How to introduce new puppy to existing dog

[GreyfriarsBobby]

We are getting an 8 week old puppy soon and I am looking for advice about how best to introduce them so everything gets off to a good start.

The new puppy is a standard poodle (girl)
The existing dog is a 9kg 6 year old Pomeranian/miniature poodle cross.

We lost our old standard poodle last year- he adored her (more than she did him tbh).

He has been a lot less confident since our old dog died. He loves playing with a friend’s dog (giant breed) but absolutely hated a friend’s rescue dog when they came to stay (It was very dominant).

I remember when our little guy was a pup and we brought him home- our poodle wouldn’t look at him and kept walking out of the room- it was heartbreaking. It took her a few weeks to accept him.

[reindeesandchristmastrees]

Can you visit the new puppy? If so bring your dog with you to visit the puppy. I suspect the small dog will be boss in any event and being the older will definitely have the upper hand.

Take it slowly though and keep the puppy from upsetting the old dog. They are bound to get on eventually in any event

[carly2803]

ive always introduced mine in the garden.

Someone plays with current dog in the garden, new pup is brought into the garden and everyone plays.
Never had a problem! done that several times now.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

See if you can get them together on neutral ground - somewhere safe for an unvaccinated pup like a friend's garden.

Allow them time and space - put the puppy on the ground but be ready to intervene if the older dog doesn't like the pup. Don't ignore the older dog but don't overdo it either, just be chilled but interested and ready with praise and positive noises.

The last time we introduced a puppy, we let them investigate each other for about 20 mins. Then we went home, and did a gentle re-intro in the house. Both times this ended up being early evening and ideally I would have liked to do it earlier in the day to allow more settling time before it was time to shut up for the night.

Some dogs are never going to be smitten by a newcomer breezing in and ruining their set-up, but IME this sort of intro at least lets them get used to the puppy and at best sets you up for a great relationship. Your current dog sounds as if he'll be pleased to have a new canine companion so with luck they'll settle down together.

[Ihaventgottimeforthis]

Don't set yourself up for more heartbreak by hoping they will be best friends from the off - puppies in general are quite annoying to older dogs, and it takes a while for them to accept them.
I think the garden idea is very good, also having a strategy for giving dog some quiet time away from puppy for a while - crate, room separation, walks (obv) etc - and let them gradually work it out.
Also keep an eye out over any potential flash points - territory, food, toys - where the pup might goad the dog to a conflict. Obviously the older dog will put the pup in its place, and I always think it looks quite startling as there is a lot of noise and kerfuffle, but that normally does the job and they both learn their place.

[GreyfriarsBobby]

Thank you for your advice everyone!

The initial introduction went well, and our older dog is remarkably gentle when the pup launches at him. The oldie already wants her to play- does play bows chases then wants to be chased back etc.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

That's a great start. Well done!