Having two puppies at once can be both exciting and stressful. The puppies' first few days together can strongly affect their relationship. If your older puppy is well socialized, he is very likely to happily accept the new puppy, but he may feel jealous.
Step 1
Socialize your older puppy to puppies and dogs before you bring the new one home. A well-socialized dog is unlikely to react with aggression or territoriality to a new puppy. The window of socialization for puppies closes between 16 and 20 weeks. Thereafter it is much more difficult to socialize dogs, so ensure your older puppy has lots of positive experiences with puppies before this time. Every time he meets a new puppy, click the training clicker and give him a treat.
Step 2
Introduce the dogs in a neutral location, such as a neighbor's yard, pet store or public park. This helps your older puppy feel less threatened by the newcomer and reduces the risk of an altercation. Allow the puppies to play together and give them both lots of treats. When the puppies begin actively playing together and getting along, take them both home.
Step 3
Use dog crates to give both puppies their own territory for the first few weeks. If one puppy becomes too rambunctious with the other, place him in his crate for a five-minute time-out. Continue to reward the puppies with dog treats for positive interactions.
