How to introduce a puppy to an older dog

Updated 26/06/2024

If you’re the lucky owner of not one but two (or more) four-legged friends, first of all, we’re super jealous! Secondly, you’ll need to think about the logistics. An adult dog that’s already well established in their own space might not take to a new furry friend as quickly as you will, so we’re here to help! We’re bringing you all the tips on how to introduce a puppy to an older dog, from preparing for the introduction to the steps to follow when your furry friends finally meet. It only takes a bit of prep and forward thinking to make the introduction a barking success!

Preparing to introduce a puppy to an older dog

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, so the first step in introducing a puppy to an older dog requires a bit of prep work.

• Consider temperament: If you’ve ever watched a puppy with an older dog, you’ll know that their energy levels can differ. Think about how your adult dog will interact with your younger one and whether their personalities will be compatible. Is your older pooch territorial, boisterous, or lazy? Researching the breeds can also help determine the chance the two of them will get along. 
• Check their health: Make sure both of your four-legged friends have been dewormed, treated for fleas, and are up to date with vaccines before introducing them to each other. This will decrease the chances of your pooch pals transmitting contagious illnesses and fleas to one another. 
• Create separate spaces: Use baby gates, crates, or separate rooms for each of your furry friends to retreat to when needed. Giving them their own safe space and establishing physical boundaries from the start will reduce the chance of territorial disputes and aid in your training efforts. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to gradually introduce them to shared spaces as they become more comfortable with each other.
• Purchase items: Each dog should have their own toys, a bed, and water and food bowls to minimize the risk of territorial behavior and resource guarding. Sharing is caring, but only when it’s on your own terms!  

Steps to follow during the first meet and greet

Once you’ve prepped for the introductions it’s time for your furry family members to meet! Remember that the initial meeting can set the tone for their future relationship, so it's important to get it right. 

• Scent swapping: Even before you introduce a puppy to an older dog, you can take one item from each dog and place it in the other dog’s environment. This helps each pet to sniff the other pet’s scent and get used to it, before meeting the other pet for the first time.
• Meet on common ground: It’s a good idea to introduce a puppy to an older dog on neutral ground. Whether you choose a dog park or a friend’s backyard, the area should have enough space for your furry friends to have a good sniff of each other. It’s best to choose an area without other dogs, to minimize the risk of other dogs distracting/infecting the puppy or your older dog. Keep both dogs on the leash to ensure you have control over the situation (you’ll need to rope someone in to help you!) and watch out for any signs of aggression. 
• Go for a short walk: If you’re off to a good start, try a short walk with the two dogs on the leash. Each dog should have their own walker. This will give them more time to familiarize themselves with one another. Start off by walking each dog at a distance from each other. You can bring them closer once they’re comfortable at a distance. Walks over multiple sessions may be needed.
• Introduce them to your home: If the meeting continues to go smoothly, it’s time to introduce your puppy to your older dog at home. If you have a garden or a patio, this can be a great place to start things off as it is “neutral ground”. Don’t hold your puppy during this introduction, take it slow, and keep an eye on body language at all times. 
• Stick to a routine: Once both four-pawed pals are home, stick to your usual routine as much as possible. This will be a great comfort to your older dog who’s world has been turned upside down! Attend to your older dog before attending to your puppy, so that your older dog does not get jealous. Your puppy isn’t going to get upset as there is no pre-determined routine in their mind! Continue to supervise their interactions with one another and be sure to divide your attention equally between them.

How to introduce a puppy to an older dog: The dos and don’ts

Now that you know how to introduce a new puppy to an older dog, here are a few of the dos and don'ts to remember.

DO...

• Watch body language carefully: Your young pup may not understand your older furry friend’s signals so you might need to step in if they appear uncomfortable. Watch out for signs of aggression like raised fur on the neck or back, tense body language, growling, snarling, prolonged stares, displaying teeth, and a hunched back.
• Introduce them on neutral ground: This should avoid turf wars initially. 
• Keep furry friends on the leash: This will give you more control over the situation and make it easier to separate the dogs if need be.
• Supervise your pooch pals at all times: Particularly in the first few weeks!
• Spend quality time with both of them: Make sure each dog gets equal amounts of attention and love from you, this means showering both the older dog and the puppy with affection, treats, and playtime. Engage them in joint activities, such as walks or fun training sessions, which can help build a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
• Watch them carefully during feeding time: You may choose to feed them in separate areas to ensure no one gobbles from the wrong bowl! 
• Speak to a professional (e.g. an accredited trainer or a veterinary behaviorist) if the transition isn’t going as hoped: Unwanted behavior like an older dog attacking a new puppy is far easier to rectify from the get-go, so the sooner you get help, the better.

DON'T...

• Rush things: It will take time for older dogs to adjust to having a new fur baby around, and even if they don’t seem to warm to them instantly, that doesn’t mean they won’t be the best of buddies in the future! Allow them to establish their own hierarchy and boundaries, and never force them into anything they seem uncomfortable with.
• Get involved unless you have to: Let your furry friends figure things out on their terms, unless, of course, one of them is in danger. 
• Get stressed: Our furry friends have a knack for picking up on how we’re feeling, and showing you’re stressed could cause them to act out. 

Consider working with a veterinary behaviorist or an accredited dog trainer, especially if you encounter difficulties in introducing a puppy to an older dog. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Jnanee

This article has been checked by veterinarian Jnanee Krishnasamy, BVSc (Massey). Dr Jnanee is a small animal veterinarian. She was born in sunny Singapore and spent her formative years there, before studying veterinary medicine at

Massey University. Since graduating from vet school, Dr Jnanee has worked in a variety of settings that include private practice, shelter medicine, and veterinary telemedicine. Due to her varied experiences, she is well-informed on many aspects of the veterinary industry!

Welcoming a new puppy to the family when you’ve already got a dog means double the excitement, but it’s important to be mindful of how they will interact with each other. Remember that patience is key, and while your old pup might not warm instantly to your new fur baby, that doesn’t mean your furry friends won’t ever become, well, friendly. By following these steps on how to introduce a puppy to an older dog, we’re sure they’ll be two peas in a pod in no time!