Bringing A New Puppy Home To Your Older Golden Retriever? Tips To Help Them Get Along

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If you are bringing a new puppy into your home, and already have an older dog, be careful in how you do this so they will  get along well with each other. Golden retrievers are very loyal to their family. They usually get along with most people, as well as pets, so chances are your new puppy will be a welcome addition. You still need to be careful, however, because you never know how two dogs will get along with each other. By following the tips below, you can give your dogs a good chance of having a loving relationship with each other.

Neutral Territory

Instead of bringing the new puppy straight home, let them meet at a park, a neighbor's yard, or somewhere away from your home. Watch how they interact with each other. Your Golden Retriever will not look at them as much as a threat. If the new puppy can walk on a leash, walk them and your current dog together at the same time. Bring someone along with you to do this, as you want to try to keep them close together but not too close.

You have to be patient. Your older dog may not pay any attention to the new puppy and show no interest in them whatsoever in the beginning. Once they start playing together or at least your Golden interacts and notices the new puppy, take them home. If you cannot walk home, put the puppy in a crate on the way home. Have someone sit in between them.

Toys

Pick up all toys, food bowl, chews, and any items that are your Gold Retriever's favorite in the beginning. If you do not, these things can cause tension between the dogs, as your Golden Retriever may get upset when the new puppy tries to play with them. Over time, as they get more comfortable with each other, give them the toys and chews a little at a time.

Food

In the beginning, never feed the two dogs together at the same time. Even though Golden Retrievers are very loving dogs, they may become territorial and aggressive when it comes to their food. A new puppy has not learned the rules of the house yet, and may try to eat from your dog's bowl. Instead, feed them separately for a few weeks. When the dogs are finished eating, remove the food bowls, just in case your Golden Retriever stays territorial of it even if there is no food in it.

Exercise

As you likely already know, Golden Retrievers require regular periods of exercise and do best with intense activity. Because you will be busy with your new puppy, you still need to make sure they get this exercise. If not, they will become high-strung, and will likely be too rambunctious around your new puppy. Your puppy also needs exercise but cannot keep up with your larger dog. For this reason, exercise them separately in the beginning until your puppy grows a little larger.

If your dogs do not seem to get along at all after some time, you should hire an obedience trainer (such as one from Levenson Barb Dog Training Centers) to work with them. This person may come to your home and interact with the dogs in their setting. The new puppy should receive training separately so they can learn their manners.  

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30 September 2015

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