My dog runs away from new puppy; what should I do? I can completely empathize and understand this because I had to struggle a lot to solve the problem.
Although the dog is a very friendly species, they do not always get along when happily living under one roof. However, it’s not without a solution.
Let’s learn more about the causes and how to bring them closer together in the next sections!
My Dog Runs Away From New Puppy: Is It Normal?

No, it’s not a normal reaction. You may encounter this situation often when the older dogs feel insecure, aggressive, depressed, or anxious.
This phase can be prolonged, but you can still treat it and improve in many ways.
Is It A Normal Symptom?
Why does my dog run away from new puppy?
It’s a common but not a normal reaction. Pets frequently engage in this activity, and a variety of reasons exist. The first reason is that the new dog might be considered a threat.
This will likely happen if the new one is a different size or breed from the first dog. The second option is that the older is overwhelmed by the new one’s eagerness and loses control.
Why Are Some Older Dogs Afraid of Young Puppies?
When your dog doesn’t like puppy, it’s time to identify the main causes. In fact, there are many causes for this problem, depending on the particular situation.
Some of the common reasons that I’ve rounded up during my treatment include:
Fear & Anxiety
Older, more experienced pets become acclimated to their schedules. With a new one, they won’t receive the same amount of care they are accustomed to.
One normal reaction to strange circumstances is fear.
The older one may react to fear by hiding, whining, being tired, refusing to eat, or making abrupt, startled movements.
A hyperactive, snappy puppy causes a shocking change in how things have previously been done, especially if he/she has become lethargic in old age.
Aggression
Even the quietest pet may retaliate violently against what they consider to be an invader if a strange young pup enters their territory.
Snarling or growling, boisterous barking, and even pouncing or biting are all well-known indicators of their malice, mistrust, or violence like fighting with each other (especially among male dogs).
When routines are disrupted, destructive or bad behaviors like digging and chewing on furniture or other household items that owners thought their pets had outgrown as puppies can reappear.
Depression
The time and attention a new pet requires their parents are much more than the existing “family members.”
Older ones may view new attentional restrictions as a lack of affection even though the owner doesn’t love them any less. People who once favored the older are now in awe and cooing at the younger.
How Long Does It Take To Help Them Get Along?
When my dog doesn’t like my new puppy, it takes time to help them get along.
Acclimating to a new one in the house might take a few days to weeks. Depending on the nature and temperament of each one, the amount of time needed for adjustment to a new puppy varies.
While some dogs may warm up quickly and accept a puppy, others may be more wary and require more time.
It’s crucial to be patient and give your pet the time they need to adjust, regardless of how long it takes to get used to a new one.
Signs That Your Old Dog Are Stressed With New Puppies

Sometimes, you can’t know what their actions or attitudes mean unless you learn about them. Here are some common signs that your older pets are stressed with the new ones.
Remember to not ignore but observe carefully for timely solutions.
Withdrawn Behaviors
Their depression might go beyond sluggishness; they just want to be left alone. I discovered that my older canine liked to hide or sleep often instead of being with my family.
Changes In Sleep
It’s critical to watch for changes in their sleeping habits if the dog doesn’t like the new puppy. When depressed, some will sleep a lot more, while others will find it harder to fall asleep.
Lethargy
It may indicate sadness if the older is disinterested and lacks energy.
For example, when my older dog doesn’t like the new puppy, if I try to engage him, who once enjoyed playing with a ball, he won’t even blink an eye or wag his tail.
The cause could be jealousy and grief over the new one.
Changes In Their Body Languages
The tongue-out, tail-wagging expression you’ve learned to adore has diminished.
If they’re feeling low, you might see them cowering, reclining, the tail between the legs, and regularly pointing their ears back.
Keep an eye out for these changes in their body language when you’re around your pet and the new furry friend to see whether they are connecting to each other.
Loss Of Appetite
Sad ones will occasionally eat less. Watch for changes in your senior dog’s appetite or stomach discomfort.
Clingy Behavior
On the other hand, you might observe that your elderly pet is more needy. They want to stick by your side, be possessive about your bed, and go wherever with you.
Simply put, they want to compete for your attention.
Tips To Help The Dogs Bond

How do I get my dog to bond with my new puppy? This is not that difficult. Even though you have been struggling with your pets, a few methods can be applied to improve the situation.
Separate But Equal
When you have several pets, you might need to utilize baby gates or different rooms to keep them apart when they need to sleep or eat.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to use separate bowls for their food and water and, if necessary, to feed them at various times.
Create Happy Environment
A peaceful home is a happy home; therefore, the faster your older dog adjusts to having a new one around and stops viewing the new pet as a threat, the better it will be for the entire family.
Give Them Time To Adjust
What to do if your dog doesn’t like the new puppy? I gave them quality time to adjust!
If your puppy meets their new older friend, they will be quite curious and thrilled.
Additionally, it may take some time for the older to adapt because they have likely been the center of attention in your home for a long time and may view the puppy as an intruder.
When you first bring your new dog home, attempt to introduce them on neutral ground, under supervision from a safe distance, and initially with both pets on leads.
Allow them to follow their canine instincts and engage in extensive sniffing to become accustomed to one another’s scents.
Respect Their Own Spaces
The older will have had time to adapt to your home and develop a routine. Try to continue giving them a private area and some quiet time for solitude.
Older ones frequently prefer to relax in their beds or around the house to save energy for daily walks. Puppies, on the other hand, tend to sleep a lot and wake up highly playful.
Control The Puppies Energy
Ensure that a puppy’s constant attention does not stress out the older. Your pet may lash out at the puppy, push it away, snarl, or bark. This is acceptable since it helps your dog understand boundaries.
However, keep an eye on your pet’s body language and be prepared to take the puppy away if the situation may get out of hand.
Give the older lots of uninterrupted time to recover because they might view the younger more positively after some time away.
Reward The Good Behavior
My dog doesn’t like the new puppy; what should I do? One tip for you is to reward their good behavior.
They respond best to positive reinforcement, so don’t be afraid to make a big deal of them and reward them with tasty treats when they behave well.
If you reward your older one for showing patience and your new pet for following your commands, they’re likely to remember what they must do to obtain a treat.
Ensure They Have Their Resources
It can take some time to become used to sharing stuff. If feasible, ensure each dog has a bed, food bowl, and toy in a different room or area.
To allow them to see, smell, and have their stuff apart, it could be a good idea to put a stair gate between two rooms.
Older dogs may find it challenging to share their resources, space, and attention because they had previously had it all to themselves.
They have been permitted to eat and sleep anywhere they wish in the house. And sharing this with a new, exuberant puppy that garners all the attention might not come naturally.
Conclusion
When my dog runs away from new puppy, the first thing to do is to observe them carefully, from time to time. Identifying the root cause to suggest and applying the appropriate solution is advisable.
In addition, the most important thing is to ensure fairness and that all your pets have their own space to enjoy.
If the situation does not improve but becomes increasingly serious, bring your pet to the vet and consult a veterinarian.