When a family that already has a dog decides to get a puppy, there will be a list of things they must arrange such as vaccinations, house training, dog daycare enrolment, etc. However, the one task that needs more thought than any other is introducing that puppy to its big brother or sister aka the existing family dog.

In the vast majority of cases, an older dog will accept a new puppy into the home, but this process must be done correctly. For example, simply turning up one day with a little puppy and expecting your existing family dog to welcome it with open paws, is usually asking too much of that dog, even if they have been well trained.

Remember, dogs are not people and their instincts and personality follow well-established traits. One of those is a dog’s sense of its territory and sense of protection towards its family. Although a little puppy carries no threat, it does not mean that your existing dog’s instincts are not triggered, and it sees it as such.

This can lead to aggression towards the puppy in the worst case, but more commonly it can also mean the dog rejects the puppy, starts behaving erratically, or it may show signs of emotional distress such as becoming withdrawn.

Thankfully, all of those unwanted scenarios can be avoided by following recommended actions for introducing a puppy to an older dog. Read on for seven tips which include actions and advice for the successful introduction of your newest four-legged family member to your existing dog.

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