Will An Older Dog Help Train A Puppy?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The best big brother (or sister) to a is a healthy, active, well socialized, well trained, friendly older dog who has already had some exposure to puppies throughout his life.

An older dog such as this can help you raise the puppy, help you teach the puppy, and will be a good role model.

Is it easier to train a puppy when you have an older dog?


Training puppies can be significantly easier than training adult dogs

because they have not already learned bad habits and behaviors. However, you can train an adult dog successfully, and both you and your adult dog will benefit from the obedience training.

How do you train a puppy with an adult dog?

The best way to ensure that your older dog is more relaxed and calmer when you bring in your new puppy is by

providing your older dog with sufficient mental and physical stimulation

. You can do this by taking your older dog to play a game of fetch or run with your dog to burn off some of that extra energy.

How do I get my older dog to accept a new puppy?

  1. Prepare your house prior to the puppy's arrival. …
  2. Swap scents. …
  3. Introduce them away from home base. …
  4. Make introductions slowly. …
  5. Walk the dogs together to get acquainted. …
  6. Slowly integrate them together in your house. …
  7. Feed them separately. …
  8. Manage all interactions.

How long does it take for an older dog to accept a puppy?

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.

What do I do if my dog doesn't like my new puppy?


Try to give your adult dog other things to do, particularly relaxing things like nosework, training games, and impulse control games

. When your dog doesn't like puppies, you need training.

Will my dog be sad if I get another dog?


Dogs can form emotional attachments to people and to other dogs

. But, just as with people, not all dogs react the same after the loss of another dog in the household. If the pups shared a very close bond, then the dog may react with behaviors that indicate depression after a furry friend passes away, says Dr.

Do dogs get jealous of new puppies?

New Pets.

Introducing a new pet may leave your dog feeling jealous

. The best way to avoid jealousy in your pet is to make sure that you're giving it enough love, exercise, attention and interaction, even if you have another pet at home.

How do I stop my puppy bullying my older dog?

If puppy is still bugging the older dog, separate them. Use a crate to contain your puppy, or set up pet barriers or gates to either contain the puppy, protect the older dog, or block off certain rooms. Give your puppy access to dogs the same age or slightly older than him.

Can a puppy be dominant over an older dog?


Normally, the older dog will be dominant over a puppy

(although this might change after a few months) but with two adult dogs, either one can be dominant. The dominant dog will take food and toys away from the other, push to be first for attention, and show dominant body language.

Should I let my puppy bite my older dog?


Most puppy biting is normal and completely harmless

. It is possible, however, that your puppy is fearful of your other dogs, which can make him act aggressively towards them.

How do I stop my dog from being jealous of a new puppy?

  1. Keep notes on the circumstances that cause signs of jealousy/aggression. …
  2. Don't give one pet more attention than another.
  3. Help your dog feel safe and relaxed in their crate so they see it as their own safe space. …
  4. Feed pets separately to avoid conflict during mealtimes.

What is the best age to add a second dog?

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, he may not be physically able to play with or tolerate a pup.

Can older dogs get depressed with new puppy?


Many older dogs will be upset, jealous, or even angry with a new puppy

, especially if the older dog has been an only dog. It's going to be important to make sure the older dog gets lots (more than normal) of attention to alleviate potential hurt feelings.

Are 2 dogs easier than 1?

Having two dogs can feel like a lot of work sometimes, but

the pros definitely outweigh the cons

. From easier training to better mental and emotional health (for you and your dogs!), to saving the lives of animals, there are so many solid reasons to adopt a second dog today.

What does it mean when a dog growls but wags its tail?


A confident dog wanting you to move away

will often deliver a low-pitched warning growl. His body will stiffen and the loose circular wag may become a stiff side-to-side motion. 2. A scared dog who really doesn't want to defend himself may make a high-pitched growl-bark to get you to move away from him.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.