It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.
Introduce valuable items like toys slowly
As you see that they're getting along, introduce toys that your older dog doesn't really care about and that are safe for the puppy. Or bring in new toys as long as the older dog doesn't guard them. Have one handler play with the puppy and another with the adult dog.
Bringing home a new puppy or another adult dog can trigger jealousy in your dog, and they may show signs of aggression toward the new addition. Your dog might growl at the new dog, guard your lap, or try to get in between you and your new furry family member.
But while you're basking in that new puppy life, your older pets might not be so joyful… The reality is that older pets are likely going to need some time to adjust. They may have some complicated feelings about your new addition—an addition that's sharing your attention.
Your dog may want to go away from the puppy or may growl or even snap to tell the puppy to go away. However, if your older dog uses his teeth on the new puppy, that is not normal, and it may be time to consult with a veterinary behaviorist.
Like humans, dogs have physical and emotional needs. They get jealous if they feel they are not getting enough attention because of a new family member or a new pup. This can also be made worse if your puppy is untrained!
Second Dog Syndrome
As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right. All too often, a second dog joins the household and the expectation is that they will behave as the existing dog in the home does, so they are often given the same freedom right off the bat.
Once in a while, take the puppy to another room to play with him. Let your old dog have some peace. If your old dog tries to teach your puppy how to be a good dog, let him as long as his corrections are appropriate. Growls, strong eye contact, and flipping the puppy over on his back are all fine.
When jealousy occurs, it is important to deal with your dog's emotions, properly. Introduce your dog and the new puppy on neutral grounds first. This will help maintain the idea that you are their pack leader and you are willing to play with both dogs. They can use this neutral territory to explore each other.
The amount of time each individual pet needs to adjust to their new homes will vary, but the 3-3-3 rule helps give an approximation of what new pet owners can expect. The 3-3-3 rule refers to the first 3 days, the first 3 weeks, and the first 3 months after bringing a shelter animal home.
The first two months are the most difficult and the following months also bring their challenges. So the answer is, it will get easier and easier, depending on how much effort you put into educating your dog. You should therefore remain hopeful in the process during the first year.
It may take several weeks for the two dogs to get used to each other, so patience is required. But most of the time, dogs are accepting of other dogs, often welcoming the companionship. It's just a matter of an owner setting expectations and being consistent.
Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.
The Consequences of Adding a Second Dog to Your Home
Getting a second dog could make your first dog feel displaced and uncertain. While the majority of dogs will get along well with their new sibling, your first dog may not be happy having to share their toys, space, territory, or even their owner's affection.
New Pets. Introducing a new pet may leave your dog feeling jealous. The best way to avoid jealousy in your pet is to make sure that you're giving it enough love, exercise, attention and interaction, even if you have another pet at home.
Older dogs may find it difficult to share their resources, space and attention - after all, they've had everything to themselves until now! They've had the freedom of the house to eat and sleep wherever they want - and it may not come naturally to share this with a new bouncy puppy who seems to get all the attention.
Set boundaries.
To relieve your senior dog's anxiety, you may need to focus on them a little more. Rather than totally disrupting their routines, greet them first, feed them first, and leash them first when going out. Feeding can be another tough spot when introducing a new dog into your home.
There are many reasons older dogs might not want to deal with puppies, from their inability to read physical and social cues to the relentless invasion of your adult dog's personal space.
The 3-3-3 rule is a set of guidelines for the first three days, three weeks, and three months after adopting a new dog. The goal of the 3-3-3 rule is to help the dog adjust to their new environment and build a strong foundation for a long and happy life with their new family.
As they sniff, watch their body language carefully. Warning signs in dog body language include stiffening, low growling, avoidance, or hard stares. If you see these behaviors, calmly move the dogs away from each other.
Once they come in contact, normal dog behavior will likely occur, and the dogs will sniff each other in greeting. Signs that the meeting is going well include relaxed facial expressions, play bows, tails wagging fast, and wiggling their hind ends.