new puppy and existing dog

[Cliff1975]

We have a much loved female working cocker spaniel who is 3 years old. Tomorrow we are collecting our new puppy a male poodle/italian pointer cross. Top tips please for introductions and how to ensure they get along. THe cocker is well behaved, has daily off lead works, ball obsessed, picky eater who often leaves food until night time or next morning. She loves us and is very affectionate, on walks she tolerates other dogs but could live without them. We really want to provide a good home for the new puppy but also want the exising dogs life to be enhanced.

Why did you decide to have a second dog?you said,your spaniel tolerates other dogs,but can do without it.this sounds not ideal to me to get another dog.I got my border collie puppy a year ago and have another 4 year old collie.the 4 year old was first a bit overwhelmed as to say:what annoying model did you bring home?.she very quickly though put the puppy in its place gently and the puppy soon learned to behave around the 4 year old.they played together and when the older one had enough, it was a short sharp growl at the puppy and the puppy immediately submitted and stopped.puppy is now 14 month old and both are best mates and share a basket.I hope it works out for you.

I recommend meeting in the garden first , if possible both on leads. Intolerance them then take older dog off lead . See how they go then take puppy off . Unless older dog gets really sharp with the puppy leave them to sort the pecking order. I Have three dogs all living in harmony

Must add as for feeding puppy will be on different food . I’m not a fan of leaving food down if you have multiple dogs as you never know whose eaten what . Food goes down if it’s not eaten it comes back up . QWERTY dog 1 was a grazer until no 2 came along.

Can you introduce them on neutral ground e.g. the garden of a dog-free friend (so no exposure to unvaccinated dogs)? We did this with an existing dog who wasn't the biggest fan of other dogs, and he was very tolerant of the new puppy - he quite liked her in the end, her amazing self-confidence rubbed off on him.

How did it go?

I’d echo grumpysaurus, introduce somewhere neutral if at all possible, let them sniff around each other without getting too involved . Introduce again in the garden if you have one and finally the house ( we just did this 4 weeks ago and so far so good )
Give your older dog lots of cuddles and attention and feed separately ,
Sure it will go grand ! I had sleepless nights worrying if I’d upset my older dog but she really seems to be good pals also already with our pup

Update: he has been here now for 5 days. Last night they both spent the whole night sleeping in the kitchen, puppy in crate, dog in her bed. It has gone really well. The existing dog is putting puppy in his place, but appropriately and they are gradually interacting more and more. Older dog found it hard at first but is coming round and we think they will end up as friends. First night puppy cried all night but each night it got gradually better. He is lovely. Arthur and Ruby!

Really pleased,both your dogs seem happy.It is perfectly normal for the older dog to tell off puppy.they will be best of mates in no time.enjoy!

Excellent news, OP. It's always nice to give the existing dog some time with you but without the pesky new arrival if you can manage that.

Have fun!