Moving in a new dog

[Squishedpickle]

Hello,

My grandmother has finally had to move into a care home at the grand old age of 97, so we are inheriting her sweet old dog.

We already have a young and enthusiastic dog so I am just after some tips to make the transition as smooth and easy for everyone as possible.

Due to corona virus, this is all happening rather quickly, so we don't have much time to prepare. The dogs have met before and were absolutely fine, though the older dog did stay safely on my grandmother's lap most of the time.

I just want to make the transition as easy as possible as I know it will be a big change for the old dog.

Thanks!

[Dreamersandwishers]

That’s nice of you . Are they the same gender? Similar size?
If you can get Adaptil collars, diffusers, tablets - they helped ours.
Make sure they each have their own space, use stair gates etc if you have them.
If you can, walk them together on some fun walks ( not easy right now)
Don’t leave them alone for the first couple of weeks ( or longer if needed).
Favour the original dog - feed it first, etc , but give new dog the attention she needs one on one.
My vet said, if they can sleep in the same room then they will be fine, so watch if they do.
Hope it goes well

[Squishedpickle]

Hi @Dreamersandwishers thank you for your advice. They are different genders but the same size. Mine is a neutered boy aged 3, the older dog has been spayed and is 12.

We are home all the time at the moment apart from going on walks so they won't need to be alone.

I will definitely look in to the adaptil things you mentioned.

Thanks again

[Dreamersandwishers]

You are welcome. Should say, mine are 5 years apart, male & female, they adore each other.

[Squishedpickle]

Ah that is very encouraging, thank you.

[Windyatthebeach]

Our oldest ddogs were 9 and 10.
We got a dpuppy but guessing they would have preferred a more sedentary new friend....
How nice an inheritance op..

[Funf]

Some good advice, I would also say about feeding keep a close eye on them so they dont fight over food and dont let them feel neglected.
Its a great thing you are doing