Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Hi Everyone,

Introducing two or more dogs to a new German Shepherd Dog puppy can be an anxious experience because you will be worried that the older or larger dogs could potentially hurt the puppy.  The first thing you must remember to do is present a relaxed mental attitude so that your existing dog(s) does not become anxious or nervous at the time of the introduction.  So take a deep breath and carry your new puppy into the house and allow your other dog(s) to come up and sniff the new puppy while you sit on the couch loving the new German Shepherd Dog puppy.  Once the existing dog(s) lose interest in the new puppy allow the puppy to roam around the house and approach the existing dog(s).  If the existing dogs do not lose interest in the new puppy, after several minutes in your lap place the new puppy on the floor and allow the dogs to meet each other.  This should be closely monitored by you until you are absolutely sure the older dog(s) will not harm the new puppy.  If you have outside dogs then the same exercise can be done in your backyard.

Excited puppies playing

German Shepherd Dogs are Gregarious and Want to Be Part of a Pack

You should have a fair idea about the tolerance level and aggressiveness of the older and larger dog(s); therefore, if a possibility exists for the existing dog to snap at the new German Shepherd Dog puppy, you should do the introduction while the existing dog(s) are on leash, which may require the help of family members.  Even if you have an older dog with a solid temperament if it is a shepherd or larger size dog, I would be hesitant to leave the new German Shepherd Dog puppy under 16 weeks-of-age alone with the existing dog without a couple of days of close supervision.  One single act of aggression from the older dog intended only to teach the new puppy manners can severely injure the puppy if you are not there to prevent or intervene.  After a couple of days of close supervision, you should know if it is safe to leave the dogs together unattended.

If you have friends with dogs then you can do the introduction in the same manner at your friend’s house.  The process should be the same if your friend brings their dog(s) to your house.  If you are introducing new puppies to each other there is no reason to go through any pretense, just introduce them and enjoy the show as they discover each other.

Puppies Learn Manners From Older Dogs

Puppies and Adults Can Get Along if Properly Introduced

As always with all puppies, any dogs that the puppy comes into contact with should be up to date on all vaccinations.  There is little worse than losing a new puppy to parvo or distemper because they came into contact with an unvaccinated dog that was shedding viruses.

Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion.   Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds

Sincerely,

KeystoneGermanShepherds