We are getting a new Kelpie puppy in a few weeks to 'pension off' my old girl who is nearly 13 years old and too old for working. She's never had a litter of pups herself and is quite territorial when BIL or FIL bring their dogs over (all dogs, no females) but I think that is because they are dogs and they piddle on everything to mark their territory. So I'm thinking that with our new pup she will be able to establish dominance over it and keep the pecking order just the way she likes it, but that may not happen so what should we do to help her get used to the Pup?
We had a few problems with one of our older *****es with some pups. She'd never had a litter either, but i think because she never felt threatened by them we didn't have too many issues. If the pups were trying to play with her initially she'd get a bit cranky and snap at them as a warning, but over time she warmed to them and would join in the play. But if she had enough she'd snap and walk off. We just kept an eye on them and didn't leave them alone until we were sure they were mates. And always made sure the old dog got lots of attention too.
The kids are going to love it!! What are going to call it??
She will be a brown and tan one. I thought that would be the case with them JM. Our girl sleeps on her bed at the backdoor and hasn't been chained up in years but I'm guessing we'd need to chain the pup up when she's older so would that help at all too? I have no idea what she will be named as yet, DH will probably pick though because he'll use her the most.
If we chained a dog we chained them all so one couldn't taunt another iykwim. Getting the pup used to a chain and not barking is a great thing, but we generally don't chain a pup until they are a couple of months old, and then make sure the chain is short so they can't jump over something or off something and hang themselves. Until they were able to be chained we had a puppy pen where we could put them to give the older dogs a break.
TBH I'm not so much good help with working dogs... if she was being introduced into the home as a family dog it would be a bit different. We'd say keep them in separate rooms at night with the older dog where they are used too, but the younger dog would be in a crate or similar in the same room for bed. Crating puppies is a common way of introducing them. Let the older dog have space and be able to "get used" to the pup and when you take the pup out of the crate do it when the older dog is up on the verandah or higher... height and order are important, as long as the older dog walks in somewhere first than the younger dog will learn their place. There is bound to be a bit of telling off. Older dogs don't have much patience with pups and put them in their place very early on. Thats okay, as long as the pups are smart
Thanks Christy, we'd probably have to do something like that at first, she'd be far too little to go where the kennel is because it is away from the house. Thanks for all your help
Introducing a pup to an older dog?
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks