You may be counting the days until the puppy arrives. Your resident dog has not been part of that countdown. Plan the transition around both animals instead of assuming they will immediately entertain each other.
AKC and PAWS recommend managed introductions and attention to the individual dogs. PAWS specifically cautions against leaving a puppy alone with an adult dog before you are confident the puppy is safe.
Prepare two complete spaces
Before arrival, decide where each dog can eat, rest, and spend time separately. Check gates and doors. Your older dog's familiar resting place should not become the puppy's playground overnight.
Write down how you will move dogs between spaces without an accidental meeting at a narrow doorway. This small logistical exercise can reveal a gap before you are holding two leashes.
Make the first meeting adjustable
Ask your veterinarian about health considerations and your trainer about a suitable introduction setup. Use capable adults and allow enough space to separate calmly. With a puppy, do not choose a heavily used public dog area without discussing disease exposure first.
Watch the actual interaction instead of chasing a photograph of instant friendship. Short, manageable meetings leave room to adjust.
Protect ordinary routines
Keep individual attention for the resident dog. Plan separate feeding and remove competition over valued items during early shared time. Never rely on an older dog to teach every boundary by correcting the puppy.
Keep a simple note after each meeting: where it happened, what went comfortably, and what needs a different setup. Stop and obtain qualified help if either animal is frightened or interactions escalate.
Describe your resident dog in the Snubnose application, including age and known concerns. A successful addition starts with a workable home plan, not an assumption that two dogs will sort everything out.