INTRODUCING A NEW PUPPY OR DOG TO AN OLDER DOG

If you've decided to buy a new dog or puppy to keep your older dog company then with careful introduction they should get along fine. Dogs are very intuitive and will pick up on your emotions - so my best advice is to relax! When they work out that you are relaxed about the situation and have enough love and attention to go around then their introduction and life together will run more smoothly. You'll also need a bit of patience - it's better to make gradual progress than rush things. Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com The following steps will also help: When you first bring the older dog and the new dog/puppy to meet each other it is best to do this on neutral ground, such as at a neighbour's garden or a public place, but not one the older dog frequently walks with you. The older dog will be territorial about it's home and will view the new arrival as an intruder, rather than a new pack member. Introduce the new puppy or dog into the family home gradually without initially intruding into the older dog's territory. If the older dog sleeps in the kitchen, try to keep the new dog in another room. Try and avoid allowing the new arrival into your bedroom or on the furniture if your older dog is not allowed access to these areas. Stair gates are a great help in separating the two dogs during the settling in time. They can still sniff each other and get used to each other without getting too close and provides clear boundaries and space. A dog cage will give your new dog or puppy a safe retreat away from the older dog if you'd rather not use stair gates. Dog cages have the advantage of being easy to erect and are portable. Give your older dog plenty of attention and try and maintain your normal routine as much as possible. that way it won't feel neglected or pushed out and will accept the new arrival more readily. Gradually introduce the new arrival into the older dog's routine and activities. Return to the training section index. Free UK Delivery on Dog and Pet Portraits from photographs at Karla's Creative Capers who did the portrait on the left from a photo of my flat coated retriever, Lucy. The portraits are ready to hang on the wall and are of a high quality canvas. For full details see www.karlascreativecapers.co.uk Become A Dog Walker Breed Standard Buy an RSPCA animal or Dog Gift Box Buying a Dog/Puppy Buying Dog Food and Products Canine Arthritis Clicker Training Contact Cushing's Disease Daily Blog Dietary Advice Dog Cancer Dog Insurance Dogs and Wills Dog Toys Ear Care Epilepsy Flat Coated Retriever Information Food to Avoid Giving Your Dog Free Dog Food Samples Free Pet Stuff Get your Dog on TV or Magazines Grass Eating Grooming Health Hip Dysplasia History of Dogs How to Bath your Dog How to deal with Excess Dog Hair How to stop your Dog Barking How to stop your Dog Eating Faeces How to tell if your Dog is Overweight How to Work out your Dogs Age Introducing a New Dog or Puppy to an Older Dog Kennel Cough Links List Of Breeders Mange Making a Garden Dog Friendly Nail Care Other Flat-Coated Retriever Websites Privacy/Disclaimer Policy Puppy Care Signs of Pain Teach a Dog to Roll Over Teeth Information Training Tips Water/Fluid Advice Why Dogs Go Round In Circles Before Lying Down Whistle Come Back