luvmyswissy
Posted : 5/6/2008 9:15:23 PM
I doubt there is a method of introduction which does not cause some degree of stress to your original resident dogs, but since there's no way to explain yourself to the dogs, it's a matter of being persistent, and loving, and knowing that in time the dust will settle, and one day your two dogs will be the best of friends.
Puppies usually pester adult dogs unmercifully. New puppies are so precious, that sometimes it's easy to make a big fuss of them and temporarily forget about the older dogs. This can lead to problems between them, such as jealousy and power struggles, and upset the natural order of things. So ALWAYS make a point of treating your resident dogs as the Number 1 dogs, and the new puppy will recognize this and follow your lead.
The keys to success are patience and observation. Expect that the social system may shift. The dog that you always thought of as the "boss dog" may not only be relegated to a lower position, but may also prefer that.
For the most part, dogs adjust to puppies easily, but since the consequences of a problem can be severe, it is wise to follow a slow introduction process to ensure all goes well with adding a new puppy to your home. Some people believe that the puppy and resident dogs shouldn’t even be together except for passing each other when going out to the bathroom or going to dinner places and bed places. This will give plenty of time to get use to the smell and sounds of the new puppy.
IMO a crate is a must! The puppy should only have guarded social visits with the resident dogs until you feel they are excepting of each other and even then the puppy should not be allowed to pester the adult dogs. If that happens, kindly just place the puppy back in his crate and give the resident dogs all the love, attention and affection they are use to.
Two days is nothing! It took my resident two dogs a full month to become acceptant and happy to have my third member as part of the family – granted my third addition was a 1.5 year old rambunctious rescue, but a puppy introduction could take just as long.
Congratulations on the pup! Pictures please... ??? and please send some puppy breathe my way. 