Cyndi writes:
I currently have a 3 year old neutered male Golden Retriever. I am planning on purchasing another Golden puppy. Does anyone have tips for introducing a new puppy? My golden has been the center of attention for three years. I do not want him to resent the new puppy. I have never owned two dogs before, so I am hoping that someone who has done this before can provide some helpful hints. Thanks in advance
Hi Cyndi,
Congratulations on owning my favorite dog breed. I absolutely love Golden Retrievers. Some of the things we like so much about puppies are their cuddling, innocence and playfulness. However, adult dogs may lack the unbridled enthusiasm of a puppy and therein lays a problem.
Well-socialized adult dogs with good temperaments, like Golden Retrievers, may shrug off a puppy's energy supply with a growl or snarl. These behaviors are normal and should be allowed. Adult dogs that aren't well-socialized, or that have a history of aggression towards other dogs, may attempt to set limits on the puppy's playfulness with more aggressive behavior, such as biting.
This is why a puppy should not be left alone with an adult dog until you're confident the puppy won't be terrorized. The most common mistake owners make is to leave a new puppy alone with the established pet or pets. Older dogs should never be allowed to harass or terrorize a pup and vice versa! Be sure to give the adult dog some quiet time away from the puppy and definitely give him, lots of individual attention by taking him with you on errands and long walks. This special time will pay off in the long run.
You can begin your preparation long before you bring the puppy home. For example, and if possible, visit the puppy's breeder and take a cloth. Rub the new puppy with it then bring it home and put it somewhere that your adult dog will frequent and be able to smell.
You might think about taking your dog to meet its new little buddy while it is still quite young, away from both dogs' home territories. If possible, a week or so before the new puppy comes home, take your older dog to visit the new puppy. To prevent jealousy, when the two first greet, the puppy can be held by the breeder. Before you bring the puppy home, have them meet again at a park or other neutral location.
Prepare the puppy's own personal space in your home - a crate and exercise pen - where he can escape and adjust to his new lifestyle and family. Give him a place to eat in peace, and a place where he can enjoy his toys safely. Puppies are used to sharing food with their litter mates but an older dog may not appreciate this. Feed the dogs with separate bowls in separate areas and have a toy or toys on hand just for the new puppy.
If your puppy is being crate trained you can put him back in the crate and continue to take him out for short intervals to spend time with your other dog. Make sure the amount of time you let them spend together is increased gradually. A good rule of thumb in introducing a puppy to an older dog is to give them a month to peacefully co-exist.
I would be surprised if you have any problems but just in case, contact a professional animal behaviorist immediately if things run smoothly. Dogs can be severely injured in fights, and the longer the problem continues, the harder it can be to resolve. Punishment won't work, and could make things worse. Fortunately, most conflicts between dogs in the same family can be resolved with professional guidance.
8/30/2005
Deborah writes: Hi,
Some of the information I have read has helped me, but I'm trying to bring a German Shepherd puppy into a home with a Pomeranian. The pom is about 5 years old.
We have had German Shepherd's in the past. Our most recent one died about 2 years ago and the pom and she were great friends. The difference is the German Shepherd was here first then and she just accepted the pom.
The pom is being very aggressive. Growling and snapping at the puppy. The puppy just wants to play. I just hope it's not hopeless. Any more advice would be appreciated.
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