How to introduce a puppy to a reactive dog might seem like a crazy question to ask. But you\u2019ll be surprised by how many people who have a reactive dog want to get them a buddy of their own species to give them company, comfort and social time. It makes sense, we can’t blame them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll get deep into what a reactive dog is, the difference between a reactive dog and an aggressive dog, how you can introduce a new puppy to a reactive dog, what you shouldn\u2019t do with a reactive dog, and our tips on how to calm a reactive dog. And what to do with a radioactive dog\u2026nah, just kiddin\u2019 \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But first, it\u2019s up to you to take some action\u2026have you downloaded the Zigzag app<\/a> yet? You\u2019ll get the most up-to-date, science-backed dog training, to take your pup from zero to hero! Not just that, but our team of professional dog trainers<\/a> are available 27\/4 to help you jump over any hurdles and questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A reactive dog simply means a dog who overreacts to things. Very often, they are dogs who struggle to cope in certain situations. Some reactive dogs will be aggressive and will want to hurt another dog to keep them away, while others may appear reactive because they don\u2019t know how to cope with the frustration, but are actually quite friendly to dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more on puppy aggression<\/a> in our article, and if your puppy is biting<\/a> a lot, we have one on that too\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important that you find out whether you have a reactive or aggressive dog when you\u2019re thinking about getting a puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The main differences between them are the motivation and intent behind their behavior. Generally, reactive dogs don\u2019t intend to hurt other dogs, while aggressive dogs will have a much clearer intention to hurt them because they want them to keep away, this might be because of something like resource guarding, or simply because they are scared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s quite common for a dog to be okay with sharing things with other dogs, but we also want them to be able to share with us. If this is becoming a bit of a problem, you might want to read our article on puppy resource guarding.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Introducing a puppy to a reactive dog should be done carefully, and after some good thinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s some steps you can follow: <\/p>\n\n\n\n At the start, you\u2019ll want to have your reactive dog or puppy be in a separate area of your home. For example, you can have an airlock system with baby gates and playpens<\/a> to keep everyone safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do scent swaps. We\u2019ll explain. Scent swaps are where you give a cloth with the other dog\u2019s scent to your dog, and vice versa. Dogs can get a lot of information through scent, which makes this a great way to introduce them gradually.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Use treats<\/a> and introduce your reactive dog to your new puppy at a distance. Make sure you\u2019re able to get hold of them well and at a distance where they can see the puppy far enough that they can cope and not completely lose their mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over time, decrease the distance between the two of them. Be mindful that your reactive dog should stay calm so that they\u2019re able to build positive (and calming) associations with your puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid telling your reactive dog off if they react to your puppy. Your goal is to make them feel happy and relaxed when they are around the puppy, so telling them off won\u2019t really help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure each dog has time and space apart, and walk them separately so that your puppy doesn\u2019t pick up any bad habits from the reactive dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While you\u2019re at it, this can be a great opportunity for your puppy to have lots of positive experiences with other dogs too! Puppy classes<\/a> are a great way to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t<\/em> tell your reactive dog off! Take care that they don\u2019t get overwhelmed and react when the puppy is around. To get this to work, you want to always use positive reinforcement based training<\/a>, and management<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t<\/em> let them teach their bad habits to your puppy. Make time to train each dog individually based on what they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t<\/em> put your reactive dog in situations that you know will overwhelm them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/em> pay attention to what your reactive dog is telling you by becoming an expert in dog body language.<\/a> Speaking of which, did you know that yawning is often a stress response? You can learn more about this in our article on why dogs yawn.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/em> let them play together, but keep dog play sessions short and sweet so neither dog gets too amped up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do<\/em> consult with a professional dog trainer if you\u2019re struggling. We don\u2019t want you to become as overwhelmed as your reactive dog\u2026we\u2019ve got enough with one! Our expert puppy trainers on the Zigzag app<\/a> are always available to chat with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to calm a reactive dog down is to take them out of the situation that they are reacting in. Simple as that. Trust us – reactive dogs won\u2019t just \u201cget over it\u201d by keeping them in a situation that they are struggling in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might want to check out our article how to calm a puppy down<\/a>, there are some great tips in there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To get going with your puppy training, download the Zigzag app<\/a> today and start teaching your reactive pup the calmer and more confident ways of life. As always, you can rely on our team of professional trainers<\/a> to help you every step of the way via our 24\/7 in app chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Will a reactive dog accept a new puppy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That really depends on the individual dog – you\u2019ll know if your reactive dog simply absolutely hates all dogs, or if they are just dog selective. If you\u2019ve got doubts, it\u2019s probably best to consult a professional, and think long and hard about getting a second dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally not. While older dogs are good at teaching puppies what\u2019s appropriate and what isn\u2019t, it is not very fair on the puppy to have them around dogs they know to be aggressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog is normally quite friendly with other dogs, then accepting your new puppy won\u2019t take too long. But with a reactive dog, the process of introducing a new puppy and having them accept them can take weeks, or even months!<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is a reactive dog?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reactive vs Aggressive Dogs?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do you introduce a new puppy to a reactive dog?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What NOT to do with a reactive dog!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Calming a reactive dog <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Should you let an older dog growl at a puppy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>How long does it take for a dog to accept a new puppy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n