how do I introduce a new puppy?

[daisybee]

We have a year old lab. We just got a 9 week old puppy, coonhound mix.
The lab wants to play with, or eat the puppy. The lab weighs 80 pounds and the puppy weighs 22 pounds we're afraid the puppy is going to get hurt. They are both males, but they are both neutered. Is there anyway that we can help them to adjust and stay sane at the same time?

[luvofallhorses]

just introduce them slowly to each other. they won't be buddies overnight, but I am sure they'll learn to live with each other peacefully at their own pace. :) and I would love to see pictures of them both! :D I have a coonhound, his name is Buster and he's in my sig. :)

[Karen]

Just closely supervise playtime, as long as no blood is shed, they'll be fine. Expect play which may sound alarming to you, as every mammal group I have ever seen plays "I'm gonna bite your head off" and yet survives!Remember to still give the "big sibling" some attention on his own, to minimize jealousy, though.

[gitanjali27]

Hey there!
i had a similar situation to yours where i had to introduce a puppy to a larger dog as well.
What i did was this, allow some time for them to sniff each other out..once they know each others' smells, they'll calm down a little. Next, when you let them play together just remember that sometimes when dogs play, it looks a lot more violent to us but to them it's just playing. However, pull the dogs apart when you see either dog lunging at the other dog's neck, teeth bared or if either dog growls or gives a warning bark.

Also, give both dogs equal attention. I actually had to give my bigger dog slightly more attention at first since I didn't want him to feel like i had replaced him. Doting on the puppy is just going to make your other dog feel neglected, depressed, jealous or possesive of you--leading to a lot more fights.

Finally, i would recommend you give them each their own space for their crates (that is if you have crates for both of them). Feed one dog on one side of the room and the puppy on the opposite side. That reduces a LOT of jealousy and 'hey this is MY space' possessivness.

Good luck with the doggies! I'm sure they'll be buddies soon.

[Giselle]

I agree with the above poster except for one thing, I wouldn't give equal attention. I would give more attention to the existing dog. Remember, you'll have the rest of the puppy's life to bond with him so just spend this time assuring your existing dog that this puppy will not take away any of your affection.

Also, you want to introduce the dogs on neutral ground. This may mean you'll have to go out of your way and introduce them at a nearby park, but even the street in front of your house is better than introducing them at home. There may be a few scuffles here and there but it's all normal and completely expected. Good luck! My dogs raised he** when I introduced Giselle into the family, but everything is fine now :)