How to Introduce a New Puppy to Your Family

Growing your family is always exciting! But, like becoming a first-time parent, adding a new puppy to the mix comes with unique stresses. Whether your home is currently pet-free or full of fluff, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your puppy’s new home is welcoming while maintaining your family’s sanity.

The Basics of How to Introduce a New Puppy

Before bringing your new fur-ever friend into your home, we recommend a bit of preparation. 

Designate Safe Zones: Create a nice reprieve where current pets can feel safe and relaxed, away from the pup. Odds are, they already have a favorite spot you can use!

Assign a Neutral Space: This area will be used for first impressions and supervised playtime. It could be a shared living space, garage, or backyard. Just be sure that isn’t also claimed as a safe zone.

Set Up a Cozy Crate: A crate (kennel) can serve double duty for introductions and training purposes.

Gradual Introduction: Rather than letting your feisty pup have free reign in your home, let older pets and kiddos interact with them in small increments. As they become more comfortable and tolerant of each other, begin increasing their time together.

Keep Watch: Always supervise interactions between your puppy and pets/children so you can prevent accidents, injuries, or undue stress for anyone involved.

The playbook for introducing puppies to cats, dogs, and children isn’t one-size-fits-all. But luckily, our dedicated team is sharing some of their top tips for each to help make your transition that much smoother!

Tips for Introducing Older Dogs to Puppies

Dogs are social by nature and may be eager to meet a new friend. But they can also be territorial and hesitant of newcomers.

DO provide a sniff test. After your puppy has made the trip home in their new crate with a cozy blankie, let your current dog smell the blanket. If possible, do this before your puppy even comes home.

DON’T assume that your best friend will share food and toys. At least not right away: Resource guarding is common (and natural), but can be a sign of insecurity in dogs. Growling, snarling, and baring teeth are signs to be aware of.

Tips for Introducing Cats to Puppies

Believe it or not, dogs and cats can learn to live in harmony—all it takes is time and quite a bit of patience!

DO keep cats and dogs separate for a few days. Begin interactions at mealtime, feeding them on either side of a door so they can get accustomed to each other’s scents–but not be in the same space during feeding time.

DON’T leave them alone unsupervised! Cats have particular personalities and routines, so until you’re certain your pets can coexist, it’s best to keep them separated when you’re away.

DO encourage and allow daily interactions. The more encounters your pets have, the sooner they’ll begin to get along. Just be sure that kitty always has an escape route available to safety.

Tips for Introducing Young Children to Puppies

DO establish rules for playtime. We recommend starting this conversation well before your new fur baby comes home, so that kiddos are aware of how to properly and safely engage in play with a puppy.

DO kid-puppy meetings in an open space. This will help make sure pup doesn’t get scared or feel cornered.

DON’T force them together. Have kids approach from the side and let the puppy do most of the work—approaching and exploring as they feel comfortable. After a thorough sniff test, encourage kids to offer the back of their hand, with fingers curled in.

Despite the excitement of a new pet, introductions between little tikes and puppies should be supervised and mellow. If either gets too excited, it’s time to take a break!

In a perfect world, all our babies would get along, create idyllic cuddle puddles, and be fast friends. The reality, however, is often much different—particularly if you have pets or children who haven’t interacted with dogs. Our main goal is to keep them (and you) happy and stress-free!