Seeing an older dog socializing with a younger dog is like seeing a senior citizen and their grandchild walking together. However, introducing your puppy to your senior dog and teaching them to get along can be challenging.
Finding a way to teach your youngster to respect the older dog while listening to you is not always easy, especially when you have an exuberant puppy or a grouchy oldie.
Fortunately, I’ve got some great tips for helping you transition them to walking together without suppressing any “pawsonalities.”
Walking Basics for a Young Dog
Your puppy will need a few basic skills before you take them on walks with your older dog. It’s vital to start with the foundational skills at home before going on that first walk.
Your young pup should know:
1. Sit
Sitting is a great way to lower energy levels. If your puppy can sit patiently, like when they wait for a treat, it will help you tone down drama when you go for a walk.
2. Stay
If your pup can stay next to you while sitting, it helps them understand where they should be when walking.
3. Walk
Puppies are still unsure about the world, and your pup may decide to stop cooperating if they feel like lying down, exploring their environment, or running away. A walk command is a great way to encourage forward movement and thinking.
4. Down
Since puppies love jumping up (and jumping on their older brother or sister), it’s essential to teach them to “down” instead of jumping up. Remember to use a long and low sound when giving the “down” command.
Top Tip:
Start teaching these essential skills when you feed your puppy while socializing with your family and your other dogs. They are ready to walk with you and your older dog only when they are great at following these instructions.
Walking Essentials for an Elderly or Disabled Dog
What about your elderly dog or your disabled dog? They also have a few things to work on before they can show their younger brother or sister the ropes (or leads).
Your older or disabled dog should:
Know Their “Nos”
Jealousy is often a problem, with the older dog feeling like the younger dog is replacing them. They may become aggressive and nasty to the puppy, which is unacceptable.
If you spot jealous behavior, such as snarling, raised hair, and hard staring, you must tell your senior a firm “no.”
Heading off trouble before it starts is essential for safe dog walking.
Brush up on Basics
Ensure your elderly dog or disabled dog knows their basic dog walking commands. They may act out in jealousy, and it’s vital to know they will respond when you tell them to sit or stay while you handle the boisterous puppy.
Be Healthy Enough to Handle the Puppy
There’s a point where you have to make the judgment call of whether it’s still possible for your older dog to walk with a puppy, still learning and being silly. Their health comes first, and you should protect your disabled dog.
If the puppy could potentially hurt them and is still in the mad-dog days, you have to make the call to leave either of them at home while going for a walk.
If walking is difficult for your older dog due to mobility issues and because they are in a wheelchair, it’s not a great idea to have the new puppy walk with and potentially bump them or get tangled in their wheelchair.
However, if you want your pup to go with you but they are still more energetic than the Energizer Bunny, have a friend help you while you introduce them to walking together. Your friend can handle one of the dogs, ensuring that your oldie is safe and not under too much pressure.
Putting It Together as Generational Dog Walking
Here are a few steps to ensure the best teaching and walk training sessions with your youngster and oldie:
- Ensure you have covered all the basics at home, and choose quality walking gear for your dogs.
- Have plenty of rewards to encourage good behavior (especially for your young pup, but also for the oldie).
- Initially, you may want to have a friend or family member walk with you so you can lead one dog while they lead the other. Discuss what behavior is acceptable and what isn’t. You must be consistent when training your dogs (and that’s a full-time responsibility).
- Start with short and manageable distances. A short walk around the neighborhood is ideal. Walking and playing with other dogs at the dog park isn’t a great idea initially.
- Ensure you spend plenty of time rewarding both dogs.
- Encourage patience with your older dog and respect for your youngster. Don’t allow the younger dog to jump against the senior dog. The younger dog should walk beside or slightly behind the older dog (and you as the pack leader).
- Whenever your youngster acts out, slow everything down by asking them to sit. Reward the sit, ignore the bad behavior, and encourage them to “heel” and stay next to you when they get exuberant.
- Remember to sniff the flowers with them and take time to be present.
Read More Jack’s Dacks:
- 5 Dog Hiking Backpacks for Trail Buddies—Leave No Dog Behind
- Mobility Aids For Dogs: Dog Wheelchairs Vs Dog Drag Bags and Dog Scooters
- Dog Mental Stimulation: How to Keep Your Physically Disabled Dog Mentally Fit
The Final Stroll
Always put your older dog first. Ensure you meet their needs, play with them, and introduce the puppy to your unique way of doing things. Never accept disrespectful or harmful behavior from either dog and start small when you walk together.
Strolling down the passage at home or across the hall between the apartments can be a great start.
Remember, with dog walking, it’s always about the basics. Start early while your puppy is still subservient to the older dog to ensure a great beginning. Above all, have fun with your dogs and love them while they are with you.
Happy “pawsing” about!