Getting A Puppy With An Older Dog
Should I get a puppy with a senior dog?
Before you add another dog to your household, there's one thing you should know:
You should desire a dog and be ready to care for it. Your senior dog does not require a puppy and will not be responsible for its upbringing.
If you want to have another dog and you plan on teaching, exercising, playing with, and caring for the puppy, that's great! However, you should not expect the older dog to love being around the puppy, to play with it, or to nurture and discipline it for you.
Your elder dog, no matter how tolerant and sociable he is, is unlikely to want to be with the puppy all of the time. You'll need two separate areas for the two dogs. Your puppy will require time apart from your elder dog, particularly when he is acting "crazy." He has to be kept away from your older dog if he has the zoomies, is biting, or is wrestling.
Finding The Right Puppy For Your Family
The temperament of your senior dog should be considered when deciding which puppy would be an appropriate addition to your household, just as it should be when introducing children and pets. According to Dr. Klein, differences in size, physical fitness, and medical history are all important considerations to consider when combining newborn puppies and elderly dogs into one household. And size is a two-way street. Spend time researching dog breeds to see which ones could be the greatest fit for your family and way of life. Puppy searchers who are new to the process or require professional guidance on breeds, temperament, activity level, grooming needs, and other key concerns can turn to AKC PuppyVisor for individualised information and support.
“Sometimes the ‘younger' puppy is of a large breed, towering above and posing a threat to the older dog, who may have underlying cardiac or osteoarthritic back or spinal issues,” explains Dr. Klein. “Even a little persistent puppy can leap and tug on a [bigger] elderly ill dog, creating physical difficulties or mental anguish.”
Does my old dog like puppies/other dogs?
One thing to think about is if your ageing dog gets along with other dogs. Getting a puppy will be tough if you already know he prefers to keep far away from other dogs or has displayed reactive behaviour in the past. You should expect the two to spend a significant amount of time apart, possibly even the bulk of each day.
You should expect your ageing dog to be less tolerant of a new puppy than he was of other dogs in the past.
If your dog is sociable (for example, if he is a friendly breed like a Golden Retriever or a Doodle), he will likely adjust to having a puppy around more easily.
Is my old dog in good physical shape?
Unfortunately, older dogs are susceptible to a variety of health concerns (from kidney disease over joint problems to dental issues and even cancer). Before getting a puppy, make sure your current dog is healthy and scores well on the quality of life exam. You don't want to have to worry about raising a puppy while also caring for a sick dog.
Put your ageing dog on a good supplement and keep him at a healthy weight. Ascertain that he has a safe and secure yard and that he is unable to flee.
Precautions For New Puppies To Ensure Senior Dog Health
Puppies should preferably be inspected by a veterinarian before being introduced to a new environment to ensure that no health concerns are introduced. In addition, both puppies and older dogs entering a new home should have all of their vaccinations up to date, including basic vaccines such as:
- Distemper
- Adenovirus (canine hepatitis)
- Parvovirus
- Rabies (if the puppy is four months or older)
Depending on the age of the puppy, your veterinarian may additionally recommend that you bring your dog up to date on other immunizations, such as:
- Parainfluenza
- Bordetella
- Canine parainfluenza
Your veterinarian should evaluate both your older dog and your new puppy, and as part of the examination, your veterinarian should:
- 3–5 days before introducing the two dogs, do a faecal exam, and both tests should come back negative.
- Make sure that neither the adult nor the puppy has any ectoparasites (i.e., fleas and ticks).
- Make sure your elderly dog is heartworm-free and on preventive medication. If the puppy is old enough, a heartworm test should be performed as well.
Reading the labels of any drugs for either dog once your new puppy has been introduced into your home is another crucial step that can help prevent ER visits for both pets. Always double-check that each dog is receiving the correct medicine.
Senior dogs are creatures of habit, and they want stability and regularity. Dr. Klein warns that any disturbance might induce anxiety or result in jealously or envy. His suggestions include:
- Prior to welcoming your younger dog, focus your attention on your elder dog.
- First, feed your elderly dog.
- First, put the leash on your older dog.
“These simple gestures may make a tremendous impact in your senior dog's attitude,” Dr. Klein adds. Younger puppies will have no set schedule and will not be concerned with the order of things, according to him.
Never leave your puppy alone in the house until you know how he or she will behave while you're gone and how the two canines will interact. Depending on the dynamics, it might take days to months for the two dogs to be able to wander freely together while you're gone.
When you're not around, consider putting your puppy in a crate. This is one approach to guarantee that your child is kept safe and secure. This will help keep your puppy from causing any problems for your elderly dog.
Do you have time to take care of a senior dog and a puppy?
One important thing to consider is if you have the time to properly care for both a senior dog and a puppy at the same time. Different forms of training, exercise, and enrichment will be required. Don't expect to be able to meet both dogs' requirements at the same time — you won't be able to!
Your puppy will want to fight, run, and play, while an older dog may prefer to take a calm 20-minute sniff stroll around the neighbourhood. Forcing the puppy to adapt to the older dog's lifestyle, or vice versa, is not fair.
