Introducing a pup to an older dog

[shadow27]

Hi, we live in Carlisle and have just joined this forum.

We have a 12 year old Border Collie and want to introduce a pup (a smaller breed) aged 8 weeks; we are frightened of upsetting the older dog who has just shared the home with us and our cat up to now.

She doesn't like being bothered by dogs when she is out, she will tolerate them and then tell them to go away... does anyone have any experience of how best to do what we want to do or have any advice to give us please?

She is not an aggressive dog by any means and is highly intelligent - will it be possible to get her to accept the new arrival do you think, without thinking we have fallen out with her?

Are we being too soft? Do animals not think like that and just adapt? Iknow the pup will be alot more active than she is and am worried that it will give her stress and would hate to make her last few years unhappy. Or, as I said, maybe we are putting human emotions on to a dog and with care and supervision, the pup would be accepted?

[Morricl]

Hi, we are in exactly the same position. Our dog is a 12 year old Collie / Spaniel who has cat for company and we're considering getting a puppy. I asked the same question on another site and was told I was being cruel. We really wanted a puppy and our dog gets on fine with my sisters dogs who live next door. Now worried that it would distress our dog or even worse could end up with a dead puppy.

[Natalie]

I dont see why it's cruel. If you want a new pup you should get one. From what i've heard its ok as long as you dont just plonk them together as the older dog will think the pup is intruding.

Take it easy and introduce them away from home where neither the pup or older dog think it's their territory.

Keep 'em separate and in different rooms while your in the initial stages.

Have the same rules for the pup and the older dog, if the pup gets special treatment because its cute it wont go down well with the older dog trust me!

I'd say gradually take them to a place both your older dog and pup have never been and introduce them there, taking it easy and just let hem sniff around and do their doggy thing

As they get more comfortable start taking the pup out with the older dog. If its seems uncomfortable for your current dog just take it slowly.

Eventually you should be fine with taking them for walks together etc and they should get on fine as long as you keep giving the older dog praise too.

Sorry if this post is hard to read... i think i'm ready for bed! lol

Hope it helps. let me know how it goes!