It is so perturbing and worrying to see your older dog wildly attacking your newly introduced puppy in your household. After all, you might have introduced the new pup to benefit the older dog in your home. In most cases, most dogs enjoy being together, but others may act weirdly toward a puppy. What is the reason behind this behavior, and what can you do to alleviate such cases? Well, read this post because I’ll offer you the appropriate answers.
What are the reasons why your older dog is attacking your new puppy?
Your dog might start showing an unfriendly attitude towards a new puppy because of a lack of good socialization. Also, they might be poorly treated or, to some extent, have some medical issues which make them feel pain. If older dogs lack good socialization, they will require a good boost to make them feel part of the home and accept the newly introduced puppy without any problem. An older dog may also attack new puppies when they feel jealous, cornered, or have an annoying attitude. In other words, they lack the patience to live peacefully with the new puppy. And this can be infiltrated further with a puppy who is energetic and strong enough to face the other pooch’s wrath.
Questions to Ask About Why it May Be Happening
- How much time do you spend with your dogs?
- Does your older dog live in a safe space?
- Is your older dog social?
- Is your new pup coming to your older dog’s face each time?
- Does your old dog have territorial issues?
Best ways to stop your older dog from attacking your new puppy
It is now an opportunity to eliminate the vice to ensure your older dog gets along pretty well with your new puppy. Provide a conducive space that is also safe for your dogs. And be close to your dogs so that they can feel appreciated and loved. Along with that, here are some key ways to stop your old dog from attacking your new puppy.
1. Introduce the new puppy on a neutral ground
Dogs possess territorial ownership, and when you introduce a new puppy into their territory, they’ll feel insecure, so to defend themselves, they start attacking the newly introduced puppy. Try as much as possible to introduce the new puppy and older dog on neutral ground for them to familiarize themselves with one another first.
2. Exercise your puppy often
Exercising your puppy will imply that they’ll get tired and not have the energy to provoke your older dog. Ensure your puppy stay mentally and physically fit.
3. Ensure both older dog and puppy stay social with you
Don’t always assume that your older dog is okay, and leave them to stay alone. Ensuring they stay social implies that they already learn some “manners” and behaviors. And before you can introduce a new puppy, ensure your older dog is as welcoming as possible.
4. Allow your dogs to bond together
Well, one-on-one time is okay with your dogs; however, if you can go on a walk with all your dogs, it implies that they’ll have fun together while they learn from one another. As such, dogs will always play together and share meals together, having known one another even before they come and sleep in the same home.
5. Give your older dog some privileges
Doing so will imply that the older dog is respected by their juniors. Also, the older dogs will not feel jealous. Give more attention to your older dog while you try to balance everything as days go by.
6. Give protection to your older dog
Understand the body language of your older dog and give the necessary protection. If you notice that your dog isn’t comfortable with certain things, then be ready to act immediately. Ensure you demonstrate to your puppy how they should behave.
7. Provide a haven
If you notice your dog isn’t comfortable staying with the new puppy, provide a haven for him. Sometimes they may get overwhelmed by the presence of the puppy, and to ensure their safety is guaranteed give them a space where they can stay alone. And that doesn’t mean that you’ll have to separate them; you can just enclose a puppy in his cage while the older dog roams around.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the tips we’ve offered above will ensure that your old dog will never attack your new puppy in your home. In no time, they’ll get along with each other because dogs love to have company with their fellas.