Golden Retriever Big Sister Shows Puppy the Ropes in New Home and Everyone's in Love
We weren’t sure how long it would take for Pacha to adjust to having another dog at home,” reads the caption on this adorable video of a pair of Golden Retrievers, “but we definitely weren’t expecting them to become inseparable so quickly!”
Pacha, an adult Golden Retriever, may not have been sure at first about her new baby sister, Bucket the Golden Retriever Puppy. But after adjustment period wore off, it is clear that she now has a best friend for life. The two dogs quickly bonded, and now they are never not in each other’s company. They have to be touching at all times, and even when Bucket takes naps, you can tell Pacha misses her.
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“Moments that made us realize getting a second dog was the best decision ever,” the owners of the two pups write in this video. They include: the older dog comforting the young one when she’s anxious on a car ride, gently sharing her chew toy—even when she has it in her mouth, carrying a cushion to their favorite napping spot together, Pacha begging Bucket to play with her (even when she’s napping), the two dogs wrestling with each other in the backyard, and the fact that they always sleep touching now, even if it’s only her paws.
It’s the sweetest thing and proof that as much as dogs love their human companions, sometimes they need another dog to play with, too.
How to Bring a New Puppy Into Your Home
When bringing a new puppy into your home with another dog, it’s important to take time to prepare both dogs for the other’s presence. If possible, get an item that smells like the other dog and bring it to them first, allowing them to smell the other dog and get acquainted with the idea. Try to introduce the dogs on neutral territory, such as in a park or even a yard. Keep the dogs leashed and supervised, in case there is any initial jockeying for position or territory.
How to Get Your Old Dog to Bond With the New One
You know the personality of your older dog best. Sometimes dogs must be the only dog in a household to be truly happy. Other times, they enjoy being part of a “pack.” In all cases, it’s best to keep the dogs separated while eating—at least at first—to make sure there are no food protectiveness issues going around. If your dogs are liable to fight, food resources are the most likely trigger. But in most cases, dogs can learn to take turns, share, and even be friendly with each other at meal times and all other times. I once had a foster who was very protective about food at first and would bark and snarl at other dogs. We started feeding her only in her kennel. Once she understood that the food was all hers and no one would dare to take it from her—dog or human—she became the sweetest thing. It only took a week or two.
Why Golden Retrievers Make Great Family Dogs
Golden retrievers are popular family dogs for the very reason that they are known to be friendly, gentle, generous, and good-natures, so we’re not surprised in the least that Pacha welcomed her new sister into the house with open paws.
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