In March 2021 we will be introducing a new puppy to our home. We already have a 3 year old Labrador. Any tips on managing the introduction process
Hello. We just brought home a 8 week old chocolate male, and have a 6 yr old chocolate male (neutered) that isn't the friendliest with other dogs. We've taken it very slowly, and I did something that always helped with orphaned foals and mares who had recently lost a foal that we were trying to pair up....I put a dab of puppy shampoo on the older dog, and new puppy got a prompt bath in the same shampoo (crazy dog's baby dog shampoo is a good one) that way they smelled similar. We kept the older dog on a lead and choke collar, and let him smell baby's rear first for the first week. Very limited introductions face to face, and no free play until they're more acclimated and pup is bigger. We found that the disrespectful youngster will submit himself when he gets out of line and the older dog growls. We tell the older dog 'easy, be NICE', and it seems to help. Absolutely NO toy sharing, food sharing, everyone has their own dishes, feeding space, and puppy gets his protected space in a large Zampa playpen with a zipping top. I think I got it on Amazon, about $90 USD. great tool, has a leakproof floor, and it folds up. The older dog can see and smell the baby, but cannot get to him. Just use caution, know your older dog, set limits, and don't allow pup to be a jerk. The older dog will correct the youngster, and it'll sound scary, just be careful that he doesn't hurt baby because they often don't know their strength. My 6 year old is 126 lbs, and is tall, American style. Not badly overweight. He did beat up a pit bull once, out of self defense. Talk to your older dog like you're having a conversation with someone, they know what you're saying, trust me. We bred black labs for 17 years, and the 6 year old is a rescue. Greatest dog ever, but like children, you HAVE to set bound and give supervision. Very rarely is it love at first sight. Good luck!
