Having a new puppy in the home is an exciting time for everyone, including your dog. But you’re feeling a bit concerned because you notice your dog is sniffing the young pup nonstop.
Why does your dog do this, and what should you do about it? In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why dogs sniff other dogs and offer some advice on how to handle this behavior.
Why Does My Dog Keep Sniffing My New Puppy?
There are a few reasons why your dog may be sniffing your new puppy. Here are some of the most common causes, so you can know what to look for:
1. Scent Marking
When dogs sniff each other, they are often leaving their scent behind. This is a way of claiming ownership or territory. If your dog is constantly sniffing the new puppy, it may be because they are trying to mark them as part of their pack.
You may notice other behavioral changes in your dog when they are scent marking, such as leg lifting, growling, or urinating more frequently. This is a clear indication that your dog is feeling the need to assert their dominance over the new puppy.
2. Socialization
Another reason why your dog may be sniffing the new puppy is that they are trying to socialize. Dogs use scent as a way of getting to know each other and figuring out their place in the pack hierarchy.
This is normal behavior that puppies do when they first meet, and you shouldn’t be too concerned unless your dog is being overly aggressive. If this is the case, you may need to provide more supervision when they are together.
3. Curiosity
The most likely reason is that they are trying to get to know the new addition to the family. Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, so this is their way of gathering information about the puppy. Their noses can pick up on things like the puppy’s diet, health, and even their emotional state. This helps them to understand the new dog and figure out if they are a friend or foe.
4. Attention
Let’s face it, new puppies are absolutely adorable. And when they come into the home, they tend to get most of the attention. So your older dog may just be mimicking the behavior of their pack members in order to get some attention from you too.
What to Do if My Dog Keeps Sniffing My New Puppy?
When you’re managing a new puppy and trying to keep track of your older dog’s behavior, it can be a lot to handle at once. So here are some tips on how to deal with your dog’s constant sniffing:
1. Interrupt With a Command
If your dog is excessively sniffing your new puppy, try to interrupt the behavior by calling their name or clapping your hands. This helps to break their concentration and redirect their attention to you.
Use commands like “sit” or “stay” to keep them focused on you, and be sure to praise them when they obey. With enough practice, your dog will learn that they can get your attention without needing to resort to scent marking.
2. Provide a Distraction
If your dog is getting too close for comfort, try to provide a distraction. This could be a toy or treat that you know they love. The goal is to get them to focus on something else so they are not fixated on the new puppy.
3. Give Your Older Pup Some Love
Give your dog some extra attention and love during this time. This will help them feel secure in their position as the pack leader and less likely to act out in a dominant way.
4. Separate If Necessary
If your dog is being too rough with the new puppy or you are concerned for their safety, it may be necessary to separate them. This can be done by keeping them in different rooms or using a baby gate.
5. Supervise Playtime
Make sure to supervise any playtime between your dog and the new puppy. This will help you to make sure that things are staying safe and under control.
6. Let It Be
If there doesn’t seem to be any problem with your dog is sniffing the new puppy, it’s probably not a big deal and may even promote bonding. Just let them be and they will eventually adapt to the new addition to the family.
How Long Does It Take for an Old Dog to Get Used to a New Puppy?
On average, it may take about a month for an older dog to get used to a new puppy. However, this can vary depending on the individual dogs and their personalities.
Some dogs may take longer to warm up to the new puppy, while others may take to them right away.
Here are some things you can expect when introducing a new puppy to your older dog:
Avoidance
One possibility is that your older dog will avoid the new puppy altogether. This is usually because they are not sure what to make of them and may be feeling a bit overwhelmed.
If this is the case, give them some time to adjust and slowly introduce them to each other. Eventually, they should start to warm up to each other.
Aggression
In some cases, your older dog may become aggressive towards the new puppy. This is usually because they are feeling threatened by the new addition to the family.
If this happens, it’s important to separate them and seek professional help from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They will be able to help you create a plan to get your dogs to get along.
Bonding
In the best-case scenario, your older dog and new puppy will bond with each other right away. This is usually because they are both curious about each other and want to explore. They will spend a lot of time together playing and wrestling.
If this happens, be sure to supervise their interactions to make sure things are staying safe. Eventually, they will become the best of friends.
Territorial Behaviors
Some dogs may become territorial over their home and belongings when a new puppy arrives. This is because they see the puppy as a threat to their position in the pack. This could especially be a problem for an anxious or insecure dog.
To help your dog adjust, make sure to give them plenty of attention and love. You may also want to consider crate training the puppy so that each dog has their own space that they can retreat to when they need some time alone.