There are a great many of older dogs that have a lot of patience when it comes to being around puppies. There are, on the other hand, dogs that are not tolerant of puppies and puppies that are not tolerant of older dogs. Part of puppy training needs to include socializing your puppy with older dogs, but also in ensuring that senior dogs, especially those that have limited mobility or are in poor health are not overwhelmed by the presence of a new puppy in the house.

Puppy Behavior

Puppies typically engage in several behaviors that older dogs can find irritating, frustrating or just downright annoying. This is especially true when the older or senior dog is used to being the only dog in the house. In most cases a puppy is more likely to get additional attention, both because of the novelty of the puppy in the house as well as ongoing puppy training. Dogs, like any other type of animal, may appear to be acting jealous or aggressive towards puppies when the puppies try to constantly interact with the owners.

One key component of puppy training needs to be that the puppy has to learn to wait his or her turn to get attention. Sometimes the senior dog needs to have some one-on-one time with their owner and the puppy has to learn to sit and wait patiently for his or her turn. This can be accomplished through both socialization and puppy training that includes the sit and stay command as well as the down and enough commands.

Puppy Play

Puppies love to play and most older dogs that are well socialized and used to other dogs and puppies will also enjoy a romp around the yard or a game of chase. The problem is that older dogs tend to tire more quickly than puppies, however the puppies don't seem to understand this factor. Puppies can pester and irritate older dogs to play, resulting in an aggressive response by the older dog.

Owners need to be careful to monitor the play interaction between the senior dog and the puppy as too much activity for some senior dogs can result in joint and muscle pain and problems. Senior dogs with arthritis need to have regular, routine exercise but should not be exposed to highly strenuous exercise that can irritate the condition. While this is more a supervision issue than a puppy training concept, providing lots of routine exercise for the young dog will help prevent a lot of the demands on the older dog to play.

Using puppy training to help puppies and older dogs interact in monitored and control situations is beneficial to both dogs, just make sure to find time to spend with your senior dog as well as the new addition to the house.