Introducing a new puppy?

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Luna2006

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So, deposit has been placed and we have a female Cocker Spaniel pup coming home in almost 3 weeks. How do we introduce her too our current dog (5 year old Cockapoo girl)?
I've read quite a bit, but lots of it seems contradictory. I plan on crate training the puppy and she will be in one during the nights, the crate is in the same room as older dogs bed.
A few places say to introduce on neutral ground, we don't have access to anybodys garden though and pup is only 8 weeks so can't go to a park or anything.
The older dog is very friendly with other dogs when out and tends to be quite submissive (sniffs the other dog, lays down and exposes belly when she gets the chance to stop and meet one!) but of course, its different when meeting a new dog on own territory - she isn't territorial when other animals (kittens, rabbits etc) have been brought home.

Any advice on introducing the pair?
 
When I brought my new puppy home a few weeks ago, I brought my older dog out of the house, got the puppy out of the car, and just walked them round the garden together for a few minutes.
I crate the puppy at night, and just keep a close eye as some toys/situations can make the older dog a bit possesive/grumpy.

Good Luck, hope all goes well.
 
Exciting times. As your current dog is generally sociable and submissive I'd just introduce them at home. I'd keep pup on your knee initially until you're sure your current girl is happy and then try to be hands off and let them get on with it, so long as there's no serious falling out. Be sure to give your older girl plenty of attention so she doesn't feel her nose has been pushed out. Your crate training idea sounds fine. Good luck and enjoy! A new puppy brings lots of pleasure, but often a little stress too 😁
 
I introduced a new puppy last year to my 8yo CKCS. I read all the books about keeping the crate in another room, I did this for a few weeks but I'm not sure it made any difference and moved them in to the same room early on which I think they both preferred. I introduced them in the garden just so we weren't enclosed in a room but they got on instantly and have been book ends ever since!
Good luck and enjoy the challenges, worth every second ☺
 
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