New puppy in house with older dog - logistics

[springlamb]

I can't get my head round the logistics, and as a suitable puppy will soon be available, I need to figure this out.
Older dog is very reliable, well trained and will welcome new addition. He sleeps on his (custom made by me) bed in the kitchen at night but goes wherever he wants during the day. He is fully innoculated and wormed this week. Unlikely to be bringing around any nasties on paws etc.
To what extent do I keep the new puppy isolated until her injections are complete and she is fully wormed?
Will older dog be bothered if puppy spends a lot of time in crate (he wasn't crate trained himself, but he was very biddable and easily trained).
How much should I let them mix?
And any other hints you can think of.

[silentcatastrophe]

With all the excitement of a new puppy, remember that the oldie needs lots of attention too! I think the pup should be fine with your other dog if he is vaccinated and wormed. Keep an eye on them when they are playing, and you will get to know how they interact. Watch 'n learn!

[daisydotandgertie]

As your existing dog is up to date with jabs and worming pills you don't need to worry about protecting the pup from germs.

The puppy doesn't need to be isolated from your older dog - all she needs is protection from un-innoculated dogs - and those whose jabs are out of date.

So when you take her out and about to socialise she'll need carrying so she isn't exposed to potential nasties.

Our older dogs are never bothered about the introduction of a puppy - we bring the pup home with no fuss, pop the pup into their cage and then make a cup of tea or something. Then we wait until all the excitement of us coming home has blown over and the older dogs have had a good old sniff of the puppy and eventually just let the puppy out. Probably about 15 minutes after we get home.

Then we just let them get on with it. Always remember that although dog play can look terrifying as long as the dogs are going back for more, it's not something you need to worry about. Teeth and growls will fly and the pup will no doubt hang off the jowls of the older one and spend a lot of time licking his lips. It's what they do and IMO a really important part of bringing up a well socialised dog.

If one of the dogs looks as though it's had enough and is not going back for more, then it's time to step in.

Enjoy them - it's lovely to have more than one dog.

[Madondogs]

Agree with Daisy, I think you need to be led by the older dog. It is quite normal for the older dog to ignore the pup and this can go on for some time. Don't worry though this is normal socialisation. Good luck, it's fab having two dogs !

[shivster1980]

I have a 2.5yr old dog and a 6 month old. Monty and Bobby exist in a state of happy tolerance.

I was happy with that if a little disappointed they weren't closer until today when little one went missing (temporarily) in the park and Monty was frantic and leapt all over Bobby when we caught up with him. I think they love one another really.

Don't worry about germs if your dog is vaccinated but do try to take your puppy out (in your arms) when you walk your older dog. We found it got Monty used to Bobby being around on walks before he could go on the floor, and of course was great for Bobby to get used to traffic noise, people, sights and sounds.

[shivster1980]

Oh yes - the teeth baring in play... it's fine! Terrifying at times but fine and you can tell it's just play.

Good Luck!

[springlamb]

Thanks all.
My Golden was a 'tester' dog on Saturday for a puppy who is just able to mix. It went really well. He played nicely then floomped down when tired, whilst the puppy desperately tried to get him to chase her.
Our new puppy arrives on the 25th! She's a real cutie although a strange mix - Lakeland/Yorkie. Very pretty though.