Have you introduced a new puppy into your home only to find your older dog stressed by the new addition? It’s not uncommon for an established pet to feel overwhelmed or even scared of a new puppy, leading to behaviors like hiding or showing signs of anxiety.

This article will explain why your older dog is stressed or scared of the new puppy and give you practical advice on calming them down. We’ll cover strategies like training a ‘settle’ or ‘calm’ command, which can be incredibly effective in soothing an anxious dog.

Additionally, we’ll provide tips on creating a positive relationship between your older dog and the new puppy, ensuring a peaceful coexistence. Whether your older dog hides from the puppy or seems outright afraid, understanding the root of their fear and addressing it with patience and consistent training can help. Let’s begin!

Older Dog Stressed by New Puppy

An older dog being stressed by a new puppy is not unusual as it can make them uneasy and jealous. Introducing a new puppy into a home with an older dog can sometimes lead to stress and anxiety for the senior pet. This stress can manifest in various ways, from changes in behavior to withdrawal.

Dog Stressed Over New Puppy, How to Calm?

If your dog is stressed over a new puppy, teaching a “settle” or “calm” command can be very helpful. This command encourages your dog to relax in a designated spot, providing them with a safe and peaceful retreat when the puppy’s energy becomes overwhelming.

To train this command, start by choosing a quiet spot as the settle area. Lead your dog to this spot and use a specific word or phrase, like “settle,” while gently encouraging them to lie down. Reward them with treats and praise for calm behavior in this spot.

Over time, your dog will associate this area with relaxation and safety, helping to ease their stress when the puppy is active.

Dog Hides From Puppy

When an older dog hides from a puppy, it indicates that they’re feeling overwhelmed and possibly stressed by the new addition. This behavior suggests a need for safe, puppy-free zones where your older dog can retreat and relax without interruption.

Establishing these zones and ensuring the puppy respects these boundaries can provide your older dog with the necessary space to adjust to the new dynamics at their own pace.

How to Get My Dog to Like My New Puppy

Fostering a positive relationship between your dog and the new puppy involves patience, controlled introductions, and reinforcing positive interactions. Start by introducing them in neutral territory to minimize territorial feelings.

Keep initial interactions short and supervised, gradually increasing their time together as they become more comfortable. Reward both pets for calm and friendly behavior to encourage a bond. Over time, with consistent positive experiences, your older dog can grow to like, or at least peacefully coexist with, the new puppy.

While the arrival of a new puppy can be stressful for an older dog, understanding and addressing their needs can help ease the transition. By providing safe spaces, teaching calming commands, and encouraging positive interactions, you can help build a harmonious relationship between your pets.

It’s important to remember, however, that the underlying behavioral issues (anxiety, dominance, territoriality, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see will only be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your older dog being stressed by your new puppy and all other issues using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about why your dog hides from the new puppy ever again!

Dog Scared of New Puppy

A dog being scared of a new puppy is not uncommon. This fear can stem from a variety of factors, including jealousy, a disruption of the established routine, or simply the uncertainty of how to interact with this new, energetic family member.

Older Dog Scared of Puppy, What’s Happening?

When an older dog is scared of a new puppy, it’s often because the older dog is not used to sharing their space, resources, or the attention of their human family with another dog. This fear can also be attributed to the older dog’s uncertainty about the puppy’s playful advances, which can be misinterpreted as aggression, bullying, or an invasion of personal space.

Creating a safe and controlled environment for both dogs to gradually get used to one another’s presence can help ease the older dog’s fears. Learn about helping your dog to get along with your puppy by going back to the first section now.

Why Is My Big Dog Scared of My Puppy?

Your big dog is scared of your puppy because size does not always equate to confidence. Larger dogs can feel intimidated by the boundless energy and unpredictable behavior of puppies. Additionally, if your big dog has not been socialized with younger or smaller dogs, they may feel uncertain about how to interact with them appropriately.

Ensuring positive, controlled introductions and rewarding calm behavior can help build confidence in your big dog and reduce their fear. You then won’t have to worry about your older dog barking at your puppy or even biting them.

Rescue Dog Afraid of New Puppy

A rescue dog’s fear of a new puppy may be compounded by past experiences or a lack of socialization. Rescue dogs often come from environments where they might not have had positive interactions with other dogs, leading to anxiety or fear when faced with a new canine companion.

Providing a calm, safe space for your rescue dog to observe and gradually interact with the new puppy at their own pace is essential. Positive reinforcement and patience are key to helping your rescue dog overcome their fear.

In conclusion, a dog’s fear of a new puppy in the home is a natural response that can be mitigated with understanding, patience, and appropriate training. By addressing the root causes of the fear, facilitating positive interactions, and ensuring both dogs feel safe and valued, you can help foster a peaceful and friendly relationship between your older dog and the new puppy.

I’m sure you’re ready to get going now that you have all of your questions about why your old dog is stressed by your new puppy answered, so I’ll let you begin. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “Older Dog Stressed by New Puppy? Dog Scared of New Puppy? What to Do!”.