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. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.
Let your dogs sniff each other and greet each other normally. Give them positive reinforcement through calm verbal affirmations. After letting them play for a while, put both dogs in a “sit” or “stay”, then let them interact again. Finally, take them on walks together, allowing them to sniff each other along the way.
It is 100 percent normal for your adult dog(s) not to love a puppy. It's OK for your adult dog not to want to be jumped on or be a chew toy for a new puppy. 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.
While it is completely possible for dogs to love new additions to the family, it is important to remember that dogs are sensitive, in tune, creatures that have the capability of feeling upset, jealous, or unloved just as us humans do.
In dogdom, there's a turn of phrase called, "Second Dog Syndrome". This describes the process of adding another dog to the home quite well, but not necessarily in a positive light. As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right.
Dogs are inherently social animals that live well together in groups, but that does not mean that all dogs get along. Most dogs will welcome a new sibling, but it is not always smooth sailing.
By nature, dogs are social and thrive in group environments. Therefore, there are many advantages to adopting a second dog, such as: They can keep each other company. Both dogs will be able to entertain each other and get exercise together.
The amount of time each individual pet needs to adjust to their new homes will vary, but the 3-3-3 rule helps give an approximation of what new pet owners can expect. The 3-3-3 rule refers to the first 3 days, the first 3 weeks, and the first 3 months after bringing a shelter animal home.
Introduction of a New Pet
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.
The first two months are the most difficult and the following months also bring their challenges. So the answer is, it will get easier and easier, depending on how much effort you put into educating your dog. You should therefore remain hopeful in the process during the first year.
They're territorial
The first reason an older dog might attack or not be fond of a young puppy is that they are territorial of their space. Your resident dog views your home as their turf, and therefore, the new puppy poses a threat to that—a threat that your older dog is uncomfortable with.
Your pup will probably be missing their littermates and will want to have a rough-and-tumble with your older dog - which may not go down too well. Also, your older dog will have been the centre of attention in your home for a long time, and may think of the new puppy as an intruder, so take a while to adjust.
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.
Before settling on a breed, think about the gender of the dog. For the happiest dogs and the safest household, opposite sex dogs almost always do best together. Many same-sex combinations of dogs will fight, sometimes to the death. Those who work out a dominance order may not fare much better.
For example, if you get a new pet and start paying it more attention than your dog, the dog will not feel betrayed in the true sense of the word. However, it may show signs of distress and disappointment because it is suddenly being treated differently or being deprived of something it is used to getting.
Many new pet owners experience a moment of panic and even regret during the first few months with their new cat or dog. Thankfully, with some time, patience, and compassion for both you and your pet, these feelings can be overcome, and you'll be well on your way to a lifetime of happiness with your new best friend.
Meyer. One of the most important rules of dog training is the two second rule. This is because dogs always live in the moment so TIMING IS EVERYTHING! Feedback must be given to your dog within two seconds of the behavior in order for him to understand what you are correcting or rewarding.
Avoid the front and back yard – these are generally not considered neutral. Watch for signs of stress or impending aggression from either dog – hackles raised, stiff tail and body posture, or growling.