Both dogs should be exercised and trained separately, if possible. It will take at least three hours each day to meet both dogs' requirements at first. Do not add a puppy to your senior dog if you return home from work after a 12-hour day and simply want to rest in front of the TV. You won't be able to adequately care for them both. That is inequitable to both your senior dog and the puppy!
How to set up ?
The younger the puppy, the more time you should set aside for both dogs. Once again, it's not fair to presume that your elder dog is responsible for training and raising the youngster. He isn't interested in getting a puppy. To him, a dog is the equivalent of another person's kid. It could be entertaining to play with for an hour, but not every day!
You should set aside a puppy-proof area in your home, such as an exercise pen or a place with baby gates, to keep your puppy safe. The puppy must be kept in that enclosure whenever you are unable to actively watch and control your dogs' interactions. Do not expect your elderly dog to just ignore the puppy. This isn't fair, and he may not be physically capable (for example, if he needs to climb up a difficult staircase in his old age).
Allowing a puppy to bother an older dog is never a good idea. If you allow this to happen, the older dog will learn that he can't rely on you to intercede, and he may take matters into his own hands, escalating the issue. This will be disastrous for the puppy and their relationship!
Some elderly dogs are also too weary to protect themselves against the antics of a puppy. In that situation, they typically just quit up and shut down. Their final years will be spent being irritated by a younger dog, which isn't fair and shouldn't happen.
Steps to Train an Older Dog to Accept a New Puppy
Make arrangements to introduce the new puppy to the existing dogs in your home before you bring a puppy home. Adult dogs generally appreciate the addition of a new canine companion, but it's vital to select pups that are suitable.
It's vital to keep in mind that a resident dog will naturally defend its territory. Your puppy may be nervous in unfamiliar situations or act like a bumbling clown who hisses at the older dogs. Proper introductions guarantee that both pets get started on the right foot.
Some puppies will need to be quarantined before being introduced to the rest of the family. This guarantees that if the puppy becomes unwell, it will not spread the infection to the other animals.
Meet on Neutral Ground
The initial encounter between a puppy and an adult dog should be on neutral ground, such as a neighbor's yard, a training facility, or a tennis court. As a result, your senior dog will not be afraid, threatened, or protective of your home or yard. Instead, it may get down to the serious job of befriending the puppy.
If a neutral location is unavailable, go to a park where a variety of dogs congregate. Your current dog will feel less territorial and more eager to meet the new puppy.
Start With a Fence Meeting
If you're even slightly nervous, dogs can sense it. Fearful aggressiveness may occur when this increased enthusiasm is combined with a leash restriction. As a result, the initial dog-to-dog interactions should take place between dogs that have been let out.
Allow the dogs to meet through a chain-link fence or tennis net for safety reasons, so they may smell each other while the barrier keeps them separated. This allows the novelty of the "new dog" to wear off before a genuine face-to-face encounter.
It's especially crucial when the resident dog and the new puppy are of different sizes. With too enthusiastic welcomes, even nice adult dogs might hurt the child.
Try Parallel Walking
Take both dogs on a walk side by side, with each dog being handled by a different person. To decrease the risk of tension, keep the leashes slack and give the dogs plenty of room to move.
Keep the dogs out of nose-sniffing range at first, and use a reward or toy to keep their attention on the human (no challenge-staring at the other dog allowed). Before allowing a face-to-face interaction, walk them together for 5 or 10 minutes.
Offer Sniffing Opportunities
Allow the dogs to come together once they show a pleasant interest in meeting while keeping the leashes free. To relieve tension, choose a location with plenty of open space. The dogs will smell each other's bodies, including their rear ends, as is customary in canine greetings.
To protect the dogs from becoming tired, restrict the first greetings to around 10 minutes. Make it a point to separate each dog from the others from time to time to offer them a treat or a toy. This will keep tension at bay and keep you in a good mood.
Look for Positive Signs
If the dogs desire to play together, that's a positive indication. Keep an eye out for doggie language that indicates good intentions. The "play bow," in which the tail end swings up and the head drops down, is a traditional canine invitation to play. Doggy yawning may also convey the message, "I am not a danger," and is a highly good gesture from any dog. Whines, barks, and growls are employed in both play and threats, so look for additional body language to better understand what the dogs are saying.
In dog language, licking the other dog's mouth and face and rolling on the back indicate surrender. These actions should be displayed by the puppy, which signals to the adult dog that it's just a puppy and to give the kid some leeway. Allow only a few minutes for play at the initial encounter, then turn it off and finish the introduction on a positive tone.
Move to Home Ground
Repeat the introduction in your yard—off-leash if it's fenced—once they've met off home turf. To keep the dog and puppy from being overly enthusiastic, separate them every few minutes. It's important to remember that the new puppy should only meet one resident dog at a time, not the entire pack.
Meet in the House
Finally, when you initially bring the new puppy inside, make sure all of your other dogs are outdoors. Do this apart from the other canines. Have your existing dogs play in the enclosed backyard while you bring the new puppy in the front entrance, for example. The resident dogs should enter the house and discover the new dog already there to avoid any potential issues.
