When a family with 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, the existing family dog.

In most 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 it has been well-trained.

Remember, dogs are not people, and their instincts and personalities follow well-established traits. One of those is a dog’s sense of 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.

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mean the dog rejects the puppy, starts behaving erratically, or shows signs of emotional distress, such as becoming withdrawn.

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

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