in a neutral space, so your older dog doesn’t go into ‘protecting my home and garden’ mode. Don’t go too far or let them meet other dogs. Remember, puppies are vulnerable to infections until their vaccinations are complete.

Another option is to let them meet on the driveway before heading into your garden. Alternatively, let them meet and greet each other through a wire fence.

Keep both your puppy and dog on their leads. If either looks anxious or worried, take them away for a short break before you bring them back together again. Give them only ten minutes together before you take your older dog away for a break. Reward your older dog with a treat.

Bringing your puppy into your home

When you bring both your dog and puppy into your house, keep them on leads. Take some time before you let them off, carefully observing your older dog’s body language. Look for signs they are becoming fed up with the puppy. Don’t leave them unsupervised and if the puppy annoys the older dog, step in to avoid a problem.

Top tip

By investing in a baby gate, you provide your older dog with space away from your puppy. It can all get a bit much at times for your older dog. If they have time to rest and relax away from a pestering puppy, you are limiting the chances of them not getting along.

Scent swapping

Before bringing the puppy home, another technique that can help ease the transition is scent swapping. This allows your older dog to become familiar with the new puppy's scent before they have direct contact. You can do this by gently rubbing a towel or cloth on the puppy and placing it near your older dog’s bed or in their favourite spot. This helps your older dog get used to the new smells in their environment, reducing any surprise or anxiety when the puppy arrives.

What to do if tensions arise

It’s normal for tensions to boil over as your older dog and puppy get used to each other. However, it’s still important to manage these situations carefully. If your older dog shows signs of aggression, anxiety, or fear, it’s essential to intervene immediately.

Keep both dogs on their leads and give them some space. Sometimes a short timeout will help both dogs calm down. If tensions continue, a dog trainer might be a good idea. They’ll be able to help guide you through the introduction process, especially if these issues don’t seem to be getting any better.

How to introduce a puppy to an older dog: A step-by-step summary

Summing up what we’ve looked at, here’s a brief step-by-step summary of how to introduce a puppy to an older dog.

Prepare your home: Set up a separate bed, water bowl, and space for the puppy. Make sure both dogs have their own space and are not forced into close contact straight away.
Check health precautions: Ensure the puppy’s vaccinations are up-to-date.. Administer any necessary flea, tick, and worm treatments for both dogs before the introduction.
Scent swapping: Before meeting face-to-face, swap scents between the older dog and the puppy by rubbing a cloth on each and placing it in the other’s space. This helps familiarise them with each other’s scent.
Choose a neutral location: Introduce the dogs in a neutral area (like a driveway or park) where neither dog feels territorial. Keep both dogs on leads to prevent any immediate tension or aggression.
First meeting: Allow both dogs to sniff each other briefly while still on leads. Watch for signs of anxiety or aggression and take breaks if necessary.
Short introductions: Keep the initial interaction short (around 10 minutes) and reward the older dog with treats and praise for staying calm. Gradually increase the time together as they get used to each other.
Bring the puppy inside: Once outside introductions go well, bring the puppy inside while still on leads. Monitor their body language and prevent any rough play or overly energetic behaviour from the puppy.
Create a safe space for the older dog: Set up a baby gate or crate to allow your older dog to retreat to their space when they need a break. Ensure the older dog has access to a quiet area away from the puppy when necessary.
Supervised playtime: After both dogs are comfortable with each other, allow short play sessions under supervision. Always step in if the older dog seems overwhelmed or the puppy gets too excitable.
Be patient: Don’t rush the process. Give your older dog time to adjust to the new puppy, and continue to reward both dogs for calm and respectful behaviour.

With these steps, you’ll help ensure a smooth and positive introduction between your older dog and the new puppy.

A final thing to remember…

It’s essential to show your older dog they are still the number one in the dog pecking order. So, don’t ignore them in favour of a new puppy. You don’t want to put their dog nose out of joint!

Give your older dog time to adjust to the new situation. With careful management of the introduction, you give the new dog relationship the best chance of working out well.

FAQs about introducing a puppy to an older dog

About the Author

Adam Jolley is a writer specialising in insurance, personal finance, and pets. He’s worked for Confused.com and Admiral Insurance, and currently writes and edits for an online magazine. His strangest pet was a hissing cockroach. Now, he’s a proud cat dad to Penelope, affectionately known as Nelly.