Will an Older Dog Hurt a Puppy?
A properly socialized older dog probably won’t intentionally harm a puppy, but seniors who have never been good with puppies might get irritated, ultimately resulting in your senior hurting the pup.
Dogs are intelligent animals, and very rarely attack other dogs for pleasure (as long as they aren’t trained to).
Your older dog is more likely going to love the companionship.
Photo by Melanie Lemahieu on Shutterstock
If introduced properly, your aging pet should grow to tolerate, even enjoy the presence of the new family addition.
There is still a possibility he won’t accept and actually harm the puppy if you aren’t vigilant.
If the energetic younger dog ends up accidentally harming the older during play, there is a possibility he could hurt the puppy in instinctive retaliation.
Most dogs will issue an audible or visual warning with a growl or snap.
Take a look at this article to read your dog’s body language and how it correlates to mouthing, nipping, and bite inhibition if you are worried.
Dogs don’t always think about the decision to bite before reacting to pain, as many of us imagine.
If you are still worried about potential altercations, take a look at the article I’ve written about How You Should Deal with Dog on Dog Attacks.
This is a very common behavioral problem for dog owners.
It’s the label we use for dog aggression toward anyone who approaches his food or possessions.
Believe it or not, the need to protect food or other possessions is very instinctual in dogs.
This instinct comes from a time when they needed to either guard or bury food, protecting their meals from other predators.
If not treated, a slight growl can turn into snapping and even biting.
Owners can inadvertently make this worse by punishing their pets for the behavior, disrupting their meals, and only confirming the dog’s fears.
Thankfully, resource guarding is one of the simplest behaviors to treat, since all you have to do is convince your dog you (or your puppy) aren’t a threat to his possessions.
If you want to know more about this problem, take a look at our article about food aggression in dogs.
You also might want to check out our article about aggression between two dogs in the same house.
When shouldn’t you get a puppy?
Socialization is vital for a puppy’s lifelong psychological development and stability.
If your older dog is not friendly with other dogs and reacts aggressively with this puppy, it could cause irreparable harm that the pup might never recover from.
As a responsible dog owner, you might have to let go of the idea of having a second pooch even though you’d really like to have one.
If everything is clear and your lifestyle allows for a puppy, you know about the challenges, your dog loves puppies and so on, then you’re good to go.
Benefits of Getting a Puppy with an Older Dog
Getting a puppy with an older dog introduces a social partner for both, engages your senior in more playful behavior and exercise, and may increase your senior’s lifespan.
Above all, dogs are social animals, having adapted to thrive in a group environment since the first Grey wolves roamed North America around 750,000 years ago.
Wild Grey wolves (and many other subspecies) still rely on their ‘pack’ family members for survival.
Few dogs will ever be truly happy isolated.
In fact, isolate any breed from social contact and you’re drafting a recipe for depression.
Aging dogs are already prone to increased anxiety, social problems, and depression before you consider the possible isolation of an extended workday.
Adding a new member to the family dynamic can be one of the best things you can do for your aging pet.
It’s also great for the pup as socialization is essential.
Socialization: Exposure to as many enjoyable sights, sounds, smells (i.e. enjoyable experiences) as possible; creating a sense of comfort and safety with these things.
Take a look at this article to learn about socializing your new puppy.
But not all dogs prefer the company of a pup or any other animal.
Independent breeds, shelter dogs, or just poorly socialized canines may prefer staying alone.
As a dog ages, his energy levels will decrease and metabolism begins to slow.
He won’t want to play for as long, and he will be more susceptible to weight gain.
Young puppies, on the other hand, seem to possess limitless energy.
They can’t often get enough physical stimulation.
In an ideal situation, your young pup will bring out a newfound zest for life in your older dog.
You might see an eagerness for life that you haven’t in years.
Because your older dog has found a new playmate, he’ll be able to burn off some of that excess energy he’s been bottling up.
This will result in a healthier dog, both physically and mentally.
With companionship ideally comes a reduction in stress and an increase in physical activity including play.
You’ll likely see physical improvements along with emotional in your older pet.
A happier dog, especially an older one, is less likely to experience medical problems.
Less anxiety means a healthier heart rate and lowered chances for heart disease.
As noted above, a more active, playful dog is less likely to suffer from obesity-related health concerns.
Take a look at this article if you still aren’t convinced getting a second dog is the right thing to do.
How to Get Your Older Dog to Accept Your Puppy
Older dogs who are properly socialized and tolerated other pups in the past have a higher chance of accepting a new puppy, especially if they’re gradually introduced.
Simply put, socialization is the single most important behavioral principle described here.
If your older dog is already socialized, this should come easily.
Never force introductions, but rather gradually entice your pets to interact with reward-based positive reinforcement.
Ensure your senior dog is allowed alone time and isn’t bombarded with constant puppy antics.
Your older dog should feel a sense of security with his toys and possessions; don’t let the puppy hoard them.