Max was 4 years old when I decided to get another dog and of course the thought of a new puppy in the house was welcomed by all but one! Max had come to live with us from a rescue when he was around a year old and to say he came with baggage is an understatement. I think we were the third home he'd gone to in his short life and honestly at many many points over the last 7 years I could have given up on him to. At the time I didn't realise he would change my life so much!
Max's main issue is other dogs so how was I going to bring a tiny puppy into our home, his home and him accept it. Max's issue is born out of fear so I knew it would have to be female and fairly calm, he didn't like small dogs that are always on the go. So after a lot of consideration and consulting friends and trainers a working labrador from a local breeder was chosen. I made sure all the new things like the pen, crate and toys were up well in advance so he could get used to that change first but to be honesty he didn't bat an eyelid at it. I took time off work but being a dog walker she was going to come with me daily in a puppy carrier to give him a break from her anyway.
The day I brought her home was the last day of school before the summer holidays so nice and quiet and chilled, husband at work and kids at school. My mum had come with me to collect her and once back to the house she went in first to greet Max which enabled me to put her in the pen which I did as she was still sleeping. This turned out to be a great idea Max was able to get close sniff and observe her whilst she slept. When she woke up we did greetings in the garden where there was enough space for them both to not feel trapped by the other dog. I had treats in my pocket ready to reward any positive behaviour from Max and to my surprise there was loads! He was inquisitive and unsure at first but he was gentle too, he kept checking in (looking at me) to see if it was ok and I rewarded them both, it was very clear from day one he was happy to share his family, space, toys, everything with her and then on day 4 they started to play with him handicapping himself perfectly for playing with a puppy. However I continued to be cautious for many months after, carefully watching their behaviour towards one another as she grew. She's now 3 and they are still playing like pups together.
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