Most of the time the older dogs in the pack KNOW it’s a puppy and they accept them. Make sure you always honor the alpha dog by feeding “her” first, treating first, petting first. I say “her” because most of the time the alpha in the house is the female.
If the puppy is obnoxious, monitor the interactions. Make sure the older dog(s) won’t hurt the puppy.
It make take some time, but it usually works out.
The older dogs will “tell” the puppy when he’s a pest. You may experience a take down, but it probably won’t hurt the puppy. The older dogs need not to feel threatened by all the attention you are showing the newcomer. Make sure you take each dog out with you separately to feel special.
You’ll probably be taking the puppy to a “puppy pre-school” class, so take the older dogs out for a walk without the puppy.
Wow, this is an issue I’m having - with a twist. Our older dog is pretty laid-back (a male), and wasn’t the alpha dog before my female died last spring, though they had a pretty easygoing “buddy” relationship. Our new pup is really aggressive and seems determined to take over the role of alpha dog.
I’ve been told that as the older never really held the role of alpha, he’s not too likely to step up and assume it now with such a forceful personality coming in, but I’m concerned that she pushes him around and makes him uncomfortable in what was formerly his “castle”. We always feed him first, and give him first serving when there are treats to try to enforce the alpha dog role. He gets lots of alone time without her, and we try to do some fun things with just him, but she growls at him when he tries to come in my room (where she sleeps) and apparently sometimes silently intimidates him from going to a room or part of the room. I think this may happen more times than we might notice.
I am getting a new puppy on Tuesday and I need to know exactly what to do so they all get along.
Right now I have a 4 year old shiba inu named Hunter, and a 3.5 year old akita named Thor. On tuesday I will be introducing a 3 month old Mini Aussie which I am naming Jasper.
I am not worried about what Thor will do-because he is a big baby and just wants to be playful, Hunter on the other hand-is dog agressive even to Thor and I am worried that Hunter will hurt my puppy.
I need tips on what to do and what not to do when introducing him to them…
Thanks
-Shannon
Shannon - Great question. Here are a few tips/ideas from my experience…
** If you have a severe aggression problem, I encourage you to consult a dog behaviorist in your area**
(1) For the initial introduction, I recommend that you pick a neutral location (i.e. a nearby park, the front yard) - somewhere that isn’t considered you current dogs territory. Also, introduce one dog at a time and be sure to have both the puppy and your older dogs on leash which will give you control if the situation escalates. I also recommend that you have another human supervisor that can help you separate the dogs. Always reward positive interactions and diffuse negative interactions (i.e. remove your older dog from a stressful situation). Try not to yell at your older dog or repeatedly say “no” (i.e. try to stick with positive reinforcement).
(2) Remember that puppies can be extremely annoying to older dogs - be sure that your adult dogs have a place to go that is puppy free. When I introduced my golden puppy, the older alpha cocker was able to escape the situation simply by jumping onto the coach. Maybe your dogs have a favorite place like a kennel or bed that you can keep as a puppy free zone.
(3) I also recommend that you do not leave your new puppy unsupervised with your older dogs until the pack relationship has been established. Our golden puppy was not allowed to be “free” during the day with our other dogs until he was 6 months old. This served three purposes: (a) no injuries to the puppy, (b) no accidents in the house, and (3) a break for my older dogs.
(4) If you haven’t already, establish a feeding routine - this will prevent “food bowl fights”. Make sure to feed your puppy separately until he/she understands the feeding routine.
I hope you find this helpful. Let us know how things go with your new addition.
I agree with Brianna about monitoring the dogs together until they establish the new pack. Puppies are pesty and older dogs can easily get annoyed by them. You don’t want your puppy to get hurt or to be so frightened it sticks permanently.
Pay attention to the older dogs and honor the alpha by feeding, treating, petting and favoring him/her first before the others. Pay individual attention to each of them.
Make sure you take your puppy to a class specifically for puppies. It’s great for socialization and you will hear others talk about their situations and resolutions. Make sure you take the older ones out alone with you - it’s a special treat for them.
Good luck. You’re shaping a long term relationship.
