Introducing a new doodle puppy into household with 2 older dogs

[Mark Carlson]

Hey Gang:

My new 10-week old goldendoodle (the Dude) is coming home today! This will be the 1st time away from her litter. After her 4 hour drive over to the E. Coast of FL she'll be coming into a house with 2 older (11 & 12 yo) Westies.

I'm meeting my girlfriend and my 2 little buddies at a park near my house so the 3 dogs can meet on neutral turf for the 1st time before we all head home.

Any other suggestions to make her transition into an older dog's home more comfortable?

Best,

Mark

[1xar0x2rcx0li]

My first suggestion was to meet on neutral turf, but you have that covered. Make sure to keep your attention and routine the same for the two resident westies so they do not feel ignored, which will be hard with a cute puppy. Keep the pup on a leash so you can quickly pull him away if he gets too roudy or persistent with the older pups. He needs to learn their "knock it off" cues, but if he is slow on the uptake you dont want a scuffle the first day. You dont want him pestering them non stop for hours either or their patience will wear thin. Give him lots of time outs to rest them. Also, let them walk ahead of the pup, feed and water them first, even let them through the doors first. That should help them feel like it is still their home.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I definitely agree with what Todd suggested. My family has had cairn terriers for years. Although I do not have one at my home, I remember the day I introduced my mini Peri to Lucy & Jake the cairn terriers (my parent's dogs). Lucy (3 yrs) and Jake (11 yrs) were not too friendly at first and were annoyed by Peri. Mr. Jake had cancer, so that is a totally different situation (he was not feeling well). But Lucy warmed up quickly and now they have a great time playing together. Just don't be too concerned if it takes a little while. Even when I brought home Peri to my 5 year old chihuahua, it took him a week or two to warm up to her. I gave Taquito lots of attention (alone, separate from Peri even) that first week. Fed him first, etc....like Todd said. T. and Peri are the best of friends now. Good luck!
And join us in the Multiple Doodles (or dogs) group:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/multipledoodlesordogs

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

We introduced Harlow into our family when she was 12 weeks and our beagle brothers were 8 years old. Meeting the first time on neutral turf. And as Todd states, always allow older dogs to go a head of the puppy.

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Good luck, the 3rd dog made a difference for me...my 3rd was Zoey a mini doodle...check out my page and see it did not take her look to become the "Little Princess" she is the boss of the big ones...I hope it goes as smooth for you too. My dogs all got to meet in a hotel room when we picked up Zoey....by the ride home they all seemed to have bonded.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Check the multiple doodles (or dogs) group.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/multipledoodlesordogs

[Mark Carlson]

Day 1 of our new dog “the Dude” in the house with our older 2 dogs: Jasper (10 yo) absolutely hates the new pup... Snaps at her and is a complete bully. Tilly (11 yo) seems to like her. Dude has accepted her new surroundings, loves playing with toys and riding in the jeep. All is good in the hood. So far at least.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Sounds very common (especially with terriers LOL!). Keep us posted!! Hope your Westie Jasper warms up.....I think he will.