Introducing a New Puppy to the Resident Doodle

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

We are getting our new puppy in March and have a 13 month old Labradoodle. I would appreciate any tips on the best way to introduce these dogs for the first time.

[Beverley S. LaLonde]

What I have done for the last three doodles is take my dog with us to the airport to pick up puppy and let the little guy out and walk on leash to your vehicle in parking lot so he can relieve himself before heading home.. Put pup back in crate next to where your dog can get used of him before you get home. Then take both of them for a short walk . It has worked everytime for me. The first time was with a 8 year old standard Schnauzer.
Bev, Harlee Boy,Miss Chloe & Li'l Buddy

[F, Calla & Luca]

I brought Calla home and left her in her crate on the grass. I then let Luca investigate her a little while she was still in the crate and everything went fine after I then let her out.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you for all of the help. I really appreciate it.

[Lynda Kamrath]

I think it is better to introduce the older dog to the puppy. Let the puppy know right away who is the more important member of the family and the older dog will immediately adopt the puppy as his property. Our puppies have been made a member of the family right away and the older dog takes over the training. It is so sweet to see a puppy following the older dog out to the potty area. Dogs love to have a canine companion and will do almost anything to make the puppy comfortable.

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

So glad that you asked this question! Angel will be almost that age exactly when she gets a new brother. What about energy, though? Should I be excited and happy when introducing Angel to her bro, or should I be calm and serene? And how do you calm any initial bursts of jealousy from either dog?

[Lynda Kamrath]

I would say that to be calm and serene would be the way to go. Put the puppy in his kennel outdoors in an area where they can get to know each other. Let the older dog sniff and get accustomed to the new resident and then when he sits down next to the kennel for a while, just unlatch the door and allow the puppy to come out when he feels ready to have more interaction. Back off and give them no attention as they adjust to one another.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you...this sounds great.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

These are all questions I have been thinking about too...