Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Help Your Pets Welcome A New Puppy

The decision to bring a new puppy into the family
affects more than just the people who will have
to house train said puppy. Other pets in the
home are likely to have a difficult time
adjusting to what they are likely to see as an
interloper. Because dogs have their own societal
hierarchy, it is important to introduce a new
puppy in a manner that is safe and praises both
dogs for positive behavior.

Dogs naturally live in packs, and in a household
setting with people, the dogs often perceive the
humans as part of the pack. In the case of
indoor family dogs, there is usually one human
whom the dogs perceive as in charge, or the
alpha. Dogs should be trained to view all human
members as out-ranking the animals in a
household, even children. This helps ensure a
safe home environment for the people and the
dogs. But even with humans in the household,
dogs have a hierarchy all their own.

Usually, dog hierarchy depends significantly on
age and residency. As a general rule, an adult
dog will naturally outrank a puppy. The same
also usually goes for the dog whose territory the
dogs are in. Because dogs are territorial, it is
a good idea to introduce a new puppy in a neutral
place. A neighbor's yard is often a convenient,
territory neutral zone.

Although the dogs are in a neutral zone, it is
still important to keep them leashed. Allow them
to sniff and praise the dogs for positive
behavior. After the initial introduction, put a
little space between the dogs for a few minutes
so they can take a break. After a few minutes,
allow them to approach each other again. Be
careful to give positive reinforcement, while
ensuring that the dogs do not become aggressive.
If one dog does become aggressive, separate the
animals and try again later.

An adult dog might feel threatened by a new puppy
coming into the family unit. For this reason, it
is important to give each dog their own space--
that means their own beds, toys, bones, and
attention. If you are using puppy training pads,
try to keep the pads out of the adult dog's
favorite areas. Allowing the puppy to pee near
the adult's bed or other favorite spot will make
the area smell like the pup's territory. This is
likely to cause the adult dog to feel that it
needs to defend its territory. Instead, place
the doggy pads near the door- the adult dog will
be less troubled by the scent and it will help
reinforce puppy potty training.

Above all, do not ignore your adult dog for the
adorable puppy. Especially in the early days of
the puppy's new presence, make sure to give both
dogs loads of attention, treats, and positive
reinforcement. The goal is to ensure that the
entire family, especially the resident adult dog,
views the new puppy as a playmate and happy
addition to the pack. Encouraging a strong bond
between the elder and younger dogs will also make
puppy house training easier, as the puppy will
watch and learn from the older dog. If the older
dog feels pack kinship with the new puppy, it is
more likely to be a happy helper in housebreaking.

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