Always choose a neutral location when introducing your existing dog to your new one. It helps keep things calm and allows them to meet in a safe environment. Take things slow and steady, and try not to punish the existing dog so they don’t feel pushed out.
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Getting a second dog is really exciting. There’s nothing quite like giving your best friend a new playmate and companion. Most of the time, you get to watch their bond grow until they become inseparable. I know my two are glued to each other at all times. Wherever one goes, the other is close behind. It certainly made training easier as well.
However, the initial meeting process can be rocky and a little stressful, especially when you see your existing dog putting the newcomer in their place. It’s a natural part of settling in. However, it doesn’t always go smoothly. There are times when one might become more aggressive towards the other, and you might need to intervene. But that’s where I come in to help.
We’ve had quite a few questions from readers about how to help introduce their dogs and stop aggression. Let’s go through how to introduce your Corgi to your existing dog.
Key Takeaways:
- Neutral locations are key if you want a successful introduction
- Keep interactions short and sweet to ensure things don’t get too tense
- Reinforce positive behavior to keep things calm
- Watch for signs of discomfort to prevent things from getting out of hand
- Understand that the existing dog will tell the new dog off sometimes (and that’s ok!)
Top Tips For Introducing New Dogs to The Home
When you’re ready to introduce your dogs to each other, there are some standard tips I like to use (and advise others on). With my latest two, I only used my first tip, and I had them meet outside. They immediately ran into the house together and became best friends. But it’s not always like that, and you need to be prepared for a settling-in period.
Meet in a neutral location
First, always have them meet in a neutral location. I often pick in front of the house or the local park. In front of the house means the puppy can be on the ground (because they haven’t been fully vaccinated yet), and meeting in the park means you have to hold them in your arms. This is fine as long as you crouch down, but in front of the house means they meet properly.
The reason you do this is because meeting in the house can cause the resident dog to become territorial because they’ve had this new dog thrown at them. The backyard can work well as a neutral meeting place if you don’t have a secure area in front of your home. It goes a long way in helping the introduction go as smoothly as possible.
Be ready with a treat
As soon as they have met and you see things are positive, give them both a treat to show them how well they are doing. You can then take them inside and let them play together, but it is important to keep your playdates short and sweet so they don’t get tired of each other or overwhelmed.
Use a crate
This is where crates can come in really handy if either of your dogs likes them. They give puppies a safe space to sleep and rest after all their excitement. And they can offer older dogs a chance to get away from all the noise. If your dogs don’t like crates (my oldest hates them), consider putting them in separate rooms to calm down or supervising them closely.
Always watch for signs of discomfort in your existing dog so that you can help prevent them from snapping, but remember to be patient. Your older dog is going to tell your Corgi puppy off a lot. This is part of how dogs teach each other manners and how to behave. Reinforce positive behavior, and don’t tell them off for putting the pup in their place.
Pro tip: It can be helpful to bring your existing dog something that smells like the new dog a week or so before you bring them home. This will get used to their scent and make the first meeting a little easier.
How To Introduce A Puppy To An Older Territorial Dog
This is a question we had from one of our readers, and it can be a tough introduction. However, it’s not impossible and all it takes is a little patience and perseverance. It should be noted that you will need to keep them separate as much as possible to help ease them into having a new friend in the house.
Meet on neutral ground
First, meeting in a neutral location still applies here. It’s more important than ever when your dog is territorial. However, you also need to walk them together a few times. Keep them at a distance to start with while walking and gradually bring them closer together as their interactions become calmer and more positive.
Keep things positive
Stay calm, and don’t tell your existing dog off if they become tense. It’s important to keep things as positive as possible to prevent feelings of jealousy. You should also feed them separately until they are fully comfortable with each other because food aggression is quite common in dogs who are territorial.
Pro tip: Don’t rush things. Once the puppy has had a look around the room, let the older dog be the one who allows them to enter the room. It’s a huge part of the process.
Tips For Boosting The Bonding Process
If you want to improve the bonding process between your dogs, these are my quick tips that I use every time I bring a new pup into the home:
- Play games together as much as possible and involve both of them
- Have training sessions together to help them learn and bond
- Go on long walks together and let them play and meet other dogs
- Take them on trips to the pub and pet store
- Keep things positive and always reward their good behavior
- Give both dogs equal attention at all times
How To Stop A Corgi Puppy Attacking An Older Dog
This is another question from one of our readers, and it can be really stressful. When puppies get older and come close to the terrible twos, there is a chance they might try their luck by picking on the older dog in the house. However, there is no need to worry too much as it’s possible to stop your Corgi puppy from attacking your existing dog.
Make sure they’re supervised
First, keep interactions supervised at all times when it starts happening. This means you can interrupt any aggression from the first sign with things like games and playtime to take their minds off fighting and refocus their attention on something positive and fun. It really helps with shifting the mood and allowing them to have a little fun.
Give both dogs 1:1 time
Take your puppy on separate outings from your older dog. Giving each dog some one-on-one time can help clear their minds and calm things down. It also helps reduce their energy levels so they are less likely to fight or become aggressive with each other in the house. Sometimes, boredom is the cause of aggression.
Stay calm and never fight aggression with aggression. If you start getting mad and aggressive, it’s only going to make things worse. Keep a safe space open for your older dog and separate them when needed. If things get really bad, don’t be afraid to ask a dog behaviorist for help. They’re professionals, and they know every trick in the book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Corgis Get Along With Other Dogs?
Yes, Corgis tend to get along well with other dogs. They are quite a sociable breed and fairly easygoing with dogs and people despite their energetic nature. However, any dog that isn’t properly socialised as a puppy is likely to have issues with fear or aggression around other dogs. Socialisation is key to your Corgi living a happy and relaxed life.
Are Corgis Aggressive?
Corgis are not typically aggressive, but it is not unheard of for them to struggle with things like fear aggression and resource guarding. A lot of it comes down to ensuring they are trained properly, that they have positive experiences, and they are properly socialised from a young age. Any negative experiences they have should be countered with positive ones.
Are Corgis Difficult Dogs?
It’s true that Corgis can be difficult dogs, but only because they can be quite stubborn and prone to doing their own thing instead of listening to commands. As long as you persevere with training and you have plenty of treats to help keep them motivated while they are learning the commands, you should be just fine.
Advice From People Who’ve Done It
Ángeles from Spain introduced a puppy (Kor) to her existing Corgi, Rei. Below she shares her advice and experience:
Introducing a puppy to an adult dog is easier than if both dogs are adults. My advice is that you have to know the dog you have at home very well before introducing another dog. If the new dog is a puppy, it will probably be easier for them to get along, unless your dog doesn’t get along well with puppies. (If you’re going to buy a puppy, buy it from a good breeder, who will be able to advise you on all this subject and will give you the puppy that best adapts to your life and to your existing dog). If you’re going to adopt an adult dog, you should know both dogs very well before they live together.
In any case, there should always be an adaptation period where they should not be alone without supervision. It is very important that each one has its place, that they get to know each other little by little, and if the new dog is a puppy, that he rests a lot and does not overwhelm the adult dog.
Final Thoughts
I can feel your heart pounding already as you watch your existing dog tell your new Corgi puppy off. Just remember that it’s a natural part of settling in and establishing a pecking order in the home. You’ll know when things turn aggressive, and you can use that opportunity to separate them and do your best to maintain a calm environment.
Positive reinforcement and plenty of praise for good interactions go a long way, and you will find that both dogs are much happier if they feel welcome. Sometimes, puppies can become aggressive as they get older, and they might try their luck at picking on the older dog, but the right training methods can go a long way in nipping this in the bud.
