Because I had been working with a private dog trainer with my bully breed female alpha Labrador/Pitbull mixed dog, Phoebe, I was able to consult with her about what to do when bringing home our new puppy, a male alpha German Shepherd dog whom we later named Otis. Based on our trainer’s standards and expertise in training dominant dogs, she considers the following to be bully breeds:
- German Shepherds
- Pitbulls
- Rottweilers
- Bull Mastiffs
- Doberman Pinscher
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Bulldog
- Bull Terrier
- French Bulldog
- Miniature Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Siberian Husky
- Alaskan Malamute
- Akita
When bringing home a new puppy with another dog in the home, our trainer advised us to pick a neutral spot to introduce them to each other before bringing the puppy into the home. We live across the street from a Township-managed park with its shoreline bordering our private lake. We decided that this would be a perfect spot to introduce Phoebe to Otis.
With the new puppy in my ex-husband’s lap, I dropped him off at the park. Then I got Phoebe, put her on a leash, and walked her across the street. Upon walking up to my ex-husband, we greeted each other as if nothing was new or different. We let Phoebe sniff Otis and were sure to have a good grip on her in case she decided to lunge at him aggressively.
Thankfully, she liked his smell, and we sat down for a minute by the lake to allow them time to get to know each other more. Then we walked home as if nothing was different. As we walked into the house, Phoebe met up with our two sons, excited as if declaring, “Look at what I found and brought home!” It was the cutest, most non-threatening, best way we ever brought a new puppy home.
According to AKC (American Kennel Club), here are some more tips on how to bring home a new puppy with another dog, “It’s important to understand that puppies are still developing their communication skills. This means that they don’t understand the rules set in place by adult dogs. When they first enter their new home, puppies have a lot to learn, both from you and the established dog. You must carefully supervise any interactions to keep both dogs safe and happy.
When it’s time for the dogs to meet, it should be in a neutral place – not inside the established dog’s home. When everyone is home, take them out, walk them around on leashes in the front yard, and walk inside together. An unknown puppy barging in the front door can seem like an invasion to even the friendliest, most mellow dog,”.
Looks like our dog trainer and our keen personal experience with K9’s was spot on! In fact, it went so well that a little over a year later, Phoebe and Otis mated and gave us a beautiful litter of six healthy puppies – two males and four females. They all looked mostly like their mother, all black with some white markings on their chests and paws. Poor Otis, none of his puppies looked like him at all!
How to find a puppy
Even though I would have loved to keep all of my “babies”, I do not have the room, energy, or finances to care for eight dogs. So, I began sending out announcements via my social networks about our litter of bully pups that would need a forever home in a few weeks. First, I let family and friends know in hopes that we could all have one pup each and live happily ever after (ha ha).
Of the six puppies, my cousin, who is more like my brother (we are the same age with no siblings), got first pick and chose a female whom he named Whitney. We kept another female that we later named Lucy. They are both extremely smart, loyal, easy to train, and probably a couple of the best dogs my cousin and I have ever had.
Here is what I shared in the puppy announcement:
Born: Monday, July 19, 2021 (4 girls/2 boys)
- Commands Known (so far):
- Leave it
- Whistle to come
- No bite (gently close snout)
- No bite, kisses only
- C’mon, babies (to follow)
- Quiet! (tap/bang a dog dish)
- Potty on paper
- Potty outside (started learning 9/16)
- In (to go in the crate)
- Personalities:
- Kind and playful
- Very clean (help from mama and humans)
- Socialized and loved by all four of us humans (2 kids)
- Paws and tails touched frequently
- Interacts very well with mom, dad, and siblings
- Socialized well
- Plays with ropes, chewies, balls, toys
- They put everything in their mouths, just like babies; they must be monitored 24/7
- Used to going in crates/home (command “In”)
How can I tell if a puppy is healthy before bringing it home?
To inform all prospective families of how healthy our puppies were before they brought them home, I further shared the following information:
- Medical History:
- Wormed
- 1st round of shots
- A+ rating from Vet with recommendation papers
- A+ rating from Trainor
- September dose of heartworm (one month)
- “Blue” brand puppy food (aka Tractor Supply’s exact version for less $ is “4 Health” for puppies)
- Important Notes:
- Bully breeds need a LOT of attention and training
- They are like puppies for two years
- Must establish “Alpha” status immediately
- Once trained properly, these breeds will be the best dogs ever (from personal experience)
- They are happy and feel safe when they have their own space/crate (less trouble to deal with, too!)
- Crate training while away or sleeping is preferred and advised (for their safety and well-being, too)
Other things to consider are to make sure the eyes are bright and clear with no discharge. Ears should be clean and free of discharge, odor, and redness.
The nose needs to be clean, without discharge or sores. Their mouths must smell fresh with pink gums, and no tartar or plaque on the teeth, as well as no sores or growths. Puppy breath is the best!
A shiny and clean coat with a healthy weight is preferable. Puppies should be active and playful.
Last weekend, I almost brought home a new puppy, but he was living in an unhealthy environment. Although I wanted to save him, I had to consider that he might have some diseases or bacterial infections that would harm Lucy’s health. Plus, he’s going to be a big boy as he is Husky and St. Bernard mix – I pray they find a healthy forever home soon!
Tips for bringing home a new puppy with another dog
In conclusion, it is vital to consult a professional trainer or your veterinarian before bringing home a new puppy with another dog.
