Hunder har som regel ingen vanskeligheter med å skaffe seg gode venner, og valpen din vil høyst sannsynlig elske å være sammen med andre hunder.
Den vil faktisk ganske sikkert elske muligheten til å leke med et hvilket som helst dyr, stort eller lite! Som med alle nye opplevelser for valpen, er det viktig å introdusere den forsiktig til andre kjæledyr for å gi dem en best mulig start på vennskapet.
Find a neutral place for the dogs to meet
It’s best to introduce the new dog somewhere where your existing dog won’t have any territorial issues. It’s a good idea to introduce them outdoors, but if your pup hasn’t yet completed all their vaccinations, stick to your garden. Once your puppy’s had his first vaccination (at least), and your vet has said it’s safe to do so, take your puppy into the garden and let him have a good wander round to get used to all the exciting new sights and scents.
Making the first introductions
Then put your puppy on a lead and bring out your adult dog, also safely restrained on a lead. If your existing dog is large or excitable, it can be a good idea for them to wear a head-collar, to prevent any sudden lunges when saying hello. They’re bound to be curious about one another, so let them move towards each other, keeping their leads loose. Reassure them by calmly telling them both that they are good dogs, and ignore any whining or barking.
Keep everyone calm while introducing the new dog
Reward calm, restrained interactions with gentle strokes, calm words and perhaps some small treats. If either dog gets over-excited, it’s important that you stay calm yourself. Wait for them to calm down or separate them for a while before trying again.
Wait for the indoors invitation
Allow your adult dog to ‘invite’ the puppy indoors. Keep both dogs on a lead until the pup has had a good look around and your existing dog is calmly accepting him without reacting. Keep rewarding acceptance and tolerance with calm praise, and gentle strokes for both your dog and your pup.
Top Tip: Before introducing your puppy to an older dog, make sure your existing dog's vaccinations are fully up to date, so that everyone stays happy and healthy.
If you have any concerns about the process of how to introduce a puppy to an older dog, ask for help ahead of time. Your local dog trainer or vet will be happy to give you advice. To find a canine behaviourist near you, try www.apdt.co.uk or www.capbt.org.
Introducing another adult dog to your existing dog
If you're introducing a fully-grown dog to your existing dog, don’t be surprised if they don’t make friends straight away. Don’t be disheartened though - if you let them get to know each other gradually on quiet neutral ground away from home (ideally in a place that is unfamiliar to either of them), there’s usually no reason why they won’t get on and become firm friends.
Here are a few tips for how to introduce the new dog:
Purina Editorial Team
