09/01/2026
🐾 Introducing Your Older Dog to Your New Puppy
The first meeting can set the tone for their relationship, so slow, calm and positive is the goal. Your older dog doesn’t need to become your puppy’s best friend on Day 1. They simply need to learn that this new little creature is safe and that good things happen when the puppy is around.
Before puppy comes home
* Give your older dog some one-on-one attention and exercise.
* Put away special toys, bones and food that your older dog may want to guard.
* Set up a puppy-free space where your older dog can retreat when they need a break.
* Make sure your older dog has somewhere comfortable to eat and sleep undisturbed.
🌿 The first meeting
If possible, introduce them outside or in a neutral area, rather than bringing puppy straight into the older dog’s favourite space.
Keep both dogs relaxed and allow them to approach at their own pace. Avoid forcing them nose-to-nose or holding the puppy up to the older dog.
A little sniffing, walking away, coming back and checking each other out is perfectly normal.
🏡 Once inside
Let your older dog show the puppy around while you supervise.
Your puppy may be VERY excited and want to climb all over their new friend. This is where we help them learn good manners.
If your older dog walks away, let them walk away.
If they growl, don’t automatically punish the growl. A growl is communication: “I need some space.”
Instead, calmly redirect the puppy and give the older dog some breathing room.
❤️ Teach puppy that older dog = good things
Give treats, praise and affection when your older dog is calm around the puppy.
You want your older dog to think:
“When this little puppy is around, good things happen to me too!”
And remember—your older dog should never be expected to babysit the puppy.
Supervise their interactions, especially during the first few weeks. Puppies need lots of naps and breaks, and older dogs deserve plenty of peaceful time away from their tiny new roommate.
🐶 One of the most important things to remember
Don’t expect them to become friends immediately.
Some dogs adore puppies right away. Others need time. Some older dogs are wonderfully tolerant but don’t particularly enjoy being climbed on, chased or pestered.
That’s okay.
We’re not looking for instant friendship.
We’re building trust, respect and a positive relationship—one little interaction at a time. ❤️
That is the foundation for a beautiful lifelong friendship.
