Bringing a New Puppy Home to A Dog in the House (Part 1)

Buying a new puppy is one of the most important decisions you and your family can make, especially if you already own a dog. It may be a good idea to ask the previous owners or the pet store where you make your purchase how your puppy interacted with other animals around him. If he was an “only child” you may want to take extra precaution and care when introducing him to your dog.

So, the day has come to introduce your new puppy to your existing dog and the question rises, what if they don’t get along? Given time and a few challenges between the two, the outcome will more than likely be favorable. However, you can give both dogs a head start and make them feel more comfortable by making introductions in an unfamiliar place.

Start by introducing your new puppy to your dog in a place other than your home, such as a park that you have never taken your dog to or a neighbor’s home in order to keep territorial issues out of the way and to keep your dog from feeling threatened. Dogs have a protecting nature and quickly decide that their home is their territory. Feeling threatened can happen when another animal crosses their territory. To keep this from happening, let your dog meet his new companion at least twice before bringing him into the home.

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