UIntroducing a 6 year old to a 9 week old puppy.....

[labgirl]

With Merlin I made introductions with him in a soft crate with the lid open and Cadbury loose. Merlin had never been outside and it was a dark, cold February night when we got home, so there was no real option of doing an outside intro.

Cadbury came into the living room, saw this fluffy blue thing, barked and ran for his life 10secs later he had worked out it was a puppy and was happy as could be. I did aim to keep them separate at first because Merlin was so small, but Cadbury treated him with kid gloves and pretty soon it was clear Merlin was in charge so I stopped worrying.

Yes we had a few gripes and grumbles when Merlin hit adolescence, but I think that is to be expected. Best of pals now.

 

[Silaria]

I've always heard it's best to introduce dogs on neutral territory. Since that isn't an easy option for you, is it possible to get something with Callen's scent from the breeder before you bring him home? (Yes, I realize it's only a few days away.) This will give Indy a change to at least get familiar with his scent.

When you bring him home, I'd potty Callen before you bring him in the house so you can have time for introductions to happen. I'd leave Callen in the crate and let them say hello through the crate. If you can, the next thing I'd do is put them in separate rooms with a baby gate, or similar divider, between them so they can continue to check each other out safely. After that I'd bring them together, supervised.

 

[BarbV]

Getting the scent is just not possible beforehand.

I think most of the suggestions align to my thoughts. I don't think I can sneak him into the backyard for a quick potty. Indy will know I'm home as soon as the car pulls in.

I expect I will just be calm and bring in the crate as if I'm just bringing in groceries. Set it down and let them sniff. By the time I get home it will Indy's dinner time, so I expect that he will mostly focussed on that anyway. So I will feed him, potty the pup and probably feed him too, then bring them both outside to get acquainted. Weather permitting!

I'm sure all will be fine. And Sca...I appreciate your advice at allowing Indy to be top dog for awhile. At least, that's what I read into your post....

 

[SheepOfBlue]

Sca doesn't rank himself. He is funny that way. He is neither the lead dog nor the victim as he just doesn't care. So sometimes he herds Spitfire and other times Spitfire is leaping on his head. He is just a nice laid back dog with everyone he meets. Most other dogs would have squished Spitfire long ago so they are a perfect match (and despite his tough act Spitfire relies on Sca for security)

So when is the new pup coming home? We want pictures and to hear how Indy loves him (most of the time)

 

[k9kreationz]

I like Silaria's idea. You can stop down the street to potty the puppy. Or introduce them outside... is that an option? So if the puppy needs to go, he can go.

Miko didn't like not care for Koji. Took him a few days to play with him. Granted Miko was an only dog for 9 years. They eventually played and I'd like to think Miko loved him but they were never best buddies.

Good luck.

 

[BarbV]

Pup comes home on Tuesday......checking my lists and checking it all twice! I think I'm more anal now than I was when I brought Bacca home 6 years ago....maybe too much knowledge is a bad thing!

 

[Mom2Melli]

Did you include on your list a new memory card for the camera for all the pix and videos you are going to take?

Just enjoy. It's just a puppy. They have been raised by humans forever. You all will do great!

 

[BarbV]

Did you include on your list a new memory card for the camera for all the pix and videos you are going to take?

Just enjoy. It's just a puppy. They have been raised by humans forever. You all will do great!

Good reminder. Sometimes I think I know too much so ask more questions...

Chill Barb! Lol

 

[Mom2Melli]

Totally understandable -- my friend and her son are BOTH expecting pups -- his is on the ground and her is still baking.

They are BOTH panicked too and I keep talking the down off the ledge.

I did like crating. I got a religiously potty trained pup, only two accidents in the kitchen by the back door during dinner both times, and no termite activity. I also baby gated in the office with me and my other dog while I worked as we got further along.

Three hours will be fine. I think I did 3-4 about that age. It was when I got out of the crating and had the pup on the carpet that we really pottied frequently. Every time he looked the least bit like he was getting up to wander we went out and peed. It was fun.

 

[Judyg]

This is going to be so much fun for you! I can't wait to hear all about it and to see puppy pictures.