Bringing a new puppy into a home with an established dog can be a moment filled with anticipation and trepidation. Years ago, when I introduced my puppy, Jeremy, to my older dog, Amy, her initial growls were a clear sign of her discomfort.
As a certified dog behaviorist, I knew that understanding and managing this behavior was crucial for a peaceful coexistence. This article draws on my professional experience and insights from renowned experts like Dr. Patricia McConnell and Ian Dunbar to guide you through integrating a new puppy into your home with a resident dog.
So, Why Is My Dog Growling At A New Puppy?
Growling is often an older dog’s way of setting boundaries. It’s a natural response when they feel their space is invaded or they’re uncomfortable with the new puppy’s behavior. It can also be a way of establishing hierarchy and teaching a puppy manners, such as not being too excitable or taking their food and toys. However, sometimes it can escalate into full-blown aggression.
When a new youngster enters the household, it’s not uncommon for the resident dog to growl at the newcomer. This behavior can be alarming for owners, but it’s important to understand why it’s happening and what to do about it before it escalates into a more serious problem.
One reason why a senior dog may growl at a new young dog is to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals, and they have a natural hierarchy. When a new member joins the pack, the resident dog may feel the need to assert their position. Growling is a way for the dog to communicate to the puppy that they are in charge.
Growls are a form of communication in the canine world. Amy’s growls at Jeremy were her way of setting boundaries, a natural reaction to what she perceived as an invasion of her space. Punishing the growl can often exacerbate the issue, potentially leading to more severe aggression. Instead, respecting Amy’s signals and providing her with her own space was key.
It’s important to note that growling is a natural behavior for dogs, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that the resident dog will be aggressive towards the pup. However, it’s important to monitor their interactions and intervene if necessary to prevent any potential harm.
If you’re experiencing this behavior with your dogs, it’s important to give them time to adjust to each other’s presence. Gradually introduce them to each other and supervise their interactions. With patience and proper training, they can learn to coexist peacefully.
What to Do About an Older Dog Growling at a New Puppy?
Respect the older dog’s space and signals without punishment. Provide separate safe areas, supervise interactions, and foster positive experiences during shared activities. Ensure each dog has their own resources like food and toys to prevent resource guarding.
It’s also important to teach a puppy how to interact politely with a senior or adult dog. Often, puppies can be overwhelming, trying to play with an older dog who is set in their ways. It’s vital to distract your new pup when they are getting too much, supervise interactions, and intervene if a puppy is getting overexcited or trying to take something away from the resident dog.
I will provide a more in-depth guide to help how to get an adult dog to another dog. But let’s first take a deeper look at the issue.
New Puppy in the House
Introducing a new young dog to the house can be an exciting time for everyone involved. However, it can also be a challenging experience for both the newcomers and any existing dogs in the household.
We quickly realized that our older dog was feeling territorial and protective of her space and belongings. To ease the transition, we made sure to give our older dog plenty of attention and reassurance, while also setting clear boundaries and rules for both dogs.
We also made sure to supervise their interactions closely and intervene if necessary. We used positive reinforcement techniques to reward good behavior and discourage any negative behavior. We also made sure to give each dog their own space and toys to prevent any conflicts over resources.
Overall, introducing a pup to the house requires patience, consistency, and careful supervision. With time and proper training, our older dog and new family member were able to form a strong bond and coexist peacefully in our home.
Why Your Dog Might Be Growling at the New Puppy
When introducing puppies to your household, it is common for your existing dog to growl. This behavior is not necessarily a sign of aggression, but rather a way for your dog to communicate their feelings. In this section, we will explore some reasons why your dog might be snarling at the new addition.
Establishing Dominance
Dogs are pack animals and have a natural instinct to establish dominance within their pack. When a young dog is introduced, your dog may feel the need to assert their dominance and show the puppy who is in charge. This can lead to grumbling, snarling, and even snapping.
Fear and Anxiety
Your dog may also be growling at the newcomer out of fear or anxiety. The introduction of a new puppy can be stressful for your dog, especially if they are not used to being around other dogs. Your dog may feel threatened by the pup and snarl as a way to protect themselves.
Resource Guarding
Another reason why your dog might be growling is resource guarding. Dogs can be possessive of their food, toys, and other belongings. When a new dog is introduced, your dog may feel that their resources are being threatened and growl as a way to protect them.
How to Respond to Dogs Showing Aggression To New Young Dogs In The Home
Don’t Punish the Growl
Create Positive Associations
Also see our article on how to walk two dogs at once as this is the best way to get your dogs to bond and become a pack.
Separate and Supervise
I closely supervised their initial interactions to ensure safety and to interpret their body language. We went on walks and hikes together, which allowed them to bond in a neutral environment. Play sessions were monitored to ensure they were both comfortable and enjoyed the activity.
In the picture above you can see Amy beginning to play tug with Jeremy. This was an activity I supervised closely, as both dogs were learning to play politely with each other. But since Amy could quickly become possessive of her toys, I never let them play tug unsupervised.
Creating a Safe Space for Both Dogs
Both Amy and Jeremy had their own crates, giving Amy a safe retreat and preventing any resource guarding. Establishing individual areas for each dog helps maintain harmony and gives both dogs a sense of security.
Remember, it’s important to respond calmly and patiently when your dog is uncomfortable with a newcomer. With time and effort, you can help your dog adjust and create a harmonious household for all members, furry or otherwise.
Respecting Resources and Individuality
Each dog had their own toys and balls for fetch, reinforcing that they didn’t need to compete for resources. They were fed separately, and Jeremy was not allowed to disturb Amy during her meals or when she was enjoying a chew toy. This helped foster mutual respect and individuality.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog’s aggression persists despite your best efforts to manage the situation, it may be time to seek professional help. A qualified dog behaviorist or trainer can help you identify the root cause of the aggression and develop a plan to address it.
Persistent Aggression
If your dog’s snarling escalates to biting or attacking the younger dog, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. This type of aggression can be dangerous and may require specialized training techniques to address.
Extreme Fear
If your dog seems extremely fearful of the pup and is growling as a defensive response, it’s important to seek professional help to prevent the situation from escalating. A behaviorist or trainer can help you develop a plan to help your dog feel more comfortable and confident around the strange addition.
Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness or failure as a pet owner. It’s a responsible step to ensure the safety and well-being of all pets involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I introduce my older dog to a new puppy?
What are some signs that my older dog is feeling jealous of a new puppy?
Is it common for older dogs to be aggressive towards puppies?
What should I do if my dog attacks my new puppy?
How long does it usually take for a dog to adjust to a new puppy?
What can I do to stop my dog from growling at my new puppy?
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, introducing a new puppy to a household with an existing dog can be a challenging experience. It is important to monitor the dogs closely and intervene when necessary to prevent any aggressive behavior.
If your dog is growling at the new puppy, it is crucial to address the issue as soon as possible. Seek the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist if needed.
Remember that every dog is different and may require a unique approach. Some dogs may need more time and patience to adjust to a new addition to the family.
Be sure to provide plenty of positive reinforcement for both dogs when they display good behavior towards each other. This can include treats, toys, and verbal praise.
With patience, consistency, and proper training, your dogs can learn to coexist peacefully and become lifelong companions.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.