How to introduce a puppy to a dog

Introducing an excitable, tail-chasing puppy to a sedate, slightly suspicious older dog can be a bit of a challenge. While your eager young pup sees a potential playmate to launch themselves at, your more mature canine is likely thinking, ‘what in the name of Scooby Doo is this small, squirming creature doing here in my safe space’! Of course, as a dog-adoring human, you want things to get off on the right paw and for your two fur babies to become lifelong friends. So, what do you need to know? 

The first thing to be aware of is that puppies are still learning to read other dogs’ behaviour and will often get things wrong. 

“Puppies are discovering the world and have lots to learn, both from you and your adult dog,” advises Dogs Trust. “They don’t yet understand all the social cues from your current dog, so they are likely to need extra supervision and support from you.”

“Dogs are social animals by nature. However, introducing a new dog into a home with another dog present is not always easy,” adds the RSPCA. “The relationship between dogs is sorted out during the first few weeks, and disagreements are possible during this time.”

Like all worthwhile endeavours, the process from the initial dog-meets-dog encounter to happily hanging out as best buds takes patience, effort and commitment – but the trade-off is worth it.

“With careful handling, the first meeting between your new and your current dog could be the start of a beautiful friendship,” says Dogs Trust. “Your faithful friends could soon be playing in the park and snuggling together on the sofa.”

While that’s the dream, there’s a whole lot to get through first...

Keep reading to find out more about:

• Making the right preparations 
• How to initiate a successful introduction
• Helping your dogs feel happy together in their home sweet home
• Why reading canine body language can be your superpower

1. MAKING THE RIGHT PREPARATIONS

From ensuring your current dog is happy in the company of other canines to arranging a separate safe space for each pet – and carrying out some subtle scent-swapping – making a few preparations will help smooth things along. 

“When it comes to introductions, advance preparation and patience will be key,” advises dog training expert Victoria Stilwell. “Make sure your current dogs are able to cope peacefully around other dogs before you decide to bring home another dog.”

For dogs, scent is an important method of communication – and it’s something that you can use to your advantage. 

“You can help to integrate the new dog into your home by ensuring that he smells of ‘home’ before being introduced to your current dog,” suggests the RSPCA. “Gather scents from the new dog’s head by gently stroking with a soft cloth and dabbing this around your home and furniture to mix and spread the scents.”

Lindsay Arliss, Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at rehoming charity Woodgreen, also recommends scent swapping. She says: “Take items of bedding or collars/harnesses to place into both pets’ spaces to sniff, which introduces their scent to one another. Add some tasty treats around the items to help build a good association.”

From a practical perspective, installing a temporary barrier to create secure, separate spaces where the pair can be apart but still able to observe each other is a good option. 

“You could use a baby gate to separate your older pet from the new puppy,” recommends insurer Petplan. “Watch how they react to one another through the bars and offer treats when they respond well. Once you’re confident they’re ready to be introduced, remove the gate but keep a close eye on both animals until they’re comfortable in each other’s company.”

2. HOW TO INITIATE A SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION

Experts agree that when dogs meet for the first time, it should always be on neutral territory, with both animals having the opportunity to give each other the once-over from a short distance before getting up close and personal.

“Introduce the pair outdoors on neutral territory, if possible, perhaps in a local park. Keep the puppy on a lead and let the dogs see each other from a distance before they approach one another,” advises Petplan. “Let the animals set the pace, provide plenty of reassurance and don’t put them under any pressure. As the puppy owner, you should constantly assess and control the situation.”

Woodgreen’s Lindsay Arliss has these top tips:

• Use treats and toys as a reward for calm behaviour
• Keep interactions short and sweet for both pets
• Watch all interactions until you’re comfortable that both pets have a good relationship

“A good suggestion is to take the dogs out for a long walk together,” recommends the RSPCA. “The interest of the walk will make the introduction less intense, and they can get to know each other as they walk. Keep the dogs on longer leads (1.5m length) when they are walking, so that you are not too close if squabbling between the dogs occurs. If squabbling does occur, walk the dogs away from one another and re-introduce when they are both calm and relaxed.”

3. HELPING YOUR DOGS FEEL HAPPY TOGETHER IN THEIR HOME SWEET HOME

If the initial introduction on neutral territory goes well, you can head for home. You’ll need to supervise everything carefully, remove possible bones of contention (literally!) and be prepared to step in if things don’t quite go according to plan.

“Take the dogs to a neutral area, not a place where the existing dog sleeps or a bedroom. If you have a garden, that’s a great place to start,” advises Dogs Trust. “Avoid narrow areas inside or places where there may be competition for resources (such as your current dog’s feeding area). Make sure each dog has plenty of space and give them time to sniff and explore around their surroundings. This will give them something to focus on apart from the other dog.”

“When bringing the new dog home, remove anything they are likely to fight over, such as toys or bones, before allowing your dogs into the house,” adds the RSPCA. “Attention from members of the family may also be a resource to fight over, so ignore them until they have settled down.” The charity recommends:

• Feeding your dogs apart until they are used to each other 
• Separating them before answering the door 
• Not making such a fuss of the new dog that the other dog feels excluded
• Not leaving them alone together until it’s obvious they have become friends

Dogs Trust recommends: “Always oversee the dogs’ interactions during the first few days and weeks and keep them on leads so you can separate them if needed. When that’s not possible, separate the dogs by putting them in different rooms. Do this until you’re confident they’re comfortable with each other. Give both dogs a regular break from one another by separating them into different areas.”

4. WHY READING CANINE BODY LANGUAGE CAN BE YOUR SUPERPOWER

Now’s the time to brush up on your ‘understanding canine body language’ skills so you can gauge if your canine couple are feeling chilled or tensions are rising, and you need to step in.

Dr Cathy Lau, an accredited vet behaviourist, says: “Learning to read your pet's body language is a superpower! Tail wags, flattened ears, relaxed postures, or tense muscles all offer clues about their inner state.”

Petplan advises that the following body language can reveal that your puppy may be feeling anxious around your other dog:

• Backing away
• Trying to run off
• Ears flat
• Tail between legs
• Excess salivation

“Watch the dogs’ body language for any signs that they are becoming overly aroused or distressed,” says the RSPCA. “If either dog shows low-level discomfort, such as walking away from the other dog when approached, turning their face away or licking their lips, encourage the dogs to give each other space by calling one of them away or asking them to each go to their own bed. This will increase the distance between them and allow you to give them time to relax before allowing them to interact again. By developing an understanding of the subtle signs and signals that your dog might not be comfortable, you can intervene early and give them the space and time they need away from each other.”

Given time, space, and support from their human, most dogs will jog along with a few scuffles along the way until they find their own way to define their relationship.

As Dogs Trust says: “Every dog is an individual with their own unique needs and preferences. Some dogs would love the company of another dog, while others will always prefer to have their own space. By taking introductions slowly and at each dog’s pace, you have the best chance to make sure it is a good fit for them both and set them up for a successful life together.”

FEED YOUR PUPPY PREMIUM PUPPY FOOD WITHOUT THE PREMIUM PRICE! 

Burgess Sensitive Puppy has been developed by vets for puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months. This high-quality, complete, nutritionally balanced food contains everything puppies need to thrive. 

Rich in turkey for protein, with rice as an easily digestible source of carbohydrate and fibre, Burgess Sensitive Puppy Food is made without ingredients that can typically cause upset tummies and runny poos. Our tasty, hypoallergenic recipe features highly digestible protein to support growing muscles, and calcium and minerals to support developing bones and teeth. 

Suitable for all breeds, our unique recipe includes:

• 30% protein to support developing muscles
• Calcium and minerals to support bone growth and healthy teeth 
• Essential vitamins to support skin health and a glossy coat
• Antioxidants to support developing immune systems
• Prebiotics to support good bacteria in the gut
• Yucca, a traditional medicinal plant that helps make poos less smelly
• Highly digestible ingredients to support digestive health and help form solid poos
• No artificial flavours, colours or added preservatives
• Smaller nuggets, specially created for puppy-sized mouths and teeth

GOOD TO KNOW

• COMPLETE NUTRITION Each of the recipes in the Burgess Dog Food range are complete, providing all the nutrients dogs require in the right proportions.
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NEED MORE ADVICE?

If you’re at all unsure about the best way of feeding your dog or have any concerns about specific nutritional requirements, ask your local veterinary practice for advice. You can also call our expert team, available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on +44 (0)1405 862241 who’ll be happy to help. Alternatively, use our online contact form to get in touch.

CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for your dog from Burgess, the pet experts >> Is your dog a Burgess dog? Join the Burgess Pet Club for exclusive offers, competitions and expert advice from our in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes.