New Puppy Questions

Roxie'sMommy · #1 16th November 2008, 04:52 PM

I have a 4 1/2 year old female boxer. I am looking at getting another one. I want to get her a little brother. I have been talking with a breeder and the puppies will be ready in Feb. What is the best way to introduce Roxie to a new puppy and vice versa. Should I take her to pick up the puppy? I am not sure the best way to go about this. Roxie loves other dogs and loves to play around but she loves her mommy and daddy very much and sometimes gets protective. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks

BxrMommieNAZ · #2 16th November 2008, 08:15 PM

My girl was around 6 when I brought home our 7 1/2 week old puppy. I just brought him home, put him on the floor and that was that. They sniffed each other and have been the best of buds ever since. Most dogs don't have issues with puppies and if she is already fine with other dogs, there shouldn't be a problem at that age. Since you already have a female though I would HIGHLY suggest getting a male puppy.

Barron's mom · #3 16th November 2008, 08:27 PM

I heard the best way to introduce two dogs is by establishing them as a pack by walking them together first (that is what trainers, including Cesar Milan recommends). I did that with my mother's dog, and they did really well together. Once I felt comfortable with introductions, etc., we let them go off and play with each other in the yard. I would also recommend getting a male. I actually prefer males. They are so much more laid back and mellow.

Caney Creek · #4 16th November 2008, 10:44 PM

As far as taking her to pick out a puppy, I'm not sure how the mother of the pups would like that, and if the breeder would even allow it for that reason

A good way to do it is to bring home a towel that smells like the puppy (after a visit, before bringing him home). Let Roxie smell it. That usually will serve as a "forewarning" that there will soon be an addition

When we got Caney, we just brought her home as well -- Creek was 6. I think that Creek had smelled the puppy on our clothes a few times before that, since we got to visit her quite a bit before bringing her home, but that was it. Creek wasn't too keen on the pup at first, but in time she warmed up. I don't think you'll have any serious problems

especially if you get a male. Their difference in age actually helps too.

BxrMommieNAZ · #5 17th November 2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barron's mom

I heard the best way to introduce two dogs is by establishing them as a pack by walking them together first (that is what trainers, including Cesar Milan recommends). I did that with my mother's dog, and they did really well together. Once I felt comfortable with introductions, etc., we let them go off and play with each other in the yard. I would also recommend getting a male. I actually prefer males. They are so much more laid back and mellow.

I agree if it's a grown dog you're bringing home to an already grown dog, however this is a 6-8 week old puppy IMO puppy shouldn't be going on walks for a good long while, at least until a few rounds of shots. JMO though.

**gmacleod** · #6 17th November 2008, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roxie'sMommy

Should I take her to pick up the puppy?

No, really not. Except possibly if you mean 'take her, but leave her in the car'. Definitely not for taking inside and "helping" to select a puppy. The breeder probably wouldn't allow it anyway, but just in case - it would be the most likely way to create a problem. First there's the issue of potentially introducing disease to young pups who're not yet well protected by immunity. Second, your own dog will be stressed and least likely to react well to the puppies. And third, the pup's mother would be highly stressed also. A great way to start a serious dog fight, in fact.

You would probably be fine introducing the pair on your own property. Outside if your dog is remotely possessive. Inside if she's not (but avoid allowing the pup access to places/stuff that "belong" to Roxie. If it's clear that the newcomer is lowest in the pecking order, she's least likely to have any issues with him.

Roxie'sMommy · #7 17th November 2008, 06:09 PM

I definitely would not bring her to pick out the puppy, I was just curious if I should bring her in the car. Thank you for all of your input. We are excited to add to our family!

LILYLARUE · #8 18th November 2008, 08:33 AM

I would do the trip to get the puppy alone. The last thing you need is to watch the dogs while you are trying to drive. Use that time for a little bonding and quiet time for the pup so he will have the calm energy to meet your girl.

When you get home then introduce them outside first. Let them get acquainted and play a little bit. Then allow your oldest to guide the youngest into the house. She will be the first in the door so the puppy will know who's the lead dog. She can also take the pup a tour and make her feel important. She will be her main teacher for a few months in behaving and acting like a dog so to give her the confidence in helping to raise the new pup would be a benefit all around.

Then grab a soda and take a seat and watch what unfolds between the two of them.

boxerchickie · #9 20th November 2008, 09:46 AM

When we got Kilo, my hubby had already had his dog which is a small feist. They got along great at first--when kilo was smaller than her. Then we moved to my parents house and put the small dog outside. Occasionaly we will bring her in and then she did not like kilo anymore. i guess it was because kilo was bigger