Adding A New Puppy

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The first thing you need to assess is: Are you ready to add a new puppy?

You’ve been around this block before with your prior puppy who has now learned the ropes and rules of the house, grown up and is large and in charge.  Adding a new pet is very similar to that of adding a new child to a human family.  You play a pivotal role in how this all works out.  Recently, I was contacted by someone who walked away from a puppy they went to go see when they felt it wasn’t a good match.  Some of what I understood was that the family has questions of their own about bringing in a new pet.  Let’s say here that the family needs to be clear about this question.  Dogs are very intuitive at times and if this question isn’t resolved it will pop up the first time things with the new and older dogs go sideways.

Not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ which is OK if you understand the process and leads us to ask, “What is the process?”  Also, this ‘Process’ requires all the family members to understand and to participate for a short time to insure a happy outcome.

 

‘The Process’ is pretty simple:  Do you want to add a new pup to your clan?  (yes/no)  Have you considered if the new pup should be hyper, calm, in between – look at what you have, make your choices.  Do you want a male/female? BTW, males get along fine if they are both neutered and there are no females in heat in the household.  After you have answered these questions you need to own the outcome of adding a new pet – peace in the house before you find that perfect puppy.  You will have fun, the dogs are going to get along, there will be some changes and you will govern both of their behaviors closely for the first month(s) to be sure there is not abuse on either side.  Lastly, while your new puppy should get all the love and attention you gave your first dog, your first dog will need extra TLC and attention during this adjustment period.  He or she needs to feel secure in their place in your heart and household.  Jealousy is very real and is to be expected  but how you pre-empt it as much as possible with your dog will make a lot of difference in how your dog views this new pup: intruder, interloper, companion, friend, competition, replacement, how?  A lot of this view will be through your eyes and how you include/exclude your first faithful friend.   So be prepaid from the beginning for the not so jolly green giant of jealousy to try to stomp the way through this relationship and understand your role is to actively minimize feelings of alienation or hostility during this transition period.  Honestly, Havanese ought to be referred to has the potato chips of the dog world because the phrase ‘You can’t (blank) just one” is their motto.  ‘You can’t have just one’ or’ . .  pet just one,’ have been old time mottos and rules in my household.  Sadly, the situation has transformed from motto to virus among many I know.  There is no recovery but the side effects are funny, entertaining and ridiculous at times.  It definitely is a heart condition.

 

Your dog will take your lead (mostly) with this new puppy.  If your viewpoint is to make this an inclusive move to include all family members rather than just focusing on the puppy, then the outcome will include all family members and their behaviors toward the puppy for a more unified existence through the puppy’s growth, development and afterward.  Remember the growth and development stages with your older dog?  Whew!   Adding dogs to my family has been a lot of fun.  Room and love for more.  Remember, never add more than you can afford and care for individually, responsibly and financially.  Havanese traditionally are very accepting dogs of new Havanese coming into the fold.   Your attention to all concerned will guide their response, too.  Enjoy your new puppy!

 

2 Cute Havanese is happy to announce Sasha & Koda are each expecting a litter and are due around the beginning of July.  Sasha is one of our larger Havanese (15 lbs) and Koda ( 8.75 lbs) is one of our smaller Havanese.  Pictures are on the website.  Sasha/Remington litter and Koda/Wesley litter.  These pups would be ready to come home the first of September.  For weekly updates please sign up for the ‘Waiting List’ – no obligations http://www.2cutehavanese.net/waiting-list.html .  Our litters run around 4 pups per litter.  Call for further information (469) 432-3892 Cassie.

 

If you are adding a puppy to a household with an older dog, like over 10 years old with or without an infirmity, this is a little different than adding to a household with a younger dog without any infirmity.   This article is targeted toward the family dog being healthy and younger than 8 or so.  If you would like specific information with regards to adding a puppy to a household with a much older dog, please contact me, Lea, via [email protected].