Problems and Troubleshooting Behavior
Most dogs rapidly figure out their social status and how to behave in a favourable manner. When you are not around to watch the puppy, it is preferable to isolate him in a room with a baby gate barrier.
Even if you want your dogs to get along right away, take things slowly and remain in charge of the situation. Being frightened or worried, as well as allowing the dogs to meet on their own too soon, are common blunders. Make every meeting between the dogs as pleasant as possible, allowing them to gradually become accustomed to each other's odours. It's critical to get things off to a good start in order to create a welcoming environment for everyone.
How long does it take for an older dog to accept a new puppy?
This is dependent on your set-up, the temperament of your elder dog, and the age of your puppy.
The elder dog will take longer to accept your youngster the crazier he is. If you have an older dog, you should consider getting a puppy who is quiet and laid-back. Choose a breed that is recognised for its gentle nature, such as the following:
- Shih Tzus
- Saint Bernards
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
You should avoid choosing a high-energy breed like:
- Herding dogs such as Aussies or Border Collies
- Any type of Husky
- Any type of Shepherd
The sooner your two dogs get along, the better their energy match.
Furthermore, by being proactive in terms of management, you may aid them in developing a strong relationship.
Allowing the puppy to bother the senior dog is not a good idea. Always be on the lookout for them and keep an eye on them. Make sure the senior dog has lots of puppy-free rest and relaxation time.
When you receive a new puppy, don't forget to spend one-on-one time with your existing dog. It's not fair to the elder dog if you suddenly stop spending time with him. You and he should continue with your daily activities.
From the age of 8 to 12 weeks, most pups are well tolerated by adult dogs. They still sleep a lot and aren't as wild at this period. They generally become highly active and boisterous around the age of 3-4 months. From the age of four to sixteen months, you may expect your adult dog to dislike the puppy. Many pups slow down and mature around the age of 18 months. Then your elder dog will most likely get along much better with the puppy.
How to make it fair for the old dog and the puppy ?
To increase your chances of success, you should:
- If you know your older dog is reactive or aggressive toward other dogs, don't acquire a puppy.
- Allow enough time for both dogs to get individual exercise and instruction.
- Make time to go on one-on-one trips with your elderly dog — without the puppy.
- Choose a puppy with an energy level that is similar to the adult dog's (low energy breeds will be better than high-energy breeds)
- Separate and monitor the puppies at all times; never allow the puppy to bother the adult dog.
- Make secure areas for your elderly dog to relax and rest apart from the puppy.
Benefits of Getting a Puppy with an Older Dog
Unfortunately, there are several articles on the internet that recommend against getting a new puppy for your senior.
Do not be put off by the bad stories; dogs are extremely sociable creatures who want connection.
Adopting a new puppy might be one of the finest things you can do for your elderly dog.
You're worried about a possible fight between your puppy and an older dog?
Don't worry; I've also discussed the difficulties that might arise when introducing a puppy to an older dog.
Social Interaction
Dogs, above all, are sociable creatures who have evolved to flourish in a group setting since the first Grey wolves roamed North America 750,000 years ago.
The survival of wild Grey wolves (and many other subspecies) is still dependent on their ‘pack' family members.
Few dogs will ever be completely content if they are left alone. In fact, isolating any breed from social contact is a surefire way to make them depressed.
Before you consider the probable isolation of an extended workweek, ageing dogs are already prone to increased anxiety, social difficulties, and depression.
One of the best things you can do for your ageing pet is to bring a new member into the family dynamic.
Play and Exercise
As a dog becomes older, his energy levels drop and his metabolism slows. He won't want to play as long, and he'll be more prone to gaining weight.
Young pups, on the other hand, appear to have an endless supply of energy. Physical stimulation is typically in short supply for them.
In a perfect circumstance, your young puppy will instil in your elder dog a renewed passion for life. You could see a renewed enthusiasm for life that you haven't seen in years.
Your elder dog will be able to expend some of the pent-up energy he's been storing now that he's found a new companion.
This will result in a physically and emotionally better dog.
Longer, Healthier Lifespan
Companionship should (ideally) result in less stress and more physical exercise (play).
Your older pet will most likely show physical as well as mental gains.
A ‘happier' dog, especially one that is older, is less likely to have medical issues. Anxiety reduction leads to a healthy heart rate and a decreased risk of heart disease.
As previously said, an active, playful dog is less prone to develop obesity-related health problems (i.e. diabetes).
Some Things With New Puppies Are Easier Than Others
Because the older dog may act as a role model, having an older dog around may make training and housebreaking your younger puppy simpler.
On the other side, feeding two dogs might be difficult. One person may consume the entire meal of the other, especially if the other is a slow eater. And, if dietary intolerances are involved, feeding two dogs at the same time may be impossible. Territorial behaviour at mealtime is another issue to watch out for (and toy and treat time).
“Fights have been known to break out as a result of these issues,” warns Dr. Klein, who advises leaving the dogs alone during feeding at first to ease the adjustment.