Assess Your Dog’s Temperament
Consider your senior dog’s energy level and tolerance for other
animals. Not all older dogs welcome new companions.
Slow and Controlled Introductions
- **Neutral territory.** Introduce dogs in a neutral area to
prevent territorial behavior.
- **Short sessions.** Keep initial meetings brief and positive,
gradually increasing the duration.
- **Separate spaces.** Provide each pet with their own safe space
and resources to minimize competition.
Monitoring and Training
Supervise interactions closely. Use positive reinforcement to
reward calm behavior and redirect unwanted actions. Don’t force
interaction—let relationships develop naturally.
Final Thoughts
Patience is key when merging households. Respect your senior dog’s
needs and provide plenty of individual attention to prevent
jealousy or stress.
Missed our previous article? Read it here: Understanding Behavior Changes in Senior Dogs.