How to Introduce a New Puppy to Your Older Dog

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   Step 1: Prepare your home before the puppy arrives

   Set up separate spaces for each dog before bringing the puppy home. Your older dog needs a puppy-free retreat with their own bed, water and toys. Pick up anything your older dog might guard, such as favourite chews or food bowls. Fit a baby gate so the dogs can see each other without direct contact at first. Preparation prevents most early problems.

   Good to know: Swap bedding between the dogs a day or two before the meeting so each gets used to the other's scent.

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   Step 2: Arrange the first meeting on neutral ground

   First introductions go best outdoors in a neutral space like a quiet park or a friend's garden. Keep both dogs on loose leads and let them approach at their own pace. Keep the meeting short and positive — a few minutes of sniffing is plenty. Watch body language closely: loose, wiggly movement is good; stiff postures or hard stares mean you should calmly increase distance.

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   Step 3: Supervise all early interactions

   For the first two to three weeks, never leave the puppy and older dog alone together. Puppies have no manners and can pester an older dog relentlessly, which may lead to a justified but frightening correction. Keep play sessions short — five to ten minutes — and separate the dogs before the older one gets annoyed. Use the baby gate for safe downtime.

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   Step 4: Protect your older dog's routine

   Dogs find change stressful, so keep your older dog's walks, meals and bedtime as consistent as possible. Give them plenty of one-to-one attention so the puppy does not feel like a replacement. Feed the dogs separately to avoid competition. A secure older dog is far more likely to accept the newcomer.

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   Step 5: Teach the puppy to respect boundaries

   If your older dog growls or walks away, that is polite communication — let it work. Only step in if the puppy ignores the signal and keeps pestering. Redirect the puppy with a toy or a short training game. Over time the puppy learns which behaviours end play and which continue it.

   • Growling is communication, not aggression — do not punish it
   • Interrupt if the puppy jumps on the older dog repeatedly
   • Reward calm behaviour from both dogs
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   Step 6: Handle resources carefully

   Food, chews, toys and your attention are the most common flashpoints. Feed in separate rooms, pick up chews when you cannot supervise, and greet the older dog first to maintain their status. Give the older dog treats when the puppy is around so the puppy predicts good things. Avoid situations where the puppy can steal the older dog's possessions.

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   Step 7: Troubleshoot tension between the dogs

   If your older dog hides, refuses food or snaps frequently, slow everything down and increase separation time. Some dogs need several weeks to adjust, and that is normal. If there is a serious fight with injury, separate the dogs completely and consult a qualified behaviourist before trying again. Never force interactions.

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   Step 8: Build a lasting friendship

   Most dogs settle into a comfortable relationship within one to three months. Walk the dogs together once the puppy's vaccinations allow, since parallel walking builds bonds. Continue separate one-to-one time with each dog for life. As the puppy matures, keep monitoring play to make sure both dogs are enjoying it.

   Good to know: Take photos of calm moments together — you will treasure them, and they help you track progress.

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