Big Sister Energy: How Tiffany Helped Raise Connor

When I brought Connor home at just 6 weeks old, I knew I’d be stepping into the puppy whirlwind—early mornings, baby teeth, and total chaos. What I didn’t fully expect was how much my golden girl Tiffany, would step up as the true co-parent. She didn’t just tolerate Connor; she helped raise him with the kind of grace only a seasoned golden retriever could manage.

From the moment Connor waddled in, Tiffany gave him the once-over like a wise older sister meeting her new sibling: one big sniff, one slow circle, and then a look at me that said, “You really brought a baby into this house?” But just hours later, she was already showing him around—nosing him toward the water bowl, walking just slow enough for him to keep up, and silently claiming her favorite nap spot as off-limits (but only sometimes enforcing it).

Tiffany became a built-in trainer before I even opened the treat pouch. When Connor nipped too hard or got too rowdy, she corrected him with perfect timing and zero drama. He mirrored her every move—sitting when she sat, waiting when she waited, and trying to copy her “serious dog” face during training (he mostly just looked confused, but A+ for effort). Her calm energy grounded him in ways no cue or command from me ever could.

Their relationship grew through games of tug, shared naps, and the occasional zoomie intervention. Tiffany always matched Connor’s energy without letting it get out of hand—like a living, breathing puppy modulator. I’d find them snuggled on the couch one hour and gently wrestling in the yard the next, with Tiffany always keeping the play fair and the drama minimal.

What blew me away most was her intuition. Tiffany knew when Connor was overstimulated, when he needed comfort, and when to let him learn the hard way. She modeled what gentle leadership looks like, and honestly, she taught me as much as she taught him. I realized that being calm, consistent, and quietly firm could sometimes be more powerful than all the puppy books combined.

Now that Connor is an adult, he continues to look to Tiffany as if she’s the guiding figure of his emotions. He's grown larger and more boisterous, but he still observes her, waits for her, and respects her boundaries just as he always has. She continues to play with him, but also gives him disapproving looks when he oversteps, as if to say, "I taught you better." And truthfully? She did.

If you’re thinking about adding a second dog, I can’t recommend it enough—especially if your first dog is a solid role model like Tiffany. She made the transition smoother, the training easier, and the home feel fuller. Watching her take on the role of big sister, nanny, and mentor reminded me just how much dogs are capable of, and how much they quietly give us every day.

When you introduced a new puppy to your home, what was your older dog’s reaction?

• The wise mentor — took on the big sibling role like a pro!
• The curious inspector — cautious but intrigued.
• The grumpy guardian — protective and a bit annoyed at first.
• The indifferent observer — mostly just chill and low-key.

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