Bringing a new dog home is exciting, but it is also a big change for every animal already living under your roof. Before you fall in love with a puppy’s face, it helps to think about how that dog will actually fit into your day to day life. Breed, size, temperament, and even sex can influence how smoothly things go, especially during the first introductions. As pet experts at The Spruce Pets often note, the goal is not a perfect first meeting, it is safety, calm, and steady progress.
Breed is not destiny, but it can shape instincts you need to plan around. Some terriers were developed for hunting, and certain sighthounds like Afghan hounds and Scottish deerhounds are known for strong prey drive, which can be risky around tiny puppies or smaller pets. Herding breeds may try to chase and control anything that moves, which can stress out another dog and quickly escalate the energy in a room. Dogs that missed early socialization can also struggle simply because they do not know how to “speak dog” yet. With patient guidance and positive reinforcement, many of these challenges can be managed, but it is best to go in with clear expectations.
Size matters more than most people realize, even when everyone is friendly. A large dog can accidentally hurt a small puppy during play, or even by stepping the wrong way at the wrong time. The reverse can happen too, especially when a big, clumsy puppy barrels into an older, fragile small dog. It is not about blame, it is about physics, so it pays to research breeds and be honest about the risks in your home. If there is a big size gap, extra supervision and structured play become non negotiable.
If you have a cat, take the introduction even more seriously. A confident adult cat can injure a puppy, especially with claws near sensitive eyes, and many cats become less open to new friendships after they are fully grown. Puppies, on the other hand, often miss warning signs and keep pushing when a cat is clearly asking for space. Keep early meetings short, controlled, and calm, and always give your cat an easy escape route to a safe zone. Do not punish the cat for hissing or swatting, and keep the dog on a leash so chasing never becomes a game.
In the end, personality is the deciding factor. Some advisors suggest choosing a younger pet or the opposite sex, but matching energy levels and temperaments is usually more important than any general rule. If you have multiple animals, introduce the newcomer one at a time rather than creating a chaotic first encounter. It can take days or even weeks for everyone to settle, so start with brief supervised sessions, reward calm behavior, and separate them at the first sign of tension. A peaceful home is built through consistency, not rushed “let them work it out” moments.
Have you introduced a new dog to your home before, and what helped the most during those first weeks? Share your tips and lessons in the comments.
