Getting a new puppy is extremely exciting. While you’re dreaming about names and puppy breath, there may be someone in your house that isn’t going to be quite as thrilled, your adult dog. Introducing a puppy to the household can be a little tricky, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster.
Of course, there will probably be a little bit of rivalry at first. After all you are their mommy or daddy first. Luckily, here are a few tips in advance that will help make the transition easy for them and for you too!
Proud puppy owner, Laurie Luck of Smart Dog University has welcomed 15 puppies into her home within 12 years has a lot of experience. And from her experience, we can learn a few things about how to get these new “siblings” to get along.
Communication skills are very important
Puppies are brand new to this world and are lacking social skills. Basically, they don’t understand how to “dog” yet. They only puppy. And the way they learn to communicate in the litter is different than how they will communicate in everyday life. They pounce, play, nip, and even sleep on each other. Adult dogs are great for teaching puppies what not to do as a proper dog. Things like, don’t walk on me, don’t bark in my face, don’t jump on my head, etc. Those a great lessons for both interactions with people and dogs.
Supervision & Separation is key
Watching the adults and puppies interact is the best way to reinforce the behavior that is expected of both. Avoid punishments, but do show positive reinforcement to positive behavior. The more you’re around, the easier it is for the dogs to communicate correctly.
When you’re not around or if it’s starting to get a little unruly, separate them. Not only does it give everyone a little peace and quiet, crate training is a great way to teach puppies house training.
Also, have escape routes for everyone and safe areas is beneficial. Laurie Luck gives us a few more fantastic tips with this insight; “I taught my dogs how to move away from an annoying puppy very early in our service-dog-raising years. I would call out “kennel” if my dogs were beginning to become annoyed by the puppy. They would run to their crate, I’d put a frozen stuffed Kong inside, and I would close the door. The dogs could enjoy a special treat and be rid of the annoyance… I reinforce that decision to self-crate almost every time with the delivery of a frozen stuffed Kong.”
She also suggests clicker training. You can learn all about it and a whole lot more with Laurie’s YouTube videos.
No matter what, getting a new puppy is an awesome experience! Enjoy the new life in the house and take it one day at a time. And of course, Karla’s Pet Care is always here to help you make the transition as smooth as possible whenever you can’t be home. We love puppies and know they need a lot of care. So, make sure to give us a call for services for daily pet sitting and dog walking appointments!
