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Intoducing a new dog

959 views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  KarMar 
#1 ·
I am bringing home my Luna on the 20th! I am staying with my parents this summer and they have a cockapoo. She is very friendly but I am a little concerned that she might get a little jealous of a new puppy. I was wondering if anyone had advice.
 
#2 ·
Just make sure that all interactions are supervised, and that when they CAN'T be supervised, they are completely separated. After the first couple of weeks, as they puppy gets her bearings and gets a bit stronger, you will find that it is probably the OLDER dog who needs protection. Pixel was relentless about pulling Kodi's ears and even hanging from his lips. It's really important that when the puppy gets to that stage, you make sure that the older dog has opportunities to get away in peace and quiet, where the puppy can't get at him.
 
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#3 ·
I'm not so concerned about Rose (the cockapoo) interacting with Luna. It's Rose getting jealous of the new puppy getting attention. Rose is somewhat of a spoiled only dog and does not appreciate being ignored. I'm not worried that she will get agressive but whinnying and barking are definitely a possibility.
 
#4 ·
I think it's really important to give the older dog lots of love ans special attention when introducing a puppy, especially when the've been an "only" for a while.

I wouldn't consider Kodi "spoiled" at all, but he had six years of "only dog" status before being joined by a puppy. We just made sure he had LOTS of attention. Some of it just sort of "worked"... like he has always been allowed up on the bed in the evenings to snuggle before bed. The puppy (Pixel at that point) wasn't yet potty trained, so didn't have "bed privileges". So that became "special Kodi time". We also made sure he got invited along on errands, while she stayed home. (again, good training for her to be alone for short periods)

He thought she was very cute and played willingly with her the first day. The second day, he was like, "I didn't mind her as a visitor, but don't you think you should take her back now?" the second day. From then on, he would play with her some of the time, but also clearly wanted to be left alone at other times. At the same time, though, she still was young enough to have "puppy license", and WE had to step in and separate them when she was being too rough with him... He would just whine for help.

Eventually, when she was probably about 6 months old, he decided she was old enough to know better. She bit him one to many times, and he just turned around and ROARED at her. Just once. That's all it took, and from then on, their play was more even. She would back off when he said enough was enough.

Interestingly, the dynamics when Panda was added were much more even. Pixel was about 10 1/2 months old, so still "puppyish enough that she LOVED to play. (she still does) So Panda's attention was directed more toward her. If Panda bothers Kodi too much when he's not in the mood, he just gives a little growl, and Panda goes off to search for a game with Pixel. So instead of two little sisters being HARDER on Kodi, I think adding Panda has made it easier for him.
 
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#5 ·
I completely agree with Karen. We did all of that with Mario (an unspoiled only 'child' for 8.5 years), plus more. I'm just going to rattle it all off.

We still always great Mario first when we come home, treat him first, put his food down first, let him potty before letting The Terror out, etc. Mario has a few cherished items and spots, and Nino isn't allowed to go anywhere near them. If we are playing with Mario, Nino has to be held onto so he doesn't steal toys (M is a bit meek and will just slink away and let him snatch them).

It's difficult because a new puppy is so much fun, but you really have to shower Rose with as much love as Luna. Like Karen said, use special time with Rose to train Luna to be left alone.

Have fun with her!
 
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