Old dog, new puppy?

Question

Anyone have any experience introducing a new puppy into a home with an older dog that has been the only dog his entire life? I may or may not be attempting this, and was just curious how it went for anyone who may have done this. My dog is 12 years old, in good health, good energy, but very protective and not good with strangers, Aussie/Heeler Mix, about 55 to 60 lbs.

This is a small puppy, maybe 12 to 15 weeks, that a family member has right now. I would rather bring the puppy to our house for introductions, I also think that my dog would understand better it the puppy is brought into his environment.

Answer 1

If you want to introduce them, do it at your house. Put up a baby gate, have them in adjoining rooms so they can see, and most importantly to a dog, smell each other. If your 12 year old seems calm about this (and don't rush the process) you can let them in a room together supervised. If he's dog friendly, he should accept a puppy providing he's always able to get away when the puppy becomes too much for him. Puppies are too playful and rambunctious for a 12 year old full time - he'll need to be able to get away.

Answer 2

How has your dog done with other dogs? You mention people but not dogs?
You know your dog better then anyone so trust your instincts and what your heart tells you.

We introduced our new dog with no one home but my husband and I. They visited for about an hour in the the morning and again in the afternoon. We then separated them. (they were doing well however I didn't want the older babe to get jealous) slept separate then the next day they had a full day together. They did awesome.

We also used a technique of putting the same perfume on each of them, the bottoms and rubbed through their hair.So when they smelled each other (which they did and will do often) they smelled the same.
Don't know if this made a difference.

I agree with you I would bring the other dog to your house.Let them play and see how they do, don't commit yourself until seeing how they get along.

Best wishes
Hoping your older one gets along with the puppy...would be good for him to have a playmate and life long friend.

Answer 3

Take your old dog with you when you go to look for new dog... do slow introductions and make sure they don't get into a confrontational staring contest...treat the intro as you would meeting any other strange new dog on the street. Have dogs on leash come together to meet praise them both, back them away.

Let introductions be supervised until you're sure they get along. Make sure you still give the old dog some one on one time after the new dog arrives so it doesn't get jealouse.

WARNING: no matter the introductions, the breed, the size...it is always a possability that they may never get along so if you chose to add another pooch to the house the drastic final choice may be that they will forever have to be seperated if they don't get along.