Donald asks…
I am collecting an 8 week female Cocker Spaniel puppy next week. How should I introduce her to the 5 year old Cocker Spaniel I already own?
PATRICIA ANSWERS:
Introducing a new puppy to an established dog always needs careful planning. Ideally, this is not something that you should attempt to do on your own. Get your partner, or a close friend whom your established dog is familiar and very comfortable with to help.
Your existing dog will be more accepting of the new arrival if he is relaxed. Whilst you are collecting your new puppy, get your partner or friend to take your existing dog for a long walk in the park. Once you have collected the new puppy, take her to the same park. Then, with both dogs on a lead, introduce your new puppy and let both dogs become familiar with each other.
Whilst the two dogs are getting acquainted, offer your established dog lots of praise and encouragement. Also, give praise and encouragement in equal measure to your new puppy, but only when they are being nice to each other. If any unwanted behavior such as barking, snapping, or jealousy should occur, then put a stop to it immediately by saying “NO!” in a stern voice.
Don’t make the mistake of just directing your discipline at the established dog. If your puppy is misbehaving, then you should also discipline her too. In all instances of bad behavior from now on, you must be fair, but also firm.
Once both dogs have got used to each other, you and your partner or friend can walk them both home. Whilst returning home, make sure you keep hold of the lead to your puppy, and your partner or friend keeps your dog. And, don’t stop the praise if both dogs are behaving.
When you get home, you are less likely to get any territorial arguments if you let your established dog enter the home first, and the puppy follow. Also, never leave both dogs alone in your home unless your puppy is in a crate. You don’t want any fights to break out whilst you are not there.
Your established dog sees you as his pack leader. If you are seen to accept the new arrival, he is more likely to accept it to. The message you therefore want to send to your dog is that you love him just as much as before, but the puppy is here to stay.
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