How Can I Get My Dogs To Accept My New Puppy?
Question: I have 2 miniature dachshunds, 4 and 6 yrs old along with a rescued puppy that is 3 months old. How can I help make it easier for all 3 of them to get along? My female dachshund is very protective of the male and it seems like the puppy is having trouble fitting in with them. The dachshunds are very playful, but around the puppy they don’t want to play. I show all 3 the same amount of attention and love, to rule out jealousy. Any suggestions? - from Apryl
We encourage you to share your "dog wisdom" - Please Feel FREE to Help Answer this Dog Question!!Answer: Introducing your new puppy to the family can be a stressful situation for everyone involved. It sounds like you are on the right track. Here are some additional tips to help you even though your puppy is not brand new.
- Don’t force your existing dogs to be put in a position to defend their home turf. On the first meeting be sure that the dogs meet in a neutral location - like a friends yard that is fenced, or a park. It would be a good idea if the dogs were introduced while on the lead initially, and then once the sniffing introductions are complete let them loose.
- Positive reinforcement can work wonders. In your case give plenty of positive praise when your older dogs show any interest in playing with your new puppy. Take all 3 on walks together. Simply do anything that shows the older dogs that you like it when they play with your new puppy.
At the end of the day, realistically you may only be able to get the older dogs to simply tolerate the new puppy. But over time, you should see all 3 of them playing happily together - as long as you continue to offer the correct support.
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