Introducing a New Puppy to Your Dog

Puppy parenthood is an incredible experience, but raising a happy, obedient pup isn’t easy. From toilet training and lead training to socialisation skills, every day there’s a new challenge. And let’s be honest, some new experiences don’t always go to plan.

Introducing your new puppy to another dog can be daunting - both for you and your new pup. They may be timid and anxious or filled with uncontrollable excitement at making a new friend. So, what is the best way to introduce a new puppy to another dog?

We’ve explored some top tips when introducing a new puppy to your dog, including the dos and don’ts for a safe and stress-free first meeting.

Puppies aren’t born with social skills, which can put older dogs off-guard. Dogs are incredibly intuitive, picking up on your emotions and behaviours. So, it’s essential that you’re calm and composed before introducing your dog to a new puppy.

There are some ways you can prepare your dog and their environment to reduce any anxiety and ensure the first introduction is a happy one, including:

• Swapping scents – your breeder should ask you to provide your scent on a t-shirt or blanket for your new puppy to get used to. But it’s also a good idea to swap scents between your dogs, so your dog and puppy recognise each other’s scents before meeting.

• Placing toys and belongings in a separate area – is especially important when introducing your new puppy to your older dog to reduce territorial behaviour. Your new puppy won’t understand what isn’t theirs, so make sure your other dog has an area that only they can use.

• Setting up a separate area for your new puppy – eventually, your dogs should be able to live together happily. But at first, each dog needs their safe space to reduce anxiety and ensure they can relax without being interrupted or losing their possessions.

• Removing clutter – your dogs should have a good space to greet each other and play. Removing clutter eliminates distractions and creates a calming environment for them to meet.

• Using natural calming aids to ease anxiety – dogs are sensitive to change. Help ease any anxieties with a natural calming spray or calming supplements with chamomile to leave your dog feeling more relaxed. For more all-natural calming remedies, explore our natural calming for dogs collection.

Puppies aren’t born with social skills, which can put older dogs off-guard. Dogs are incredibly intuitive, picking up on your emotions and behaviours. So, it’s essential that you’re calm and composed before introducing your dog to a new puppy.

There are some ways you can prepare your dog and their environment to reduce any anxiety and ensure the first introduction is a happy one, including:

When introducing a new puppy to another dog, choose a neutral territory. For example, your local park or nearby farmland will be full of smells and distractions for both dogs. Giving your dogs the space to explore will create a calming atmosphere, and so they can do their own thing (if they want to).

During the introduction, keep treats on hand as a reward. Introducing a dog to a new puppy can be confusing, so it's normal for some bad behaviour. Rather than using punishment, give treats to reinforce good behaviour, like sniffing, licking and not jumping up.

Take the dogs for a walk together. A first meeting can be an intense situation for both dogs. Breaking up playtime with a walk on leads will allow both dogs time to settle and get to know each other in a familiar situation. It gives an older dog a break from a boisterous puppy, and likewise, a nervous puppy may feel safer.

• Introduce your dogs in the garden if you haven't vaccinated your puppy yet
• Let your dogs set the pace of their meeting
• Ensure both dogs get equal attention from you to avoid jealous behaviour
• Watch closely for behaviour and body changes, like prolonged staring or hair standing on your dog's back
• Intervene if you spot any signs of distress in either dog

• Don't force the dogs to interact with each other if they're not comfortable
• Don't hold the puppy in your arms or crowd the dogs as they greet
• Don't allow your puppy to aggravate your older dog
• Don't allow your dog to bully your new puppy, but let them play
• Don't expect your dogs to share toys or food, as this creates conflict