Not every dog likes puppies. Some dogs don't tolerate puppies and may have over-the-top reactions that could harm the puppy. It's important to watch the interactions and intervene when body language and communication escalate to an unsafe level.

Will an older dog attack a puppy?

Sometimes older dogs will tolerate a young pup, or “give them a puppy pass” as some people call it, but as the pup matures the older dogs tend to become less tolerant. This is commonly when you might start to see more competitive behavior, dominance or, as is the case here, out and out attacks on the youngster.

Will my dog be ok with a new puppy?

Some dogs would love the company of another dog, while others will always prefer to have their own space. By taking introductions slowly and at each dog's pace you have the best chance to make sure it is a good fit for them both and set them up for a successful life together.

Will my adult dog hurt the puppy?

Gauge your older dog's temperament.

If your senior dog is territorial, they may have a harder time sharing. If they're a big dog who throws their weight around, that could prove harmful to your puppy. If the older dog is a small breed, the puppy might harm them while they learn to play.

Will a big dog hurt a puppy?

Large dogs might unintentionally overpower smaller ones during rough play, which could potentially lead to injury. However, it's important not to jump to conclusions – most big dogs have gentle and nurturing instincts when interacting with their smaller counterparts.

Puppy Tormenting Old Dog - ask me anything dog training video

Is my dog going to hurt my puppy?

Not every dog likes puppies. Some dogs don't tolerate puppies and may have over-the-top reactions that could harm the puppy. It's important to watch the interactions and intervene when body language and communication escalate to an unsafe level.

Should I let an older dog growl at my puppy?

Never punish your older dog for growling at the puppy - it's their way of saying 'back off for the moment - I need to get used to you first'. This will be a lesson learned by the puppy too, and they will be more careful the next time they approach.

How long does it take for a dog to accept a new puppy?

Many people do not give two dogs time to adequately adjust to one another before deciding that having two dogs will simply not work. It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack.

Should I let my puppy bother my older dog?

Can you seem them getting annoyed, tense, trying to get away? Advocate for them and remove the puppy (most likely) very frequently. This will show your older dog you are aware of their feelings AND you can start to show puppy boundaries through cause and effect (obnoxious pup = no play. Tense old dog = move away).

Will my older dog ever accept a new puppy?

You should expect that your older dog will not enjoy the puppy a lot from the age of 4 to 16 months. Around the 18 month mark many puppies slow down considerably and mature. Then your older dog will likely get along with the puppy much better.

What is the best age gap between dogs?

Many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one-to-two-years old before you add a second to the family. If you have an old dog, they may not be physically able to play with or tolerate a pup.

How do I know if my dog will be good with a puppy?

If your current pup loves other dogs, it's generally a good sign they'll benefit from having another furry friend in the house. Highly anxious, nervous, or aggressive dogs are probably not the best candidates for adding another dog into the mix. But, each dog is different.

Where should a puppy sleep first night?

Create a Safe Space for Your Puppy

Doing so will also protect them from hazards like stairs until they are big enough to navigate them safely. Set Up a Bed or Crate: Prepare a designated bed, crate, or calm area for your puppy's first night to help them learn where to relax and feel secure.

Why do adult dogs snap at puppies?

Dogs aren't programmed to take care of youngsters. Your dog may want to go away from the puppy or may growl or even snap to tell the puppy to go away. However, if your older dog uses his teeth on the new puppy, that is not normal, and it may be time to consult with a veterinary behaviorist.

What to do if my dog bites my new puppy?

If your dog is biting the puppy, causing injury, or acting inappropriately aggressive toward the puppy, you should seek professional help from a positive reinforcement behavior professional. Sometimes, it's difficult to know whether or not the older dog is behaving appropriately with the puppy.

Is an older dog good for a puppy?

Some Things With New Puppies Are Easier Than Others

Having an older dog around may make training and housebreaking your younger puppy easier, since the older dog may serve as a role model.

Can an old dog cope with a puppy?

For the first weeks, their interactions should be monitored closely. Try to keep your older dog's routine as much as you can. Gestures like feeding your older dog first or greeting him first might make a big difference. Never let them fight or force them to be together when one is showing signs of discomfort.

Are older dogs jealous of puppies?

Bringing home a new puppy or another adult dog can trigger jealousy in your dog, and they may show signs of aggression toward the new addition. Your dog might growl at the new dog, guard your lap, or try to get in between you and your new furry family member.

How much should I let my puppy play with my older dog?

For this reason, make sure you play with your puppy for 3 times longer than it plays with your other dog. So for each 2 minutes they are allowed to play together, you need to spend another 6 minutes playing with your puppy (and another 6 minutes playing with your other dog to prevent any jealousy!).

What is the 3-3-3 rule for dogs?

The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for transitioning a rescue dog into its new home and helping it to settle in. It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to its new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training.

Why is my dog not accepting my new puppy?

There are a few common reasons why an older dog may initially dislike a new puppy: Competition for resources like food, toys, attention, and territory can cause tension between the two dogs. The older dog may feel threatened by the puppy encroaching on what it perceives as its domain.

Should I bring my dog to pick up my new puppy?

When it's time for the dogs to meet, it should be in a neutral place – not inside the established dog's home. You might take the older dog along when you pick up the puppy. They can ride home, each in a separate crate, in the car together.

Is it okay to let my older dog correct my puppy?

It's quite normal for older dogs to correct younger dogs. However, with the pup still being quite small, your older dog could easily injure it accidentally. I would keep their interactions to a minimum until the puppy is big enough that a correction from your older dog won't hurt it.

How do I stop my older dog from being aggressive to my new puppy?

One effective way to address aggression is to use positive reinforcement training techniques. This can include rewarding your older dog for calm behavior around the new puppy, such as sitting calmly next to them or ignoring them altogether.

Will my dog get used to a new puppy?

Before you plan on bringing a puppy home, make plans for how to introduce the new puppy to older dogs that already live there. Some adult dogs will eagerly welcome a new canine buddy, while others may need time to adjust, so it's important to set yourself and your pups up for success.

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