Introducing Puppy Home

[Duke]

We're getting ready to bring home Vixen next weekend. Thought it would be great if I get some tips making her intro with Duke go smoothly.

I used to free feed Duke. I was told not to do that anymore. No problem, I changed that last week.

I also was told to pick up Duke's favorite toys and put them away but don't think he'd care if she played with them. They're just balls and bones. I am more concerned about keeping Duke away from her toys, because he will destroy them in minutes. She will eventually do that too, but she should have some softer chewy toys just for her puppy teeth. Any suggestions?

We will be driving to just east of Chicago to pick her up. (3.5-4 hour drive) Should we bring Duke or leave him home? If they were to ride in separate crates - they would be able to look at each other all the way home, or would that be crazy? I know Duke would want to play with her. Ahhh - I think I just answered my question. Leave Duke home.

Maybe I can get some ideas of how others have intro'd new puppy to the older dog? Keeping in mind that Duke is only 1 yr and still quite rambunctious.

Any suggestions and things to consider are appreciated. Thanks

[Basenji_Boy]

First, Congrats.:D

We took other dogs to pick up pups before, separate crates. Great place(car) to get used to one another depending on the length of the ride home.
We also took blankets along that had the scent of the other dogs on it and wrapped the pup in it for the ride home.:)

Just keep in mind Duke was there first and the pup is the newbie. You'd be suprised what petty stuff they get jealous or protective over.

Good luck and have a blast.:D

[Quercus]

I would definitley bring Duke with. It will be much better for them to "howdy" in the car, in separate crates,than bringing a little intruder into Duke's much cherished home with no warning. You could also stop a rest stop and let them greet then walk with each other…then continue home. By the time you get home, they won't be strangers anymore.

That's how we usually introduce a puppy. Shh...but we will be doing the same thing next weekend. Now my question to you...do I bring all FIVE dogs in the van to meet the new puppy...and then where will she fit? We have to drive to Cleveland....the land of several feet of snow!

As far as the toys....well, we usually just have adult toys I guess. We haven't had gummabones since Querk was a puppy, because as you said, the older dogs ruin them instantly. I would reserve puppy only toys for times in her crate. And yes, it is probably best to pick up the FAVORITE toys until the dogs have already formed a friendship.

Good luck! Have fun! Can't wait to see pics!

[nala121498]

@Quercus:

Shh…but we will be doing the same thing next weekend.

Oooh How exciting…I won't tell anyone!!

Jill...love the name - I don't have any advice, but can't wait to hear about and see them meet!

[Duke]

Andrea & BBoy - you two are in sync on this one:

I would definitley bring Duke with. It will be much better for them to "howdy" in the car, in separate crates,than bringing a little intruder into Duke's much cherished home with no warning. You could also stop a rest stop and let them greet then walk with each other…then continue home. By the time you get home, they won't be strangers anymore.

Good point! I can only imagine it to be a noisy ride home. OK, I'll bring Duke.

This is my list of items to bring:

• aspirin*
• camera
• blankets
• treats
• chewys
• bowls
• cooler/water

Anything missing on this list??

That's how we usually introduce a puppy. Shh…but we will be doing the same thing next weekend. Now my question to you...do I bring all FIVE dogs in the van to meet the new puppy...and then where will she fit? We have to drive to Cleveland....the land of several feet of snow!

Oh wow! Andrea, shh "The cat's out of the bag now!" You must be as thrilled as I am to bring puppy home. You'll need a motor home if you bring all FIVE to meet puppy! BBoy might have some better ideas.

Snow! Hopefully, our yearly snow storm just went through. I hate driving in bad weather!

I have another week to wait, so if there are some more ideas out there - Please post. Thanks.

[Quercus]

<>
I haven't told my mom yet....she already thinks we are nuts! Thrilled? Kinda....wondering what I have gotten myself into and why? Definitely

[Basenji_Boy]

@Duke:

You must be as thrilled as I am to bring puppy home. You'll need a motor home if you bring all FIVE to meet puppy! BBoy might have some better ideas.

Put those Senji's to good use Andrea….........maybe a gas saving idea like this!
Better than 4WD in the snow!:D

[Duke]

They always find out . . . Half the fun is keeping the secret and the other half is when they find out! LOL:D

Enjoy! Hope to see pics and hear details soon.;)

[lvoss]

How exciting. You will have to tell us the details Andrea.

My boys are leaving tonight. It looks like you have a good list of things to bring. I am sending mine home with a blanket that smells like our pack. The adult dogs have been sleeping on them all week. Also, the food they have been eating, some treats they are used to, a nylabone wishbone from the "little prince" line, they are just the right size for the pups and the adult dogs pretty much ignored them. They have their Christmas toy and also each have a collar and leash. I think that is everything.

The one family with the longest drive is actually going to spend the night locally so they can get to know their puppy a little before driving home and integrating him into their pack. Their friends are having a "puppy shower" before they head home tomorrow.

[Duke]

We drove out to Indiana and met with the BCOSW Rescue Coordinator on Friday. Vixen's new name is Daisy. She is 9 weeks old already. I was successful uploading just a few photos into Photobucket. These photos were taken at the pet friendly hotel. We spent Thursday night there, anticipating the Friday morning union. Daisy is so sweet.

Here you can see the banter begin in the hotel room. Lisa & Wanda from the BCOSW helped with their introduction . . . It continues until they're napping or in their crates. Duke is real pushy intervening attention by us with Daisy. Even though he gets more than his fair share of love & attention. Does anyone know how long this will last? Any suggestions?

Daisy gets right back in Duke's face though. She is not afraid of him. He puts his teeth on her, I get nervous, because he is so much bigger and stronger than her. She goes after his stubby tail. He springs up on the sofa to get out of her way. She goes under the sofa to get out of his way. Then they're off and running again. The dynamic in our home has once again changed. I hope that Duke will calm down again.