rescued adult introduced to homed adult

Question
I just adopted a 2 1/2 year old Male "Monty", who was rescued from his previous owner, whom passed away. Anyway, I have a 2 year old female "Dutchess", who is VERY attached to me. I brought Monty home today & they got along very well, played, shared toys, ate dinner at the same time ... then as we were settling in for the evening she became very possessive of her toys & took both of their bones away. I tried my best to give her attention first and even let her lay next to me with the male a little further so as she wouldn't feel replaced etc. I've had her since she was 8 weeks & I love her more than anything ... I would love for Dutchess & Monty to get along and be playmates. Also, on a side note ... she just had her 2nd bday party with many friends & other dogs over, she had no problems at all sharing there either. She is very socialized, she even goes to my boutique a few days a week and hangs out. Monty is very friendly, playful, well-mannered & total delight, couldn't ask for a better adoption. Help, please... Do you have any suggestions that could help with this introduction process? How can I get them to get along? And Dutchess to not feel so "replaced"?

Answer
Hi Carin,

You said that Dutchess became possessive of her toys and took both bones away - how did she act when she was doing this, and (perhaps more importantly) how did Monty react?  Did she simply used body language and perhaps a growl or snarl to keep/take the items and did Monty let her?  You don't mention fighting or injuries, so I'm assuming this was a "peaceful coup" - which actually is pretty normal canine behavior.  You do need to make sure they both realize that everything - food, toys, bones, etc. - ultimately belongs to you, and you get to take it or keep it or give it as you desire - but beyond that, what they choose to do with it is their business, so long as they remain civil and don't break any other household rules.  This article about canine social hierarchies might be informative for you:

http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2001/hierarchies.htm

You do want to keep an eye on the behavior, simply because the new dog might take a few weeks to truly settle in to the home, and might be "on his best behavior", as it were, until he is fully comfortable - at which point some conflicts might arise.  Working on establishing your position as the one who makes and enforces the rules now will help to prevent major issues at that time - do some individual sessions with each dog, and some joint sessions of behaviors they  both know (a "sit contest", for example, once they both know "sit", so that whoever sits first gets the treat).  Be sure each dog gets some one-on-one time with you, and that they also get together time with you. :)

You might also want to pick up "Feeling Outnumbered", an inexpensive booklet by Patricia McConnell & Karen London - it has a number of good tips, exercises, and behaviors for peacefully managing multiple-dog households.  It is available at www.dogwise.com, if not at 'mainstream' bookstores.

Good luck!!