Introducing a New Puppy to Your Pack
Heather Venkat, DVM, shares her experience.
This article was originally published in the April 2026 OVERview digital magazine.
Heather Venkat, DVM, of Surprise, Arizona, got involved in dog agility over eight years ago when she and a friend began taking classes with their rescue dogs. She was hooked after seeing how much her Border Collie/Australian Cattle Dog, Luna, enjoyed it and how it helped strengthen their bond.
In 2020, Heather added a BorderPap, Lyla, to the family; together, Heather and Lyla have gone from puppyhood foundations to the Cynosport® Dog Agility World Games and IFCS World Agility Championships.
Heather Venkat and Lyla (Lou Bopp photo)
With Luna now almost 13 years old and Lyla nearly 6, Heather has gotten another BorderPap puppy, Link, to train for agility and other dog sports. “I picked him up on New Year’s Day,” Heather said. “One of my friends had a litter, and I wanted to get a puppy from that pairing before the dam got spayed. Link is also Lyla’s great-nephew, and having a good predictability for his size, drive and temperament was ideal to me. I also wanted to ensure he had a good role model from my oldest dog, Luna, before she got too ornery and it became harder for her to adjust.”
Luna, Link and Lyla
When asked for advice on introducing a new puppy into the household, Heather recommended:
- Know your dogs and whether they have any issues already with meeting new dogs, specifically puppies. “Some dogs don’t appreciate the in-your-face energy that puppies usually display,” she said.
- Include your other dogs in any activities you are doing with the puppy, even if they are shorter training or fitness sessions. This will help them recognize the puppy as a new pack member rather than something that will take away their attention and fun.
- Try to keep your normal schedule with your other dogs so they can adapt more smoothly. Sometimes, it can be useful to use an x-pen or baby gates to keep the puppy separated, letting the dogs see and sniff each other without feeling forced to interact.
“Giving treats while the puppy is nearby can also help other dogs adjust and learn that good things happen when everyone is together,” she added. “With time, the other dogs should accept that the puppy is there to stay, and they might even discover they enjoy having a new playmate!”