Introducing a Puppy to an Older Dog: Tips for Safe, Calm Interactions at Home
Bringing a new puppy home to an adult dog can be exciting—but also a bit chaotic! Puppies are naturally excitable, jumpy, and love rough play, which can overwhelm older dogs. In this video, we share how to introduce a puppy to an older dog the right way to reduce stress and build a healthy relationship.
Here’s what we cover:
Understanding puppy behavior vs. adult dog communication styles
Why growling isn’t aggression—it’s dog communication, and when to step in
How to use management tools like crates, puppy pens, baby gates, and barriers to safely create space and downtime
Teaching the “ENOUGH” interrupter cue to end play sessions calmly and prevent overstimulation
Rewarding both dogs for calm behavior and positive interactions
Preventing conflict with resource guarding by separating mealtimes and chews
The importance of learning dog body language to catch early signs of discomfort or stress
With patience, structure, and positive reinforcement, your puppy and older dog can become great companions—on their own terms.
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