introducing 8 week old pup to 6 month old pup

geoffro

hi, we pick up our new pup in 2 weeks time,
very excited Very Happy

our only concern is that we already have a 6 month old lab and not too sure on how they will get on. Confused

has any body got any tips on making the introduction run smoothly.

sue51 · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:45 pm Post subject:

Hi and welcome to LF Smile

_Jules_ · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:51 pm Post subject:

Watch them all the time when they are together, to make sure play doesn't get too rough for the little one (young, soft bones are easily damaged).

Make sure you train them/ walk them separately. You will have two pups on your hands and you need them both to bond well with you, otherwise they could lead each other astray.

Good luck and have fun Wink

.

Jules.

Becs · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 6:00 am Post subject:

Hi, Because I puppy-socialise for Dogs for the Disabled I have a new pup each year as well as my own 3 dogs. I have found the secret of success is FOOD!!! In my dogs' mind - new pup = loads of treats! I cut down the big dogs' usual food rations by a little bit but they get lots of extra treats whenever the pup is around, for example if the pup pees in the garden, the pup gets a treat but so do the other 3 dogs. Likewise any training I do with the pup involves treats all round. When a new pup arrives in the house I'm sure all my own dogs think 'yummy - more treats'!
I think as your other dog is still so young , you shouldn't have a problem with it being unfriendly towards the pup, but you will have to watch that they don't play too rough. Make sure your 'big' dog doesn't get left out in the excitement with the pup arriving. Luckily pups sleep loads, so you can use that time to make a fuss of the big dog.
The dogs will probably bond really quickly so you will have to make sure that you spend one-on-one time with the pup to make sure it bonds with you too.
It loads of fun having 2 - enjoy,
Becs and the gang

geoffro · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 6:53 am Post subject:

well our big dog is 6 month old and we had him from around 6-8weeks old, he loves other dogs and we take him to obedience classes. I hear what you're saying about the play getting a bit rough, I'm sure it will be a bit rough at first until we've calmed the our big dog (Harvey) down, he usually settles down after about 5 minutes or so, what do you reckon we should do about their sleeping arrangements, Harvey sleeps down stairs as we've been told not to let them go up stairs as it can damage their hips, although he still goes up them Shocked

got to get that stair gate fitted. Will we have have to have the new pup (Murphy) up stairs with us for the first few nights.
We used to have a crate but sold it a couple of days ago, before we actually decided to get another pooch Very Happy

And getting another dog should it calm harvey down a bit as he has company when he's on his own, or am i way off the mark Embarassed

_Jules_ · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 7:50 am Post subject:

geoffro · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 8:04 am Post subject:

yes thats what i thought, it could go either way, complete madness or better than before. we'll wait and see Confused

SuzanneL · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:29 am Post subject:

When we got our first second dog we were lucky in that he was not stupid. It was recommended to me that we train seperately and I thought what a nightmare, but it turned out fine. 10 mins each and 10 mins together then 5 mins for a play and blow off steam, not so much for my lab but the second pup then was a collie 3months younger. When we got our 2nd lab, it was 10mins with Willow alone 10 mins with Willow and Jet and 10 mins together until Willow could do more. My husband did a later walk/ throw and chase with Jet just so he could still get his 'quota'- didnt want to let him get fat and even lazier.
In the beginning it was all done in our garden or along our road (once all injections done) and then into the field behind our house.

A second dog in the beginning is hard work but I am so so so glad I didnt bring one of Jets sisters home with us!!!!

I think that 2 or more dogs together are great fun for lots of reasons as long as you have the control. Enjoy!!
I often think about getting a third lab............I have 3 children it kinda puts me off the idea!!!

pollyharriet · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:53 pm Post subject:

hello! we have a 2year old amy, and last sunday got an 8wk old puppy bruno!! we introduced them with Amy on a lead so everytime she got a bit too excited i could turn her head away....she soon got the message if she stayed calm she got to stay! with lots of praise lots of treats, within hours they cuddled up asleep together. we do have to watch though as amy sometimes gets too excited! we use the crate at night for bruno to sleep.good luck Wink