Hooray! It's puppy day! Everyone in the family is super-excited to get Fido home and make him part of the family. That is, all the humans are ready. What about the other pets in the household? How can you introduce your puppy to the pets you already have in the house so that you become one, big happy family? We're here to help! 

 

Other Dogs

 

The most important thing to do BEFORE you bring your puppy home is to make sure that your existing dogs have a place to go to get away from the puppy. While it seems like a puppy will be a great friend for your dog, most older dogs (even dogs who are still young themselves) may find the puppy annoying and want a break every now and then. 

 

Provide separate crates for all the dogs in the house, and if your older dog doesn't use a crate make sure the pup has a crate and the older dog has a place where they can go to get away. 

 

When you introduce your current dog to the new puppy, try and do it in a "neutral" territory: In other words not in the car or in your house. Your dog may oppose to a new pup coming into his house without meeting first, and it's important the the first meeting is positive for everyone. 

 

Bring lots of treats for the first meeting! 

 

While in neutral territory, keep both dogs on a leash. Let the dogs go near each other, and if they seem eager to meet, let them meet nose to butt (not face to face). Give them 2-3 seconds to sniff and then separate them and feed them treats near each other. Continue to do this until both dogs look comfortable. Chances are, your pup will be more comfortable than your exisiting dog! 

 

Now take them for a walk together. Dogs are often more comfortable when they are walking. Chances are, the pup is going to try and start playing at this time. If both dogs are enjoying this, let it continue. They're becoming fast friends! If your older dog seems a big wary, do not force them to interact. Just keep providing treats. 

 

The idea is that your older dog learns that when the puppy comes out, treats come out. He will begin to associate the puppy with positive attention and treats. 

 

Take it slow! If your older dog is nervous or upset with the pup in the house, keep them separated until you know they can be trusted together. Always provide supervision until you know for sure everyone is happy. 

 

Another thing to think about: Male dogs are often completely terrified of puppies. When they smell a young puppy all they are thinking is that if they interact with the pup, the pup's mama is going to come and get them. Scary, right? If your male dog drools, runs away, or shows other signs of stress, do not make him interact with the puppy until he is comfortable. He just needs to know that this is his brother or sister now and mama isn't coming around! 

 

Cats

 

Just as with dogs, make sure that your cat has a safe place to go where the puppy cannot reach them. Puppies love to chase, and cats love to run away from dogs. This is a habit that is not good to start! 

 

Reward your puppy for calm, slow interactions with the cat. Apart from these interactions, keep them separated at the beginning. Bring the cat and the puppy together on the floor or the couch. Have the treats ready! Reward the pup with treats for calm sniffing or for ignoring the cat altogether. Reward your cat with treats when the puppy is around too!

 

The idea is to teach your puppy that the cat is no big deal. The cat isn't a toy to chase! Best case scenario, your cat and dog become friends. More likely, your cat and dog will ignore each other and that is perfectly fine with most people! 

 

As with dogs, provide complete supervision until you know your cat and puppy can be trusted together! 

 

Have more questions? Set up a Skype chat with Liz! You can contact her through her training website, www.PuppyPhD.com

 

Local to Durango and want to set up a training session? Check out www.DurangoFamilyDogTraining.com