If you are introducing a puppy to a full grown dog who has been the only dog in your home for years, in my case 4 years, it is important to do it gradually and not rush things. It is equally important, if not more so, to make the older dog feel special and not jealous. For example, when any of my children would first walk into the house, they would immediately dote on Kumason, my 4 year old, before they would see puppy Himeko.
Investing in gates to keep the dogs separated at first is also important. With the gates, they can still see and sniff each other and get to know each other that way. Only you will know when the time is right to let them be in the same room together, always supervised, of course.
Himeko was 17 weeks old when I first let her in the same room with Kumason. Kumason is a 118 pound male Akita made up of pure muscle. I felt Himeko needed to get bigger and calmer before I let them play in the same room together. I knew this because every time Himeko jumped up on the gates, she would paw at him and try to bite his ears. Kumason did not like this which was evident by his growl. While I knew he was most likely correcting her, I was just a little nervous on how he would correct her if they were in the same room. Only you will know when the time is right.
Buying a special toy for each of them, preferably the same one, is a good start. I decided to get two elk antlers, a larger one for Kumason and a smaller one for Himeko. They really enjoyed nibbling on their special toy. Not only were they in the same room together, but they were laying right next to each other.
Whichever way you decide to introduce your puppy, safety is of utmost importance. Remember to be patient and calm and to watch for signs of annoyance or aggression from the older dog(s). Always make sure they are supervised 100 percent of the time. With a lot of love and playtimes together, they will form a lasting bond and be best buddies forever.
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