**Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Navigate New Puppy Dynamics on Live Show**
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During a recent episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark,” the beloved hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos opened up about the adjustments their family is facing with the arrival of a new puppy, named Javi. This playful addition to their household has stirred up a few challenges, particularly in the relationship with their six-year-old dog, Lena.
Ripa, 56, shared with viewers on Thursday that the couple decided to enlist a professional dog trainer to assist in smoothing over the transition brought about by Javi’s arrival. “We had the dog trainer come,” she said, explaining that while the intention was to help the dogs get along, they soon realised that the training was as much for them as it was for Javi and Lena.
“It turns out we’re doing everything wrong,” Ripa admitted, highlighting the couple’s need for guidance in handling the dogs’ interactions. Despite Javi’s innocent desire to play, Ripa and Consuelos have noticed that Lena has been more aggressive in response to her new companion’s antics. “Javi wants to jump on her and play, and she’s like, ‘Enough already!’” Contessa explained, capturing the essence of the puppy-energy mismatch.
Interestingly, this situation is reminiscent of Lena’s own initial struggles when she first joined the family. Ripa recounted how their late dog, Chewie, had a difficult time accepting Lena as part of the household. “Chewie was very aggressive towards her,” Ripa noted, drawing parallels between the past and the present dynamic with Lena now taking on the role of the seasoned dog.
Despite the hurdles, Ripa expressed her adoration for Javi. “He’s just the sweetest dog,” she exclaimed, reflecting on how fortunate they feel to have him as part of their family. The couple has a commendable history of pet adoptions that began with Chewie, who passed away in February 2025 at the age of 17. Ripa fondly reminisced about their string of successful adoptions. “First we got Chewie, then Lena, and now Javi—our greatest third dog!” she said, a note of pride evident in her voice.
In a light-hearted moment, Ripa boasted about Javi’s burgeoning skills, particularly his attempts to lift his leg while going to the toilet. “Not to brag, but he’s already lifting his leg!” she shared with excitement. Consuelos chimed in, teasingly admitting that he, too, had been lifting his leg, which sparked a laugh from the studio audience. Javi’s progress has already been marked by small achievements; Consuelos recounted rewarding Javi with treats for successfully urinating while lifting his leg—bringing a sense of joy to the family amidst their adjusting dynamics.
Javi, initially named Lucas, endeared himself to the couple during an “Adopt a Dog Week” segment on their show. After a slight delay in bringing him home due to a parasite diagnosis, they announced his adoption on October 13. The couple found themselves deliberating between the names Lucas and Javi, even polling their audience for preferences. Though a winner was never formally declared, it seems the name Javi has stuck, as both hosts have opted for it in subsequent broadcasts.
As the household continues to adapt to the new arrival, Ripa and Consuelos are also gearing up for a new venture. Their show is set to hit Clearwater Beach, Florida, for a special segment where they will tape four episodes at the Sandpearl Resort on November 16 and 17. Joining them will be a line-up of guests including Lisa Ann Walter, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and musical performances by Jason Derulo and Common, among others.
“Live with Kelly and Mark” airs weekdays, bringing a delightful mix of fun and insight to viewers, and now with Javi in the mix, it appears their family adventures—both on and off the screen—are just getting started. As the couple navigates this new chapter, it’s clear their heartfelt approach to family and pets will continue to resonate with their audience.
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