We decide on how to introduce each dog depending on the age and temperament of the new dog. Dazzi came into Oreo's and our life when Oreo was 11 1/2. Dazzi was 1 1/2. We brought Dazzi into the house and let them smell each other. Oreo always barks at other dogs but that is usually it. They have had their differences and have gotten into several fights but since they both think they are the alpha female that is not so unusual. But neither have hurt teh other seriously.

Taggert was a 2 month old puppy (or so we thought - later we found out he was 4 months old) and we let the older ones meet him in the front yard. No problem. He was a puppy. Dazzi still thinks of him as her pup.

Snoopy was a five month old pup and again we let each meet him individually in the front yard. Again he was a pup so the acceptance was just there.

Jack was 4 when we added him 2weeks ago. We took Dazzi along to meet him because if she accepts you, you are part of the family and everyone will accept you. Because of the time of night we came home and the fact that he needed an immediate bath, his arrival was to the rest just after his bath. Hey all, here's Jack. Snoopy and Taggert barked at him but because he growled they decided they would ignor him. They are best buds so if you don't want to play, forget it, we will ignor you. And that was the way it was for the first 10 days or so. They ignored him, he ignored them unless they irritated him adn then he would growl and they would back away. Now they are all beginning to play together.

I agree that crates can be a big help. Dazzi and Oreo retreat to theirs when things get too hectic or loud or annoying. It is their safe place. At night and whenwe are gone they each have their own crate. And it is important that they each get petted the same, greeted teh same, praised the same and treated (with dog treats) the same. Until you are sure of the competitive spirit of each dog it is better not to play fetch the ball or toy because there can be spats over whose ball it is.

Feeding can be a problem. At first we try to make sure they eat from the same bowl and no one gets into the others bowl. Once they get to know each other adn to know you won't allow aggressive behavior, it doesn't matter so much.

Probably the most important thing is to let them work out some of their problems themselves. You can't watch them 100 % of the time so they have to learn to let the others know what is acceptable and what isn't. Of course, if it turns into an all out fight, you will have to stop it but let some of the growling and banter go on so they can learn to accept each others ways. (Unless you one dog is much smaller and non-aggressive than the others of course.)

Water is a great fight breaker upper. We have used on on Dazzi numerous times at the dog park when she decides someone is not behaving up to her standards.