I apologize if there is a post regarding this somewhere, I couldn't find it...search seldom seems to work properly for me.

Some of you know that hubby and I just adopted a 9-month old puppy. My existing two are nearing the age of 5 years. We've had Lakota for about 24 hours, so I'm not expecting miracles, I know it'll take weeks maybe even months (though I hope not) for full integration to occur.

I'm looking for advice on how far to let things escalate between Demon/Dakota & Lakota. They get along great, play well together, until they've had enough and then we see some snapping, curled lips, etc. For example, this evening, Demon was cuddling () with me in my recliner (escaping the insanity I think) and Lakota got a little too close to the chair so Demon started growling, showing his teeth. Hubby pulled Lakota away until Demon settled down.

Lakota's a puppy still and I'm not sure he knows when enough is enough. His foster home had several other dogs, but they didn't really play with him, so he hasn't had that much chance to expel energy. D&D do play with him but will get to a point where they've had enough...Lakota doesn't seem to have that yet.

Any suggestions/advice??

I am so excited for you Kim! And D&D as well of course!

It really depends on the dogs but I try to let my own dogs do the most managing of the new dog. If the same situation would have played itself at my house I would have done the same. Demon is trying to tell the new one he's not interested, and Lakota needs to understand when enough is enough. If Lakota doesn't get the hint by himself, you need to be there to reinforce that by removing Lakota away and attempting to entertain himself other ways.

Usually I ignore the new dog as much as possible. I try not to give too much individualized attention to that dog in the beginning. It makes for an easier adaptation for the other dogs. I hold the same standards for the new dog (calm to come in, calm to go out, sit and wait for meal time, quiet during meal prep) as a result- things can take a little longer. But what you want is clear from the beginning.

Try to give breaks for rough play as needed. I think we can usually all hear when things go beyond stupid Husky play. The barks get higher pitched, come quicker, and they usually get puffier with their hackles. At that point things should be broken up and everyone given a few to recollect themselves.

Group walks are a good way to build bonds between the new family members. Try to have walks be just walks and discourage the rough play while walking. Sometimes new dogs especially those who are comfortable with rough play don't understand theres a time and place for that.

Thanks Kristina, I was hoping you'd chime in.

In regards to last night, since I had a 60lbs lap dog, I couldn't remove Lakota, but hubby pulled him away and redirected his attention.

So far, they've done well in the car, on a walk and at the dog park. Feeding time is still a little crazy since he gets fed in his crate (which is downstairs) and the other 2 get fed in the kitchen.

I know in my house, I still have to manage Loki and his silliness with Dom. He will sit like 2 feet away from him and bark at him. His new habit is trying to occassionally stand on Dom. Dom is 12 years old, has joint issues, and isn't very interested in play. I have never corrected Dom for growling or lip curling. I only try to redirect Loki and make sure he leaves Dom alone and is entertained.

I let things go more with Lexi and Loki. He is becoming pretty respectful of her and she does play with him often. Generally he respects Dom a lot as well, but a few times a week I have to redirect him.

For dogs that are 5, I would probably let a lot go and just be watchful that Lakota is paying attention to signs like staring, growling, lip curling, and snapping.

I think walking my dogs together as Kristina mentioned also helps. Granted Dom only takes a 5 minutes walk or so, but Loki and Lexi take nearly all their walks together. I do have to make special time to play fetch with Lexi as Loki tries to steal her balls. Dom and Lexi are also allowed on the couch whereas Loki is not, so they can get lots of cuddle time.

Is it normal for the existing male to take to hiding in places he's never hidden before? For example, Demon went behind hubby's recliner tonight and wouldn't come out. It required bribery to get him to come out.

We've had our first blood-shed...he nicked Dakota's nose. It's really just a scratch...

Lakota will mount and hump Dakota and she tends to take it for longer than I would expect.  

Currently they are all chewing on pigs ears in separate corners.

Anything I should worry about??