When we decide to get another dog, there can be some worry in our minds about how our older dog will take the change. And sometimes, we are caught off guard.
On November 25, TikTok user Kristi MC (@kristi.mc2) shared a video of her older dog meeting the new family puppy, and it’s probably not what she expected would happen. Take a look!
@kristi.mc2 He loves the little guys so much! Hes always been drawn to them and gets low for them. I just love about him. 🫠#oldenglishsheepdog #dogs #puppies #bffs
In a quick 17-second video, we meet two dogs, one of whom is meeting his little sister for the first time.
Related: 5-Month-Old Puppy Has Most Unexpected Reaction to Meeting a Cat
How Will My Older Dog React to Getting a Puppy?
“Winston is meeting his sister for the very first time,” the text on the screen reads. In the clip, we see the two dogs face-to-face, the older Sheepdog so much larger than the sweet little puppy.Â
Both are very interested in each other, with Winston lying on the ground to get more eye-to-eye with the puppy, who is full of energy. Then, the clip changes to the two playing together.
“He was so gentle and would get down to her level to play,” the text explains as we see the little puppy on the floor on her back and Winston playfully above her before he slides down to be on the floor, too, where they have a super cute time playing together.
“He loves the little guys so much!” the video caption reads. ” He has always been drawn to them and gets low for them. I just love about him,” she continued. And people in the comments felt the video tug on their heartstrings, too.
“OMG made my day, thanks for the share,” one person wrote.
“We’re all the same,” added someone else. “We all need siblings!”
“So sweet,” shared another TikTok user.
Several commenters left emojis of smiley faces surrounded by hearts.
How to Introduce Your Older Dog to a New Puppy
It’s understandable that people are often a little nervous about how things will go when you introduce your dog to a new puppy. Of course, people want the interaction to go smoothly and for the two dogs to form a really sweet bond. And thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help make this more likely to happen.
According to Rover, dog parents need to be mindful about helping their older dog not feel territorial by keeping a neutral zone.
“Your older dog considers your house his house. In order to prevent territorial aggression, find a neutral area to introduce the older dog to the new puppy,” they write.
Adding: “Put your older dog on a leash while another person holds the puppy on a leash. However, let them sniff and meet each other; there’s no need to hold them tightly to your side. You don’t want them to feel restricted.”
The experts say that the first introduction “should be relatively quick,” and by going slowly but surely while watching the reactions and body language of your dogs, things will settle into place — just like it did for Winston and his baby sister.
