Your senior furry friend isn’t getting along with the new puppy – it happens and is initially not uncommon. We’ll show you what you can do to help your dogs become friends.

Why doesn’t my senior dog accept the new puppy?

Your furry friend is your best companion and gets along well with all the other four-legged pals on your walks? You might be surprised when your dog becomes obstinate when the new puppy arrives. It’s not uncommon for first dogs to not accept a puppy in the household, even with sociable dogs. The reasons for this can be quite diverse. It could be that…

A new puppy in the household disrupts things, and some dogs need a bit of time to get used to it. Inform yourself beforehand about how to properly introduce dogs and puppies to avoid overwhelming anyone and to have a relaxed start.

What can I do to make my senior dog accept the puppy?

It is crucial to identify the cause of why your senior dog reacts “allergically” to the puppy. Only then can you actively work on the relationship between the two. Ideally, consult with experienced dog trainers. They can come to your home, assess your dogs, and accurately determine where the problem lies, working with you to ensure a harmonious coexistence.

Observe your dogs closely – who does what?

Observe closely what your senior dog does when encountering the puppy: Does he bark, walk away, yawn, lick his mouth, growl, or snap at him? In which situations does this happen? Aggressive behavior such as snapping or growling is part of dog communication and serves as a warning to your puppy that he is crossing a boundary.

Also, observe your puppy: How does he behave towards your senior dog? Does he accept “warnings” and treat your dog with respect, or does he happily help himself to the food bowl, toys, and so on, getting right in the face of your first dog? Understanding the communication between puppies and dogs in general is extremely important!

Give equal attention to both dogs

Even if the little bundle is so cute and undoubtedly needs more attention than your already trained dog, try to evenly divide your time between both furry friends. Your puppy may need a few more play sessions, while your older dog might appreciate extra cuddles.

Additionally, train that sometimes only one dog is the focus, and the other has to wait. If your first dog isn’t possessive about food, you can practice by alternately giving treats to both dogs. If your dog is particularly greedy, you can start by giving treats to both simultaneously and later switch. Our irresistible snacks for young and old dogs are ideal for this!

Ensure relaxation and peace at home

Little puppies want to experience something all day. Of course, lying in the basket all the time is boring! Instead, they prefer to see what the other furry friend is up to in the house, climb on them a bit, or try to engage them in play. Here you need to be careful because older dogs usually don’t enjoy playing the “babysitter” for your puppy – and they don’t have to.

It is your responsibility to make your apartment puppy-proof, even for the older dog! Your first dog needs a quiet retreat where he won’t be disturbed by the lively puppy. Also, he is not there to tire out your dog. Support your dog and show him that you keep the puppy away if he wants that. This way, the little bundle learns directly to settle down in the presence of other dogs and to respect individual spaces.

Create shared experiences

Shared adventures bring dogs together – this also applies to your dogs! What does your first dog particularly enjoy? Going for a swim? Romping in the garden? Searching for food? Grab both dog and puppy and take a walk to the lake together. There, your old dog can show the little one how great water is, and the focus is not so much on the two dogs. Sand, water, sticks – everything is exciting, and it’s even better when discovered together.

Senior dog reacts aggressively to the puppy

You notice that your senior dog is not warming up to the puppy. He barks and growls at him and might even snap at him? Instead of hoping for presumed puppy protection and trying something random, get professional help! Aggressive behavior can be shocking, but you should never scold, hit, or otherwise unfairly punish your first dog for it. That can only make things worse. Perhaps your dog is just extremely stressed and reacts this way.

Instead, make sure that your first dog does not attack the puppy. For this, initially separate the two animals. You can, for example, set up a puppy gate in the living room. This way, both dogs can see and smell each other, but neither can hurt the other. If your dog tends to bite, it’s a good idea to put a muzzle on him and not leave the dogs alone in a room. The clear motto here is: Better safe than sorry!

Don’t worry, everything will be fine!

Even if it doesn’t seem so at first, dogs can become best friends, even if they have a few initial difficulties. If your dog initially reacts aggressively or dismissively to your puppy, it doesn’t mean you have to give him up immediately. Dog trainers are knowledgeable and can help you achieve a harmonious life with your four-legged friends.

However, keep in mind that not every dog is made for living with a second dog. Don’t be disappointed if your dream of a rosy dog friendship doesn’t come true. Some dogs simply live alongside each other, which is also okay and doesn’t mean they are unhappy.