Getting Current Dog Ready For A New Puppy

[cassie]

Hi all,

You may have seen my other post in General, where I stated that I will be getting a Saint Bernard puppy in early April. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips on getting my current dog, a desexed male two-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, ready/prepared for when this pup arrives.

I used to take him to our local dog park and let him run around with the other dogs of all ages and sizes, but we have stopped going as there were a few dog fights that occurred (never involving Zephyr) so it just didn't seem like a nice environment any longer. Should I perhaps return back, to allow him to get used to playing with puppies again? (Under supervision of course.) Or do you think he will be fine? He was always very gentle back when I used to take him quite often, will he remember to be gentle? I hope I am making sense here.

He is a very loving dog and adores all other dogs that he meets in the street etc, although we have never brought another dog home before. I just want to take any precautions that I possibly can. Also, of course I will supervise their play in the beginning, but at what age/time/whatever could the two be left alone together?

When the puppy reaches four weeks of age, the breeder is going to allow us to visit him once a week every week until we bring him home. Should I maybe take a towel or something that I can rub over the puppy to get his scent, which I can then give to Zephyr to sniff and get used to? Just an idea. Would love to hear other people's experiences/opinions.

[Belijae]

If you reckon it might be a problem to bring the new pup straight into your yard, you can have your two dogs meet on neutral ground (an area that Zephyr doesn't consider his territory) for their first meeting.

Otherwise, just make sure that Zephyr gets lots of attention so he doesn't feel threatened. It can help to resolve tension if Zephyr gets everything first (first greetings, first treats, first to get food - though this could be tricky with a young pup who is fed 3 or four times a day), the best spots, first pick of things etc. which tells him he is still top dog and lets the new arrival know he is second in line. Hopefully everything will go smooth and Zephyr will relish his new playmate.

good luck!

[Doghouse]

We took Lola into see Myf when we got her..

We still have yet to have a problem..

[cassie]

Thankyou for the replies

Can anyone offer any opinions on the suggestions I had in my first post? Is it a good idea to start going back to the dog park to get him used to puppies again? (Or is it something they wouldn't forget?) He is pretty much a big puppy himself anyway! And is taking a towel to rub over the puppy and get it's scent for Zephyr a good idea? Also at what age can I leave the two of them alone together?

Thanks, Cassie

[SparkyTansy]

I would not take him back to the dog park due to the fact that if there are dog fights and he does happen to be unlucky enough to be attacked, this would do way more harm than the good that may come out of socialising him there. You could try to perhaps attend a place where they are well behaved dogs like obedience training? Just walk him around (try not to disturb the dogs doing obedience) and interact when you can with some other dogs.

As for the preparation thing, i didn't actually do much before i got my new puppy, but i made sure that te older dog got a lot of attention, food first, hello's first etc.

I think i left my bub alone for the first time with the other dog about 2 weeks after we got him. It took spartan a week to get used to the puppy and was quite nervous during that time... he soon got over it.

[GbDb]

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Edited September 23, 2008 by nume