Introducing a Puppy to an Older Dog: Two Pooches’ Points of View!

An Older Dog’s Perspective: Change on the Horizon

Older Dog: Yep, he sounds like the new pup I mentioned. Life has been pretty calm and predictable around here, but now I suspect that’s all about to change.

I’m not sure how I feel about this new introduction. It could be fun, it could be overwhelming, it could be everything in between. I hope my humans understand how to make this easy.

Remember, routine is everything for older dogs like me. I’ve had my space, my toys, and my humans to myself for a long time. It takes time to adjust, and patience from our humans is essential.

Preparing to Introduce New Puppies to Older Dogs

Puppy: I’ve just heard I’ll be meeting my new best friend soon! Yippee! 

But before introductions, my humans have swapped a few of our blankets and toys with each other. This has helped me get used to the older dog’s scent before I arrive at my new home, and I’m sure it’s helped him too. This way, we won’t seem like total strangers when we meet for the first time!

Older Dog: Hmm, maybe this new puppy will be alright after all – at least if the scent on his blanket is anything to go by.

My humans have also ensured my vaccinations are up to date to protect me from any new germs, and they should be aware of when the new puppy will be fully protected too.

Anything else to mention? Well, my humans also needed to relocate a few of my things around the home ahead of the puppy’s arrival. Fortunately, they did this gradually and well in advance. This has helped so it doesn’t feel like everything is changing at once. This involved providing bedding and bowls in separate areas of the house so both of us can rest, eat, and drink in peace without being pressured to spend time in the same area.

The First Meeting Between Puppies and Older Dogs

Puppy: We’re all prepped and it’s time to meet at last! I can hardly wait! But the idea of meeting this older dog in his own home suddenly sounds a bit daunting.

If possible, we should have one or two meetings in a neutral space, so it doesn’t feel like either of us is intruding on the other’s turf. This should be somewhere safe and quiet, like a garden, or we could even go on a short walk in a low-dog traffic area. We don’t want too many overwhelming distractions, after all!

It’s also going to be a good idea to put any food or toys out of reach, especially if our first introduction has to be at home. If I see them, I’m going to want them, but I don’t want to feel like I’m taking the other dog’s things! Ideally, my humans will have got me my own things that match what I’m already used to.

Older dog: I’m about to meet my new friend, am I? Well, I happen to know one or two things about the best ways to introduce puppies to older dogs – let’s just hope my humans do too.

Firstly, it’s important we’re both kept on our leads, but keep these leads loose so we don’t feel restricted. We should also be encouraged to explore our surroundings separately at first, giving us plenty of rewards for remaining calm and relaxed. Of course, this means we each need our own human to supervise us, but we can slowly move closer together provided we remain calm.

Older Dog and Puppy Interactions

Older Dog: Ah yes, there he is. Small, isn’t he? 

Puppy: How exciting! I’m going over to say hello.

Older Dog: Now, let’s keep this simple. We’re just going to sniff and investigate each other, and we’re going to take regular breaks in case either of us becomes worried or overexcited. If we do become overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to move us apart.

Puppy: Wow! He’s so cool and exciting and amazing and brilliant and I can’t wait to play with him all day long!

Older Dog: Gosh, what a lot of energy. We should keep this short and sweet, otherwise I suspect he might burn me out. It’s always best to end on a positive note, and we can build up the time we spend together over time. I’m sure we’ll become good friends if we take it slow.

Puppy: Yep, he’s my best friend ever already.

Challenges when Introducing a Puppy to an Older Dog

Older Dog: Hmm. If this new puppy gets too boisterous or doesn’t understand my cues, I might growl to let them know I need space. After all, it’s how we dogs communicate. If you do notice this behaviour, my humans should encourage the puppy to move away and do something fun so I can relax undisturbed.

Puppy: Oops, I may have overstepped the introductions there! I’m still learning how to interact with other dogs, so I need all the extra support and supervision from humans I can get. How I used to play with my littermates may not be the best approach for older dogs!

Older Dog: Oh dear, now I’ve made the puppy nervous. Humans should look out for any nervous or worried body language in puppies just as much as they should look out for it in us older dogs. The best thing is to move me away so the puppy has their own space. A treat or bit of playtime is as good an incentive as any.

Using ADAPTIL to Ease Transitions

Older Dog: One of the best ways to introduce puppies and older dogs smoothly is to use ADAPTIL Calm. This will help me to feel more reassured with the changes going on around me. Plug the diffuser into an electrical socket before the puppy arrives to create a nice, calming environment for the both of us.

Puppy: Yep, I agree with that! ADAPTIL Calm is great. But do you what else is good? ADAPTIL Junior – at least for us puppies!

ADAPTIL Junior clips around my neck like a collar and helps me to adapt and learn about the new world. As well as being helpful for introductions with older dogs, it can also be used for meeting strangers, training, or the first few times being left alone.

After Initial Introductions

Older Dog: Well, our first meeting is out of the way, and I must say – that new pup is a nicer chap than I thought.

Puppy: Yep, best friends already!

Older Dog: Err – yes. Still, we should go slowly. Take our time and be allowed to go at our own pace.

It’s important for me that I’m able to maintain my usual routine as much as possible, and gradually begin establishing the new puppy’s routine too.

We’ll also need our own individual time with our humans – time for training, grooming, and play – so we can build our bond together. Chews, puzzles, and activity feeders can all be great options for keeping one of us busy while our humans play with the other.

And if there are any problems when introducing us older dogs with new puppies, don’t just persist with forcing us together. Seek professional advice from a qualified behaviourist or trainer. They always know what to do.

Puppy: Problems? No problems here! Now can we play, please?

Older Dog: Oh, go on then, my little friend. You’ll take some getting used to, no doubt, but I couldn’t have chosen a better pup to welcome to the family.

Are you wondering how to introduce a puppy to an older dog and want further advice from our team of experts? Check out our other guides online covering everything from socialisation tips for new puppies to helping dogs when it’s time to go outside for the first time! You can also stay up to date with all the latest tips and advice by signing up to our newsletter.