Start with Preparation
Adding a new puppy to your family can be exciting, but it’s important to prepare if you already have a dog at home. At Positive Pets Dog Training in Boise, ID, we often work with multi-dog households to make these transitions smoother. Preparation starts with a plan: think about where the dogs will eat, sleep, and interact. This avoids early confusion and helps both dogs feel secure. When everything is well-organized from the start, the introduction tends to go much more smoothly.
First Impressions Matter
The initial meeting between your current dog and the new pup sets the tone for their future relationship. Choose a neutral, calm environment for the introduction—like a park or front yard. Keep leashes loose and watch for body language that signals discomfort or excitement. Short, supervised sessions are best in the beginning, giving both dogs time to adjust. Our trainers can guide you through these first steps to prevent tension and build positive associations.
Teach Respectful Interactions
Just like kids, dogs need to learn how to share space and attention with each other. Our training programs help older dogs tolerate puppy energy and teach puppies the importance of boundaries. Through principle-based techniques, your pets will learn to interact respectfully, reducing conflict and helping both dogs thrive. Structured routines and controlled playtime are key components of this process. Our team ensures each dog learns in a way that suits their personality.
Keep Training Individualized
Each dog has unique needs that require individualized attention. While group sessions are helpful, one-on-one training may be necessary for behavior issues or specific goals. At Positive Pets, our dog trainers in Boise create customized plans to ensure both the new puppy and older dog succeed at their own pace. Training separately at first often leads to better results when dogs are brought together later. It’s all about building confidence in both dogs before encouraging teamwork.
